Cheap flights from Nelson to Melbourne Airport from $1,036

This is the cheapest retur flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 18/1. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
NSN — MEL
4 Jan — 11 Jan1
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Nelson to Melbourne are usually found in March or August, booked 55 days in advance, depart on a Monday or Tuesday and return on a Monday

Cheap flight deals from Nelson to Melbourne

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Best flights from Nelson to Melbourne
Discover carefully curated flight deals from Nelson to Melbourne that have cost, travel time, and stopovers in mind to ensure you get the best travel experience. Data last updated 5 December 2025.

Sun 18/109:25NSN - MEL
1 stop24h 30mAir New Zealand
Sun 25/118:55MEL - NSN
1 stop14h 20mAir New Zealand
Deal found 4/12$1,036
Sun 18/111:55NSN - MEL
2 stops12h 55mMultiple Airlines
Sun 25/120:35MEL - NSN
2 stops20h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/12$1,154

Find flight deals from Nelson to Melbourne

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Nelson (NSN) to Melbourne (MEL). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 5 December 2025.

Round-trip from

$896

Popular in

June

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$1,068
Air New Zealand
  • Air New Zealand
  • 23/2-23/2
  • 3 total stops
  • 19h 15m total
  • Nelson to Melbourne
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 7% potential increase in price ($118 potential increase over avg. return price).
Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($31 potential savings vs. average return price).
Average for round-trip flights in December 2025

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customise your flight search to find flights from Nelson to Melbourne that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 134,765 searches. Data last updated 5 December 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Nelson to Melbourne Airport that are best for you.

Fly from

Nelson

Fly to

Melbourne

Route

Departure

Return

Price

NelsonMelbourne

NSN - MEL

NSNMEL

Nelson

Sun 18/1

09:25-07:55

1 stop24h 30m

Melbourne

Sun 25/1

18:55-11:15

1 stop14h 20m

$1,036

NelsonMelbourne

NSN - MEL

NSNMEL

Nelson

Sun 18/1

11:55-22:50

2 stops12h 55m

Melbourne

Sun 25/1

20:35-19:05

2 stops20h 30m

$1,154

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 4/12

Best time to book a flight from Nelson to Melbourne

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Melbourne from Nelson 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 Nelson to Melbourne Airport

How far ahead should I book a flight from Nelson to Melbourne Airport?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Nelson to Melbourne. Price data was last updated on 28 November 2025.

Booking 54 days in advance of your planned departure date is, on average, the best time to get cheap flights from Nelson to Melbourne Airport. The general trend is that the closer you book to the departure date, the more expensive your flight will be.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Nelson to Melbourne Airport?

Currently, April is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Nelson to Melbourne Airport (average of $378). Flying from Nelson to Melbourne Airport in December is currently the most expensive (average of $565). 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 NSN to MEL?

Find hourly flight availability from Nelson to Melbourne. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 5 December 2025.

When flying from Nelson to Melbourne Airport, the time of day you fly usually plays a role in the price. Save by searching for a flight at midday, which can drop the price by up to 15% versus a flight in the morning.

Reviews of airlines servicing Melbourne

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. Reviews last updated 5 December 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown with Air New Zealand and Qantas Airways from Nelson to Melbourne Airport. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

Overall

8.0

Food

7.4

Entertainment

7.5

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Annabel,Dec 2025

WRE - AKL

Both my flights from Whangarei to Auckland and Auckland to Vancouver where late by an hour... That created a lot of anxiety that I would make it between flights, and had my husband waiting many hours for me in Vancouver to pick me up. Can there not be another plane on standby for when delays happen. The weather was not stormy, whatever the reason for the delay it happens a lot! Talking to local kiwis. No one is happy about it. The planes are also quite cold. I realise there is a belief that the cold helps one sleep, but that's a myth. It really doesn't. There is a certain warm temperature maybe a touch below body heat that is cosy to sleep. I dressed extra warm, with a t-shit, sweater and feather winter coat, still using the blanket for my legs, to stay warm on the flight back to Vancouver. It was uncomfortable in economy class. Not much room to stretch between two people. Everything else was lovely, the attendants, the food. I wish that there were more signs at the Auckland airport, knowing where to go would have been nice too. When I first landed in Auckland and had to go to domestic, it was my first time after 30 years. I asked someone where do I go? they said follow the line. They didn't say there was a bus, there were no signs saying free bus to and from domestic. It was pouring with rain, my plane again had arrived late from Brisbane, that time, air NZ all the way and I followed the line, hoping it was around the next corner, and the next corner, and the next... arriving soaked! With a few mins to spare to my auckland to whangarei flight. High anxiety that day too. When I went from Vancouver-Auckland-Brisbane. I again was confused with the signs to go international. And walking through the shops, would never have guest that was the way to go. I realise Auckland airport is getting construction done, maybe that will solve the way people go with better signs then. but for now its very confusing. Plus I saw someone purchase maple syrup at customs before their flight, and it was confiscated when they had their carry on bag checked. That doesn't seem right, made not want to purchase anything at customs. If its going to be confiscated. my recharger battery to use on the go to power charge my ipad and phone was confiscated that was over $100, would like my money back. It went from vancouver to brisbane to auckland and whangarei, then whangarei to auckland. but auckland to vancouver my luggage had the lock broken and a note saying they took it. kinda feel violated. Could customs not have called me over and asked me about it, and i could have carried it on in my carryon bag, because it seemed ok when i had it on my carry on, just not my suitcase. I ipad and phone have lithium batteries, didn't seem right. It was for charging when i was up north of newzealand on the beach. taking lots of photos needed it to recharge divices when there was no electricity driving in the car. anyway that was annoying. live and learn.

Overall

8.0

Food

7.4

Entertainment

7.5

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Annabel,Dec 2025

WRE - AKL

Both my flights from Whangarei to Auckland and Auckland to Vancouver where late by an hour... That created a lot of anxiety that I would make it between flights, and had my husband waiting many hours for me in Vancouver to pick me up. Can there not be another plane on standby for when delays happen. The weather was not stormy, whatever the reason for the delay it happens a lot! Talking to local kiwis. No one is happy about it. The planes are also quite cold. I realise there is a belief that the cold helps one sleep, but that's a myth. It really doesn't. There is a certain warm temperature maybe a touch below body heat that is cosy to sleep. I dressed extra warm, with a t-shit, sweater and feather winter coat, still using the blanket for my legs, to stay warm on the flight back to Vancouver. It was uncomfortable in economy class. Not much room to stretch between two people. Everything else was lovely, the attendants, the food. I wish that there were more signs at the Auckland airport, knowing where to go would have been nice too. When I first landed in Auckland and had to go to domestic, it was my first time after 30 years. I asked someone where do I go? they said follow the line. They didn't say there was a bus, there were no signs saying free bus to and from domestic. It was pouring with rain, my plane again had arrived late from Brisbane, that time, air NZ all the way and I followed the line, hoping it was around the next corner, and the next corner, and the next... arriving soaked! With a few mins to spare to my auckland to whangarei flight. High anxiety that day too. When I went from Vancouver-Auckland-Brisbane. I again was confused with the signs to go international. And walking through the shops, would never have guest that was the way to go. I realise Auckland airport is getting construction done, maybe that will solve the way people go with better signs then. but for now its very confusing. Plus I saw someone purchase maple syrup at customs before their flight, and it was confiscated when they had their carry on bag checked. That doesn't seem right, made not want to purchase anything at customs. If its going to be confiscated. my recharger battery to use on the go to power charge my ipad and phone was confiscated that was over $100, would like my money back. It went from vancouver to brisbane to auckland and whangarei, then whangarei to auckland. but auckland to vancouver my luggage had the lock broken and a note saying they took it. kinda feel violated. Could customs not have called me over and asked me about it, and i could have carried it on in my carryon bag, because it seemed ok when i had it on my carry on, just not my suitcase. I ipad and phone have lithium batteries, didn't seem right. It was for charging when i was up north of newzealand on the beach. taking lots of photos needed it to recharge divices when there was no electricity driving in the car. anyway that was annoying. live and learn.

Overall

8.0

Food

7.4

Entertainment

7.5

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Annabel,Dec 2025

WRE - AKL

Both my flights from Whangarei to Auckland and Auckland to Vancouver where late by an hour... That created a lot of anxiety that I would make it between flights, and had my husband waiting many hours for me in Vancouver to pick me up. Can there not be another plane on standby for when delays happen. The weather was not stormy, whatever the reason for the delay it happens a lot! Talking to local kiwis. No one is happy about it. The planes are also quite cold. I realise there is a belief that the cold helps one sleep, but that's a myth. It really doesn't. There is a certain warm temperature maybe a touch below body heat that is cosy to sleep. I dressed extra warm, with a t-shit, sweater and feather winter coat, still using the blanket for my legs, to stay warm on the flight back to Vancouver. It was uncomfortable in economy class. Not much room to stretch between two people. Everything else was lovely, the attendants, the food. I wish that there were more signs at the Auckland airport, knowing where to go would have been nice too. When I first landed in Auckland and had to go to domestic, it was my first time after 30 years. I asked someone where do I go? they said follow the line. They didn't say there was a bus, there were no signs saying free bus to and from domestic. It was pouring with rain, my plane again had arrived late from Brisbane, that time, air NZ all the way and I followed the line, hoping it was around the next corner, and the next corner, and the next... arriving soaked! With a few mins to spare to my auckland to whangarei flight. High anxiety that day too. When I went from Vancouver-Auckland-Brisbane. I again was confused with the signs to go international. And walking through the shops, would never have guest that was the way to go. I realise Auckland airport is getting construction done, maybe that will solve the way people go with better signs then. but for now its very confusing. Plus I saw someone purchase maple syrup at customs before their flight, and it was confiscated when they had their carry on bag checked. That doesn't seem right, made not want to purchase anything at customs. If its going to be confiscated. my recharger battery to use on the go to power charge my ipad and phone was confiscated that was over $100, would like my money back. It went from vancouver to brisbane to auckland and whangarei, then whangarei to auckland. but auckland to vancouver my luggage had the lock broken and a note saying they took it. kinda feel violated. Could customs not have called me over and asked me about it, and i could have carried it on in my carryon bag, because it seemed ok when i had it on my carry on, just not my suitcase. I ipad and phone have lithium batteries, didn't seem right. It was for charging when i was up north of newzealand on the beach. taking lots of photos needed it to recharge divices when there was no electricity driving in the car. anyway that was annoying. live and learn.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Nelson to Melbourne. 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 from for flights from Nelson to Melbourne?

    If you book a flight to Melbourne from Nelson, you will be flying from Nelson, which is the city’s only airport. Nelson (NSN) is located 5.9 km from the centre of Nelson. There are 0 flights from Nelson to Melbourne per day from 2 different airlines.

  • How long is the flight from Nelson to Melbourne Airport?

    Air New Zealand can get you from Nelson to Melbourne Airport in just under 24h 30m. Your travel time can differ by up to . There are 2456 km between Nelson and Melbourne Airport.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Nelson to Melbourne Airport round-trip?

    Flying on Air New Zealand is currently your cheapest option to Melbourne Airport, with prices starting at $653. Another option worth looking into is Qantas Airways, starting at $834 round trip. Users have found that Air New Zealand is 28% cheaper than the other options available to this destination.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Nelson to Melbourne that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Nelson to Melbourne flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Nelson to Melbourne?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Nelson to Melbourne.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Nelson to Melbourne?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Nelson to Melbourne 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 Nelson to Melbourne Airport?

    Currently, April is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Nelson to Melbourne Airport (average of $378). Flying from Nelson to Melbourne Airport in December is currently the most expensive (average of $565). 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

Travelling to a place near Melbourne Airport?

Book flights to Melbourne Airport if you plan to visit one of these locations
Apollo Bay
Torquay
Ballarat
Tullamarine
St Kilda

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Fly from Nelson to Melbourne on these airlines

Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Nelson to Melbourne. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 5 December 2025.

Top 2 airlines flying from Nelson to Melbourne

Discover the top 2 airlines that operate flights from Nelson to Melbourne. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 134,765 searches. Data last updated 5 December 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Air New ZealandCheapest$653Average$954FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time78%
Search Air New Zealand flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$834Average$1,203FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

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