What is the cheapest airline that flies from Cairns to South Island?

Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Emirates are the most popular carriers operating from Cairns to South Island

Which airlines fly to South Island?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways are the top three most popular airlines that fly to South Island from Cairns according to our data. Jetstar is the first choice among our users, with 67% of people opting to fly with this airline when travelling to South Island. Keep in mind that there are 3 different airlines that fly to South Island on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

How many flights depart from Cairns to South Island on average per week?

As of October 2025, 6 flights take off from Cairns and land in South Island each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Tue, with 33% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island?

Prices for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island?

As of October 2025, there are 3 operators available to choose from for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island.

How old do you have to be to fly from Cairns Airport to South Island?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and stopovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Cairns Airport to South Island.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to South Island?

The required travel and health documents for your South Island trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's licence and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at South Island. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

$319 Cheap Flights from Cairns to South Island in 2025/26

1 adult

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Find the cheapest flights from Cairns to South Island

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One-way

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22:55 - 06:50CNS-CHC

4h 55mdirect

08:05 - 10:40CHC-CNS

5h 35mdirect

$403Jetstar

Find Deal

Thu, 30 Oct - Mon, 3 Nov

07:15 - 15:10CNS-CHC

4h 55mdirect

08:20 - 10:55CHC-CNS

5h 35mdirect

$474Jetstar

Find Deal

Thu, 22 Jan - Mon, 2 Feb

17:35 - 14:15CNS-ZQN

17h 40m1 stop

19:50 - 11:05ZQN-CNS

18h 15m1 stop

$657Virgin Australia

Find Deal

Mon, 8 Dec - Mon, 15 Dec

06:00 - 16:40CNS-ZQN

7h 40m1 stop

19:50 - 11:05ZQN-CNS

18h 15m1 stop

$660Virgin Australia

Find Deal

Wed, 10 Dec - Wed, 17 Dec

06:40 - 23:05CNS-CHC

13h 25m1 stop

08:20 - 10:55CHC-CNS

5h 35mdirect

$681Multiple Airlines

Find Deal

Wed, 10 Dec - Wed, 17 Dec

07:15 - 15:10CNS-CHC

4h 55mdirect

06:00 - 22:05CHC-CNS

19h 05m1 stop

$700Multiple Airlines

Find Deal

Tue, 9 Dec - Tue, 16 Dec

06:00 - 07:25CNS-CHC

22h 25m2 stops

20:35 - 14:05CHC-CNS

20h 30m2 stops

$951Air New Zealand

Find Deal

Tue, 9 Dec - Tue, 16 Dec

11:45 - 08:05CNS-CHC

17h 20m2 stops

20:35 - 14:05CHC-CNS

20h 30m2 stops

$973Air New Zealand

Find Deal

Tue, 9 Dec - Tue, 16 Dec

11:35 - 00:10CNS-CHC

9h 35m1 stop

10:30 - 23:05CHC-CNS

15h 35m2 stops

$1,057Qantas Airways

Find Deal

Thu, 22 Jan - Mon, 2 Feb

11:35 - 00:10CNS-CHC

9h 35m1 stop

09:50 - 23:05CHC-CNS

16h 15m2 stops

$1,059Qantas Airways

Find Deal

Thu, 22 Jan - Mon, 2 Feb

Jetstar flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Jetstar deals on Cairns to South Island flight tickets

Jetstar

30 Oct

CNS22:55Cairns

4h 55m

CHC06:50Christchurch

3 Nov

CHC08:05Christchurch

5h 35m

CNS10:40Cairns

$403

Find similar

Jetstar

22 Jan

CNS07:15Cairns

4h 55m

CHC15:10Christchurch

2 Feb

CHC08:20Christchurch

5h 35m

CNS10:55Cairns

$474

Find similar

Jetstar

22 Jan

CNS07:15Cairns

4h 55m

CHC15:10Christchurch

2 Feb

CHC08:20Christchurch

5h 35m

CNS10:55Cairns

$499

Find similar

Air New Zealand flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Air New Zealand deals on Cairns to South Island flight tickets

Air New Zealand

9 Dec

CNS06:00Cairns

22h 25m

2 stops

CHC07:25Christchurch

16 Dec

CHC20:35Christchurch

20h 30m

2 stops

CNS14:05Cairns

$951

Find similar

Air New Zealand

9 Dec

CNS11:45Cairns

17h 20m

2 stops

CHC08:05Christchurch

16 Dec

CHC20:35Christchurch

20h 30m

2 stops

CNS14:05Cairns

$973

Find similar

Air New Zealand

9 Dec

CNS11:45Cairns

17h 20m

2 stops

CHC08:05Christchurch

16 Dec

CHC20:35Christchurch

20h 30m

2 stops

CNS14:05Cairns

$982

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 30/10

22:55-06:50

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Mon 3/11

08:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

$403

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 22/1

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Mon 2/2

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

$474

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Mon 8/12

17:35-14:15

1 stop17h 40m

Queenstown Intl

Mon 15/12

19:50-11:05

1 stop18h 15m

$657

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Wed 10/12

06:00-16:40

1 stop7h 40m

Queenstown Intl

Wed 17/12

19:50-11:05

1 stop18h 15m

$660

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Wed 10/12

06:40-23:05

1 stop13h 25m

Christchurch

Wed 17/12

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

$681

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Tue 9/12

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Tue 16/12

06:00-22:05

1 stop19h 05m

$700

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Tue 9/12

06:00-07:25

2 stops22h 25m

Christchurch

Tue 16/12

20:35-14:05

2 stops20h 30m

$951

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Tue 9/12

11:45-08:05

2 stops17h 20m

Christchurch

Tue 16/12

20:35-14:05

2 stops20h 30m

$973

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 22/1

11:35-00:10

1 stop9h 35m

Christchurch

Mon 2/2

10:30-23:05

2 stops15h 35m

$1,057

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 22/1

11:35-00:10

1 stop9h 35m

Christchurch

Mon 2/2

09:50-23:05

2 stops16h 15m

$1,059

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Cairns to South Island

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Other information

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to South Island?

The cheapest day to depart on your flight to South Island is on a Thursday when prices can be found for as low as $730. This is often the case because there is less demand to fly during this day of the week. Flights from Cairns to South Island on a Wednesday will generally be more expensive and average around $1,024. Keep in mind that these prices on both days could fluctuate depending on the season and the demand.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to South Island?

Flying to South Island from Cairns at midday is the least expensive time of day to depart. momondo users have found prices as low as $711 when looking at flights departing at midday. Flights in the morning are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of $859.

What is the cheapest Cairns to South Island flight route?

Fly from Cairns to Christchurch for the best Cairns - South Island flight prices

What cabin class options are available on Cairns to South Island flights?

There is only 1 cabin class available to choose from on Cairns to South Island flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on Cairns to South Island flights?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between Cairns to South Island.

Cheap Cairns to South Island flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Cairns to South Island

Fastest flight time	4h 55m
Direct flights	Mon, Wed and Fri
Airports in South Island	1 airport

The fastest flight from Cairns to South Island takes 4h 55m

Direct flights go from Cairns to South Island on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There are no airlines offering direct flights..

There is 1 airport near South Island: Christchurch (CHC)

Search flight deals

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island?
Prices for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island?
As of October 2025, there are 3 operators available to choose from for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island.
How old do you have to be to fly from Cairns Airport to South Island?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and stopovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Cairns Airport to South Island.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to South Island?
The required travel and health documents for your South Island trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's licence and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at South Island. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.
What is the most popular plane model from Cairns to South Island?
Based on momondo bookings for flights between Cairns and South Island, the leading plane model is Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets), making up 26.65% of the total bookings. Other popular models include Airbus A320-100/200 with 26.13%, Airbus A321neo with 10.11%, and Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 9.78%.

Best airlines flying from Cairns to South Island

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Cairns to South Island with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free cancellation	Price
Jetstar	PriceFrom $357	Free cancellation	Rating 6.5 477 reviews	Search Jetstar flights
Qantas Airways	PriceFrom $608	Free cancellation	Rating 7.5 923 reviews	Search Qantas Airways flights
Virgin Australia	PriceFrom $622	Free cancellation	Rating 7.6 421 reviews	Search Virgin Australia flights

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Cairns to South Island?

It is quick and easy to find Cairns to South Island flights on momondo. We search and return numerous flight options from various airlines and agents. You can then use our filters to narrow your search until you have found the most convenient flight to South Island that suits you.

Can I find flights from Cairns to South Island with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo allows you to filter the results for Cairns to South Island flights to just show those with flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights from Cairns to South Island?

Once all potential Cairns to South Island flight options are in front of you, momondo lets you sort and filter flights based on preferences such as airline, price and flight times amongst many other options.

I’m not ready to book a flight from Cairns to South Island right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes momondo offers price alerts on flights to South Island from Cairns. After performing a search on this page you should be able to see the price alert set up feature. Simply provide a valid email address and momondo will instantly alert you when prices change.

An easier way to manage your South Island trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organise and travel with friends or family. Trips is free – and available to use no matter where you book.

Start using Trips

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Find better results for your trip to South Island

Popular Cities in South Island

Look for other cheap flights to Aucklandfrom $339

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Look for other cheap flights to Hamiltonfrom $307

Look for other cheap flights to Gisbornefrom $878

Look for other cheap flights to Invercargillfrom $736

Cheap flights from Cairns to South Island from $319

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Cairns to South Island departing on 15/1. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

Big names, great deals

Big names, great deals

Filter for what you want

Filter for what you want

Trusted and free

Trusted and free

Price Alerts

Price Alerts

Find the cheapest flights from Cairns to South Island

Cheap return flights

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Cheap last-minute flights

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Jetstar flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Jetstar deals on Cairns to South Island flight tickets

Air New Zealand flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Air New Zealand deals on Cairns to South Island flight tickets

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

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Cairns to South Island

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to South Island?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to South Island?

Flying to South Island from Cairns at midday is the least expensive time of day to depart. momondo users have found prices as low as $711 when looking at flights departing at midday. Flights in the morning are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of $859.

What is the cheapest Cairns to South Island flight route?

Fly from Cairns to Christchurch for the best Cairns - South Island flight prices

What cabin class options are available on Cairns to South Island flights?

There is only 1 cabin class available to choose from on Cairns to South Island flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on Cairns to South Island flights?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between Cairns to South Island.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Cairns to South Island?

Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Emirates are the most popular carriers operating from Cairns to South Island

Which airlines fly to South Island?

How many flights depart from Cairns to South Island on average per week?

As of October 2025, 6 flights take off from Cairns and land in South Island each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Tue, with 33% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

Cheap Cairns to South Island flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Cairns to South Island

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in South Island

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Cairns Airport to South Island?

How old do you have to be to fly from Cairns Airport to South Island?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to South Island?

What is the most popular plane model from Cairns to South Island?

Best airlines flying from Cairns to South Island

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Cairns to South Island with momondo

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Cairns to South Island?

Can I find flights from Cairns to South Island with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights from Cairns to South Island?

I’m not ready to book a flight from Cairns to South Island right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

An easier way to manage your South Island trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organise and travel with friends or family. Trips is free – and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to South Island

Popular Cities in South Island

Popular flights according to clicks in the last 7 days on momondo