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

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

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

As of September 2026, 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 September 2026, there are 2 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.

$341 Cheap Flights from Cairns to South Island in 2026/27

Discover deals from 900+ travel sites with momondo.

Find the cheapest flights from Cairns to South Island

Return

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap return flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

07:00 - 14:55CNS Cairns-CHC Christchurch

4h 55mdirect

07:55 - 10:40CHC Christchurch-CNS Cairns

5h 45mdirect

$435Jetstar

Tue, 13 Oct - Fri, 16 Oct

07:00 - 14:55CNS Cairns-CHC Christchurch

4h 55mdirect

07:55 - 10:40CHC Christchurch-CNS Cairns

5h 45mdirect

$442Jetstar

Tue, 13 Oct - Fri, 16 Oct

07:00 - 14:55CNS Cairns-CHC Christchurch

4h 55mdirect

07:55 - 10:40CHC Christchurch-CNS Cairns

5h 45mdirect

$483Jetstar

Thu, 15 Oct - Fri, 23 Oct

07:00 - 14:55CNS Cairns-CHC Christchurch

4h 55mdirect

07:55 - 10:40CHC Christchurch-CNS Cairns

5h 45mdirect

$504Jetstar

Sun, 11 Oct - Mon, 19 Oct

07:00 - 14:55CNS Cairns-CHC Christchurch

4h 55mdirect

18:20 - 22:25CHC Christchurch-CNS Cairns

31h 05m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith

$672Multiple Airlines

Tue, 13 Oct - Fri, 16 Oct

06:45 - 13:00CNS Cairns-CHC Christchurch

27h 15m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith

07:55 - 10:40CHC Christchurch-CNS Cairns

5h 45mdirect

$712Multiple Airlines

Wed, 14 Oct - Wed, 21 Oct

17:25 - 16:40CNS Cairns-ZQN Queenstown Intl

20h 15m1 stop Brisbane

15:05 - 10:15ZQN Queenstown Intl-CNS Cairns

22h 10m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith

$806Virgin Australia

Mon, 15 Feb - Sun, 21 Feb

09:20 - 16:40CNS Cairns-ZQN Queenstown Intl

28h 20m1 stop Brisbane

17:40 - 08:30ZQN Queenstown Intl-CNS Cairns

17h 50m1 stop Melbourne

$865Virgin Australia

Sat, 10 Oct - Mon, 19 Oct

14:40 - 14:15CNS Cairns-ZQN Queenstown Intl

20h 35m2 stops Brisbane Sydney Kingsford Smith

15:05 - 10:15ZQN Queenstown Intl-CNS Cairns

22h 10m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith

$879Virgin Australia

Mon, 15 Feb - Sun, 21 Feb

06:00 - 16:40CNS Cairns-ZQN Queenstown Intl

7h 40m1 stop Brisbane

11:15 - 09:05ZQN Queenstown Intl-CNS Cairns

24h 50m2 stops Wellington Coolangatta Gold Coast

$894Multiple Airlines

Mon, 19 Oct - Fri, 30 Oct

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Jetstar flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Jetstar deals on Cairns to South Island flight tickets

Jetstar

13 Oct

CNS07:00Cairns

4h 55m

CHC14:55Christchurch

16 Oct

CHC07:55Christchurch

5h 45m

CNS10:40Cairns

$435

Jetstar

13 Oct

CNS07:00Cairns

4h 55m

CHC14:55Christchurch

16 Oct

CHC07:55Christchurch

5h 45m

CNS10:40Cairns

$442

Jetstar

15 Oct

CNS07:00Cairns

4h 55m

CHC14:55Christchurch

23 Oct

CHC07:55Christchurch

5h 45m

CNS10:40Cairns

$483

Qantas Airways flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Qantas Airways deals on Cairns to South Island flight tickets

Qantas Airways

15 Oct

CNS09:25Cairns

12h 55m

1 stop

CHC01:20Christchurch

19 Oct

CHC16:45Christchurch

9h 00m

1 stop

CNS22:45Cairns

$1,005

Qantas Airways

15 Oct

CNS09:25Cairns

12h 55m

1 stop

CHC01:20Christchurch

19 Oct

CHC16:45Christchurch

9h 00m

1 stop

CNS22:45Cairns

$1,007

Qantas Airways

10 Oct

CNS11:20Cairns

26h 15m

1 stop

ZQN16:35Queenstown Intl

19 Oct

ZQN07:00Queenstown Intl

18h 45m

2 stops

CNS22:45Cairns

$1,019

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest return flight

Fastest return journey

CairnsChristchurch

CNS Cairns - CHC Christchurch

CNSCHC

Cairns

Tue 13/10

07:00-14:55

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Fri 16/10

07:55-10:40

Nonstop5h 45m

$435

CairnsChristchurch

CNS Cairns - CHC Christchurch

CNSCHC

Cairns

Tue 13/10

07:00-14:55

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Fri 16/10

07:55-10:40

Nonstop5h 45m

$442

CairnsChristchurch

CNS Cairns - CHC Christchurch

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 15/10

07:00-14:55

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Fri 23/10

07:55-10:40

Nonstop5h 45m

$483

CairnsChristchurch

CNS Cairns - CHC Christchurch

CNSCHC

Cairns

Sun 11/10

07:00-14:55

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Mon 19/10

07:55-10:40

Nonstop5h 45m

$504

CairnsChristchurch

CNS Cairns - CHC Christchurch

CNSCHC

Cairns

Tue 13/10

07:00-14:55

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Fri 16/10

18:20-22:25

1 stop31h 05m

$672

CairnsChristchurch

CNS Cairns - CHC Christchurch

CNSCHC

Cairns

Wed 14/10

06:45-13:00

1 stop27h 15m

Christchurch

Wed 21/10

07:55-10:40

Nonstop5h 45m

$712

CairnsQueenstown

CNS Cairns - ZQN Queenstown Intl

CNSZQN

Cairns

Mon 15/2

17:25-16:40

1 stop20h 15m

Queenstown Intl

Sun 21/2

15:05-10:15

1 stop22h 10m

$806

CairnsQueenstown

CNS Cairns - ZQN Queenstown Intl

CNSZQN

Cairns

Sat 10/10

09:20-16:40

1 stop28h 20m

Queenstown Intl

Mon 19/10

17:40-08:30

1 stop17h 50m

$865

CairnsQueenstown

CNS Cairns - ZQN Queenstown Intl

CNSZQN

Cairns

Mon 15/2

14:40-14:15

2 stops20h 35m

Queenstown Intl

Sun 21/2

15:05-10:15

1 stop22h 10m

$879

CairnsQueenstown

CNS Cairns - ZQN Queenstown Intl

CNSZQN

Cairns

Mon 19/10

06:00-16:40

1 stop7h 40m

Queenstown Intl

Fri 30/10

11:15-09:05

2 stops24h 50m

$894

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 month to fly to South Island?

The cheapest month to fly to South Island from Cairns is in April. Flight prices, which tend to average around $441, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. The month of May is another great option to travel to South Island, with average flight prices from Cairns averaging around $442.

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

Best price found	$341
Fastest flight time	1h 40m
Direct flights	Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri and Sun
Airports in South Island	12 airports

The best one-way flight to South Island from Cairns in the past 72 hours is $341. The best return flight deal from Cairns to South Island found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $435.

The fastest flight from Cairns to South Island takes 1h 40m

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

There are 12 airports in South Island. From Cairns there are direct flights to Queenstown Intl (ZQN), Christchurch (CHC).

Search flight deals

Frequently asked questions about flying from Cairns to South Island

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 September 2026, there are 2 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 Airbus A320-100/200, making up 28.29% of the total bookings. Other popular models include Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) with 24.18%, Airbus A321neo with 11.23%, and Embraer 190 with 8.75%.

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 $261	Free cancellation	Rating 6.5 569 reviews		Search Jetstar flights
Virgin Australia	PriceFrom $441	Free cancellation	Rating 7.6 475 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.