How popular is this South Island to Cairns flight route?

This flight path from South Island to Cairns was viewed by 286 users in the past month. Keep an eye out for changes in search interest prior to high and low season. Find deals

What are the cheapest airlines to fly from South Island to Cairns one-way?

For one-way options, check prices for Jetstar. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $319. Users have also found prices from $367 and $494 on Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand, respectively. Find deals

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Cairns ranges from 20.0 - 430.0 inches per month. March is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 430.0 mm. July is typically the driest time to visit Cairns when rainfall is around 20.0 mm. Find deals

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Cairns, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, January is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 27.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of June, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 21.0 C).

What are the cheapest flights from South Island to Cairns?

On average you can expect to pay $499 for a flight from South Island to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $220 while the most popular route, (Christchurch - Cairns) is currently priced at $431.

What are the most popular airlines that fly from South Island to Cairns?

Consider Emirates, Jetstar or Air New Zealand when booking your flight. These represent the most popular airlines when flying from South Island to Cairns.

What is the cheapest month to fly from South Island to Cairns?

April is one of the best times of the year to fly to Cairns from South Island. Prices for April average $888 per person but you can even find prices for as low as $439. The most expensive prices can be found in the month of December. Opting for a April flight can save you 58% on your journey compared to booking in December

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.

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.

$319+ Flights from South Island to Cairns

Cheap flight deals from South Island to Cairns

Round-trip from	$431
One-way from	$319

Jetstar
20/8-28/8
Nonstop
10h 30m total
South Island to Cairns

Search Deals

Jetstar
8/9
Nonstop
5h 35m total
South Island to Cairns

Search Deals

Find flight deals from South Island to Cairns

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 1 July 2025.

Wed 20/807:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Thu 28/822:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Deal found 30/6$431

Wed 20/810:30CHC - CNS

2 stops15h 05mMultiple Airlines

Thu 28/822:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 30/6$666

Thu 14/813:05ZQN - CNS

1 stop23h 35mMultiple Airlines

Thu 21/822:55CNS - ZQN

1 stop7h 30mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 30/6$742

Wed 20/820:10CHC - CNS

1 stop16h 35mAir New Zealand

Thu 28/806:00CNS - CHC

2 stops11h 55mAir New Zealand

Deal found 30/6$938

Sun 13/714:40ZQN - CNS

1 stop10h 55mVirgin Australia

Wed 16/706:00CNS - ZQN

1 stop9h 10mVirgin Australia

Deal found 29/6$946

Thu 14/816:50ZQN - CNS

2 stops30h 05mJetstar

Thu 21/819:00CNS - ZQN

2 stops19h 10mJetstar

Deal found 30/6$1,055

Sun 13/715:45CHC - CNS

1 stop9h 20mQantas Airways

Fri 18/718:40CNS - CHC

1 stop27h 40mQantas Airways

Deal found 30/6$1,247

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 1 July 2025.

Wed 20/807:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Thu 28/822:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Deal found 30/6$431

Wed 20/810:30CHC - CNS

2 stops15h 05mMultiple Airlines

Thu 28/822:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 30/6$666

Thu 21/818:00ZQN - CNS

1 stop17h 40mVirgin Australia

Sat 30/806:00CNS - ZQN

1 stop7h 40mVirgin Australia

Deal found 1/7$875

Wed 20/820:10CHC - CNS

1 stop16h 35mAir New Zealand

Thu 28/806:00CNS - CHC

2 stops11h 55mAir New Zealand

Deal found 30/6$938

Sun 13/715:45CHC - CNS

1 stop9h 20mQantas Airways

Fri 18/718:40CNS - CHC

1 stop27h 40mQantas Airways

Deal found 30/6$1,247

Thu 14/813:05ZQN - CNS

1 stop23h 35mMultiple Airlines

Thu 21/822:55CNS - ZQN

1 stop7h 30mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 30/6$742

Mon 18/816:50ZQN - CNS

2 stops30h 05mJetstar

Wed 27/815:35CNS - ZQN

2 stops18h 45mJetstar

Deal found 1/7$1,030

Last-minute flights from South Island to Cairns
Discover last-minute flight deals from South Island to Cairns. Data last updated 1 July 2025 and is based on user searches.

Sun 13/714:40ZQN - CNS

1 stop10h 55mVirgin Australia

Wed 16/706:00CNS - ZQN

1 stop9h 10mVirgin Australia

Deal found 29/6$946

Sun 13/714:40ZQN - CNS

1 stop10h 55mMultiple Airlines

Wed 16/706:00CNS - ZQN

2 stops13h 15mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 29/6$1,145

Sun 13/715:45CHC - CNS

1 stop9h 20mQantas Airways

Fri 18/718:40CNS - CHC

1 stop27h 40mQantas Airways

Deal found 30/6$1,247

Mon 14/707:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Mon 21/706:00CNS - CHC

2 stops31h 55mJetstar

Deal found 30/6$785

Mon 14/707:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mMultiple Airlines

Mon 21/714:25CNS - CHC

1 stop7h 55mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 30/6$859

Mon 14/705:45CHC - CNS

2 stops19h 05mAir New Zealand

Mon 21/718:50CNS - CHC

2 stops24h 35mAir New Zealand

Deal found 30/6$4,862

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 1 July 2025.

Mon 8/907:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 29/6$319

Sat 22/1113:35ZQN - CNS

1 stop22h 30mJetstar

Deal found 29/6$349

Wed 1/1019:00ZQN - CNS

1 stop17h 40mVirgin Australia

Deal found 30/6$367

Mon 8/906:05CHC - CNS

1 stop18h 45mAir New Zealand

Deal found 29/6$494

Sat 22/1113:05ZQN - CNS

3 stops22h 25mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 29/6$543

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from South Island to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Departure

Return

Price

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Wed 20/8

07:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Thu 28/8

22:55-05:50

Nonstop4h 55m

$431

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Wed 20/8

10:30-23:35

2 stops15h 05m

Cairns

Thu 28/8

22:55-05:50

Nonstop4h 55m

$666

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Thu 14/8

13:05-10:40

1 stop23h 35m

Cairns

Thu 21/8

22:55-08:25

1 stop7h 30m

$742

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Thu 21/8

18:00-09:40

1 stop17h 40m

Cairns

Sat 30/8

06:00-15:40

1 stop7h 40m

$875

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Wed 20/8

20:10-10:45

1 stop16h 35m

Cairns

Thu 28/8

06:00-19:55

2 stops11h 55m

$938

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Mon 18/8

16:50-20:55

2 stops30h 05m

Cairns

Wed 27/8

15:35-12:20

2 stops18h 45m

$1,030

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Sun 13/7

15:45-23:05

1 stop9h 20m

Cairns

Fri 18/7

18:40-00:20

1 stop27h 40m

$1,247

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Mon 8/9

07:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

$319

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Sat 22/11

13:35-09:05

1 stop22h 30m

$349

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Wed 1/10

19:00-09:40

1 stop17h 40m

$367

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 29/6

Showing 1-10 of 14 results

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, July is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from South Island to Cairns (average of $459). Flying from South Island to Cairns in December 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?

Regardless of the time of day you decide to fly, the ticket price will remain around the same. Book flights from South Island to Cairns as you normally would.

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

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

Air New Zealand

8.0

Very Good

486 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

6.0

Good

Anonymous,May 2025

AKL - SFO

It was a United plane, the seating was too tight.

Air New Zealand

8.0

Very Good

486 reviews

Air New Zealand

8.0

Very Good

486 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

6.0

Good

Anonymous,May 2025

AKL - SFO

It was a United plane, the seating was too tight.

Qantas Airways

7.5

Good

869 reviews

Air New Zealand

8.0

Very Good

486 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

6.0

Good

Anonymous,May 2025

AKL - SFO

It was a United plane, the seating was too tight.

Virgin Australia

7.5

Good

409 reviews

Air New Zealand

8.0

Very Good

486 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

6.0

Good

Anonymous,May 2025

AKL - SFO

It was a United plane, the seating was too tight.

Jetstar

6.5

Okay

455 reviews

Air New Zealand

8.0

Very Good

486 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

6.0

Good

Anonymous,May 2025

AKL - SFO

It was a United plane, the seating was too tight.

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 286 users in the past month. Keep an eye out for changes in search interest prior to high and low season.
What are the cheapest airlines to fly from South Island to Cairns one-way?
For one-way options, check prices for Jetstar. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $319. Users have also found prices from $367 and $494 on Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand, respectively.
What are the cheapest flights from South Island to Cairns?
On average you can expect to pay $499 for a flight from South Island to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $220 while the most popular route, (Christchurch - Cairns) is currently priced at $431.
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, July is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from South Island to Cairns (average of $459). Flying from South Island to Cairns in December 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

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Top 5 airlines flying from South Island to Cairns

Airline	Cheapest	Average	Flexibility	On-time
Jetstar	Cheapest$451	Average$611	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time74%	Search Jetstar flights
Qantas Airways	Cheapest$715	Average$998	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time74%	Search Qantas Airways flights
Virgin Australia	Cheapest$777	Average$950	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time80%	Search Virgin Australia flights
Air New Zealand	Cheapest$849	Average$979	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time78%	Search Air New Zealand flights
Emirates	Cheapest$1,035	Average$1,141	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.

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Cheap flights from South Island to Cairns from $319

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 8/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.

Cheap flight deals from South Island to Cairns

Keep the following information in mind while searching for South Island to Cairns flight deals. Data was last updated 1 July 2025.

Round-trip from

One-way from

Find flight deals from South Island to Cairns

Cheapest flights from South Island to CairnsExplore 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 1 July 2025.

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 1 July 2025.

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from South Island to Cairns that are best for you.

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.

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?

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

Find hourly flight availability from South Island to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 1 July 2025.

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 1 July 2025.

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

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from South Island to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from South Island?

How popular is this South Island to Cairns flight route?

What are the cheapest airlines to fly from South Island to Cairns one-way?

What are the cheapest flights from South Island to Cairns?

Can I find deals for flights from South Island to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

How can I find direct flights from South Island to Cairns?

Can I find deals for business class flights from South Island to Cairns?

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

Travelling to a place near South Island?

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on Cheapflights for your next trip.

Alternative routes for South Island to Cairns

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.

Top 5 airlines flying from South Island to Cairns

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

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

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

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

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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 1 July 2025.