$223+ Flights from South Island to Cairns | Cheapflights

Sign in

English

Search for a country or language

Find flight deals from South Island to Cairns

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Cheapest flights from South Island to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from South Island to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 30 October 2025.

Sat 13/1215:05ZQN - CNS

1 stop26h 50mVirgin Australia

Sat 20/1214:40CNS - ZQN

1 stop24h 55mVirgin Australia

Deal found 28/10$1,149

Sun 14/1220:50ZQN - CNS

1 stop14h 30mMultiple Airlines

Sun 21/1223:55CNS - ZQN

2 stops32h 35mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 29/10$1,192

Sun 14/1214:00ZQN - CNS

1 stop12h 55mVirgin Australia

Sun 21/1217:20CNS - ZQN

1 stop22h 15mVirgin Australia

Deal found 29/10$1,235

Sat 13/1209:15CHC - CNS

1 stop12h 30mMultiple Airlines

Sat 20/1209:20CNS - CHC

1 stop12h 05mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 29/10$1,256

Fri 12/1215:05ZQN - CNS

1 stop26h 50mVirgin Australia

Fri 19/1214:40CNS - ZQN

1 stop24h 55mVirgin Australia

Deal found 28/10$1,318

Sat 13/1209:15CHC - CNS

1 stop12h 30mQantas Airways

Sat 20/1208:00CNS - CHC

1 stop13h 25mQantas Airways

Deal found 29/10$1,329

Sat 13/1216:10CHC - CNS

1 stop19h 55mJetstar

Sat 20/1218:05CNS - CHC

2 stops27h 00mJetstar

Deal found 29/10$1,389

Fri 12/1217:30ZQN - CNS

2 stops22h 40mJetstar

Fri 19/1206:40CNS - ZQN

2 stops26h 55mJetstar

Deal found 28/10$1,555

Sat 13/1216:50ZQN - CNS

3 stops21h 10mMultiple Airlines

Sat 20/1215:45CNS - ZQN

1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 28/10$1,635

Sat 13/1220:10CHC - CNS

2 stops23h 40mAir New Zealand

Sat 20/1208:00CNS - CHC

2 stops21h 05mAir New Zealand

Deal found 29/10$1,815

Sun 14/1210:45ZQN - CNS

2 stops14h 20mJetstar

Sun 21/1215:50CNS - ZQN

2 stops17h 45mJetstar

Deal found 29/10$1,912

Best flights from South Island to Cairns
Discover carefully curated flight deals from South Island to Cairns that have cost, travel time, and stopovers in mind to ensure you get the best travel experience. Data last updated 30 October 2025.

Sat 13/1215:05ZQN - CNS

1 stop26h 50mVirgin Australia

Sat 20/1214:40CNS - ZQN

1 stop24h 55mVirgin Australia

Deal found 28/10$1,149

Sun 14/1220:50ZQN - CNS

1 stop14h 30mMultiple Airlines

Sun 21/1223:55CNS - ZQN

2 stops32h 35mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 29/10$1,192

Sat 13/1209:15CHC - CNS

1 stop12h 30mQantas Airways

Sat 20/1208:00CNS - CHC

1 stop13h 25mQantas Airways

Deal found 29/10$1,329

Sat 13/1216:10CHC - CNS

1 stop19h 55mJetstar

Sat 20/1218:05CNS - CHC

2 stops27h 00mJetstar

Deal found 29/10$1,389

Sat 13/1220:10CHC - CNS

2 stops23h 40mAir New Zealand

Sat 20/1208:00CNS - CHC

2 stops21h 05mAir New Zealand

Deal found 29/10$1,815

Sun 14/1214:00ZQN - CNS

1 stop12h 55mVirgin Australia

Sun 21/1217:20CNS - ZQN

1 stop22h 15mVirgin Australia

Deal found 29/10$1,235

Sat 13/1209:15CHC - CNS

1 stop12h 30mMultiple Airlines

Sat 20/1209:20CNS - CHC

1 stop12h 05mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 29/10$1,256

Fri 12/1215:05ZQN - CNS

1 stop26h 50mVirgin Australia

Fri 19/1214:40CNS - ZQN

1 stop24h 55mVirgin Australia

Deal found 28/10$1,318

Sat 13/1216:50ZQN - CNS

3 stops21h 10mMultiple Airlines

Sat 20/1215:45CNS - ZQN

1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 28/10$1,635

Sun 14/1210:45ZQN - CNS

2 stops14h 20mJetstar

Sun 21/1215:50CNS - ZQN

2 stops17h 45mJetstar

Deal found 29/10$1,912

Fri 12/1216:50ZQN - CNS

3 stops21h 10mAir New Zealand

Fri 19/1211:45CNS - ZQN

2 stops17h 10mAir New Zealand

Deal found 28/10$2,111

Sat 13/1216:50ZQN - CNS

3 stops21h 10mAir New Zealand

Sat 20/1217:00CNS - ZQN

2 stops21h 35mAir New Zealand

Deal found 28/10$2,263

Last-minute flights from South Island to Cairns
Discover last-minute flight deals from South Island to Cairns. Data last updated 30 October 2025 and is based on user searches.

Sun 2/1105:45CHC - CNS

2 stops29h 20mJetstar

Thu 13/1122:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Deal found 29/10$843

Sun 2/1115:55CHC - CNS

1 stop10h 10mMultiple Airlines

Thu 13/1122:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 29/10$863

One-way flights from South Island to Cairns
Search for one-way flight options from South Island to Cairns. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Data last updated 30 October 2025.

Fri 20/308:20CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 29/10$223

Fri 12/1208:20CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 28/10$277

Wed 15/407:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 28/10$303

Fri 26/1208:20CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 29/10$304

Thu 27/1113:35ZQN - CNS

1 stop22h 30mJetstar

Deal found 28/10$351

Sun 1/317:30ZQN - CNS

1 stop8h 35mVirgin Australia

Deal found 28/10$388

Fri 13/215:05ZQN - CNS

1 stop26h 50mVirgin Australia

Deal found 29/10$398

Mon 26/113:35ZQN - CNS

1 stop9h 35mJetstar

Deal found 27/10$431

Fri 12/1221:00CHC - CNS

2 stops19h 10mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 28/10$436

Wed 1/417:30ZQN - CNS

1 stop8h 50mVirgin Australia

Deal found 28/10$439

Fri 20/309:15CHC - CNS

1 stop17h 40mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 29/10$445

Wed 24/1208:20CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 28/10$455

Cheap flight deals from South Island to Cairns

Round-trip from	$972
One-way from	$223

24/3-8/4

24/3-8/4
2 total stops
28h 30m total
South Island to Cairns

Jetstar

Jetstar
20/3
Nonstop
5h 35m total
South Island to Cairns

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Departure

Return

Price

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Sat 13/12

15:05-14:55

1 stop26h 50m

Cairns

Sat 20/12

14:40-18:35

1 stop24h 55m

$1,149

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Sun 14/12

20:50-08:20

1 stop14h 30m

Cairns

Sun 21/12

23:55-11:30

2 stops32h 35m

$1,192

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Sun 14/12

14:00-23:55

1 stop12h 55m

Cairns

Sun 21/12

17:20-18:35

1 stop22h 15m

$1,235

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Sat 13/12

09:15-18:45

1 stop12h 30m

Cairns

Sat 20/12

09:20-00:25

1 stop12h 05m

$1,256

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Fri 12/12

15:05-14:55

1 stop26h 50m

Cairns

Fri 19/12

14:40-18:35

1 stop24h 55m

$1,318

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Sat 13/12

09:15-18:45

1 stop12h 30m

Cairns

Sat 20/12

08:00-00:25

1 stop13h 25m

$1,329

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Sat 13/12

16:10-09:05

1 stop19h 55m

Cairns

Sat 20/12

18:05-00:05

2 stops27h 00m

$1,389

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Sat 13/12

16:50-11:00

3 stops21h 10m

Cairns

Sat 20/12

15:45-11:30

1 stop16h 45m

$1,635

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Sat 13/12

20:10-16:50

2 stops23h 40m

Cairns

Sat 20/12

08:00-08:05

2 stops21h 05m

$1,815

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Sun 14/12

10:45-22:05

2 stops14h 20m

Cairns

Sun 21/12

15:50-12:35

2 stops17h 45m

$1,912

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 28/10

Showing 1-10 of 27 results

1

2

3

Best time to book a flight from South Island to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from South Island with our price prediction graph.

Estimated return price

Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from South Island to Cairns

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from South Island to Cairns?

Currently, October is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from South Island to Cairns (average of $251). Flying from South Island to Cairns in January is currently the most expensive (average of $642). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from EDG to CNS?

Unlike in the morning, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 27% on flights from South Island to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the evening.

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Read through reviews of airlines operating flights from South Island to Cairns, such as Emirates, Air New Zealand, andVirgin Australia. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

8.1

Very Good

Reviews

1 / 20

10.0

Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.

8.1

Very Good

8.1

Very Good

Reviews

1 / 20

10.0

Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.

Air New Zealand

8.0

Very Good

8.1

Very Good

Reviews

1 / 20

10.0

Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.

Virgin Australia

7.6

Good

8.1

Very Good

Reviews

1 / 20

10.0

Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.

7.5

Good

8.1

Very Good

Reviews

1 / 20

10.0

Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.

6.5

Okay

8.1

Very Good

Reviews

1 / 20

10.0

Excellent

Anonymous,Sept 2025

DXB - ORD

Overall it was wonderfull for the amount I paid for.

Related info for your journey

What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from South Island?
If you book a flight to Cairns from South Island, you will be flying to Cairns, which is the city’s only airport. Cairns (CNS) is located 4.4 km from the centre of Cairns.
How popular is this South Island to Cairns flight route?
This flight path from South Island to Cairns was viewed by 340 users in the past month. Keep an eye out for changes in search interest prior to high and low season.
How long is the flight from South Island to Cairns?
Airlines like Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, and Jetstar fly from South Island to Cairns in about 12h 30m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 14h 20m. There are 3883 km between South Island and Cairns. When browsing for deals, the options you’ll see will be for both direct flights and flights with stops.
What are the cheapest flights from South Island to Cairns?
On average you can expect to pay $830 for a flight from South Island to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $198 while the most popular route, (Christchurch - Cairns) is currently priced at $581.
Can I find deals for flights from South Island to Cairns that include hotel bookings?
Yes. In addition to deals on South Island to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.
How can I find direct flights from South Island to Cairns?
After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from South Island to Cairns.
Can I find deals for business class flights from South Island to Cairns?
Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from South Island to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.
What is the cheapest month to book a flight from South Island to Cairns?
Currently, October is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from South Island to Cairns (average of $251). Flying from South Island to Cairns in January is currently the most expensive (average of $642). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Mission Beach

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Alternative routes for South Island to Cairns

Auckland to Brisbane flights

Auckland to Coolangatta flights

Wellington to Brisbane flights

Christchurch to Brisbane flights

Queenstown to Brisbane flights

Christchurch to Coolangatta flights

Auckland to Maroochydore flights

Wellington to Coolangatta flights

Auckland to Cairns flights

Queenstown to Coolangatta flights

Auckland to Townsville flights

Wellington to Cairns flights

Palmerston North to Coolangatta flights

Dunedin to Coolangatta flights

Dunedin to Brisbane flights

Christchurch to Maroochydore flights

Christchurch to Cairns flights

Napier to Coolangatta flights

Wellington to Maroochydore flights

Napier to Brisbane flights

Palmerston North to Brisbane flights

New Plymouth to Brisbane flights

Christchurch to Hamilton Island flights

Whangarei to Brisbane flights

Tauranga to Brisbane flights

Auckland to Toowoomba flights

Invercargill to Brisbane flights

Top 5 airlines flying from South Island to Cairns

Airline	Cheapest	Average	Flexibility	On-time
Virgin Australia	Cheapest$404	Average$947	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time80%	Search Virgin Australia flights
Jetstar	Cheapest$467	Average$605	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time74%	Search Jetstar flights
Qantas Airways	Cheapest$717	Average$1,088	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time74%	Search Qantas Airways flights
Air New Zealand	Cheapest$966	Average$1,051	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time78%	Search Air New Zealand flights
Emirates	Cheapest$1,088	Average$1,195	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time75%	Search Emirates flights

Fly with Cheapflights

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from South Island to Cairns?

Cheapflights makes it easy to find South Island to Cairns flights by helping our users search from 900+ travel sites for deals. We also provide you with filters for cabin, price, airline, airports, number of stops, and many more to narrow down that perfect flight.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from South Island to Cairns?

Cheapflights taps into our reliable network of hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to find the best deals for flights from South Island to Cairns for you. Better yet — we are completely free to use.

Can Cheapflights find flights from South Island to Cairns with no change fees?

Need flexible booking options for your flight to Cairns from South Island? Don’t worry, Cheapflights have you covered. Use our search filter to only show flights with no change fees.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from South Island to Cairns become cheaper?

Not ready to book yet? You can track prices for flights from South Island to Cairns on Cheapflights with our Price Alert feature and get notified when better prices are available.

100% Free

Cheapflights is completely free to use, so you can start saving the moment you arrive.

Book with Flexibility

Our users can plan ahead with confidence and find flights with no change fees

Travel Smart

Millions of people come to us for their flight needs every year. We help make travel planning easy by providing useful insights and data-driven graphs that can inform your decisions.