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 December 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 December 2025, 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.

$230 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

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap return flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

07:15 - 15:10

CNS

CHC

4h 55mdirect

08:20 - 10:55

CHC

CNS

5h 35mdirect

$377Jetstar

Thu, 15 Jan - Wed, 21 Jan

07:15 - 15:10

CNS

CHC

4h 55mdirect

08:20 - 10:55

CHC

CNS

5h 35mdirect

$422Jetstar

Thu, 15 Jan - Wed, 21 Jan

07:15 - 15:10

CNS

CHC

4h 55mdirect

08:20 - 10:55

CHC

CNS

5h 35mdirect

$437Jetstar

Thu, 22 Jan - Mon, 2 Feb

07:15 - 15:10

CNS

CHC

4h 55mdirect

08:20 - 10:55

CHC

CNS

5h 35mdirect

$445Jetstar

Thu, 22 Jan - Mon, 2 Feb

07:00 - 13:55

CNS

CHC

4h 55mdirect

07:05 - 10:40

CHC

CNS

5h 35mdirect

$509Jetstar

Sun, 26 Apr - Wed, 29 Apr

07:00 - 13:55

CNS

CHC

4h 55mdirect

07:05 - 10:40

CHC

CNS

5h 35mdirect

$544Jetstar

Sun, 26 Apr - Fri, 1 May

06:00 - 15:40

CNS

ZQN

7h 40m1 stop

16:30 - 08:40

ZQN

CNS

18h 10m1 stop

$807Virgin Australia

Tue, 2 Jun - Sat, 6 Jun

06:00 - 15:40

CNS

ZQN

7h 40m1 stop

16:30 - 13:10

ZQN

CNS

22h 40m1 stop

$808Virgin Australia

Tue, 2 Jun - Sat, 6 Jun

06:00 - 16:40

CNS

ZQN

7h 40m1 stop

19:50 - 09:20

ZQN

CNS

16h 30m2 stops

$877Multiple Airlines

Mon, 29 Dec - Wed, 7 Jan

06:00 - 15:40

CNS

ZQN

7h 40m1 stop

16:30 - 09:50

ZQN

CNS

43h 20m2 stops

$921Virgin Australia

Tue, 2 Jun - Sat, 6 Jun

Jetstar flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Jetstar deals on Cairns to South Island flight tickets

Jetstar

15 Jan

CNS07:15Cairns

4h 55m

CHC15:10Christchurch

21 Jan

CHC08:20Christchurch

5h 35m

CNS10:55Cairns

$377

Find similar

Jetstar

15 Jan

CNS07:15Cairns

4h 55m

CHC15:10Christchurch

21 Jan

CHC08:20Christchurch

5h 35m

CNS10:55Cairns

$422

Find similar

Jetstar

22 Jan

CNS07:15Cairns

4h 55m

CHC15:10Christchurch

2 Feb

CHC08:20Christchurch

5h 35m

CNS10:55Cairns

$437

Find similar

Qantas Airways flights from Cairns to South Island

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

Qantas Airways

24 Dec

CNS11:45Cairns

9h 40m

1 stop

CHC00:25Christchurch

27 Dec

CHC06:20Christchurch

7h 40m

1 stop

CNS11:00Cairns

$1,632

Find similar

Qantas Airways

31 Dec

CNS14:50Cairns

16h 15m

2 stops

ZQN10:05Queenstown Intl

5 Jan

ZQN16:30Queenstown Intl

9h 35m

1 stop

CNS23:05Cairns

$1,798

Find similar

Qantas Airways

30 Dec

CNS17:35Cairns

19h 00m

1 stop

ZQN15:35Queenstown Intl

5 Jan

ZQN12:25Queenstown Intl

13h 40m

2 stops

CNS23:05Cairns

$2,013

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 15/1

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Wed 21/1

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

$377

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 15/1

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Wed 21/1

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

$422

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 22/1

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Mon 2/2

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

$437

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 22/1

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Mon 2/2

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

$445

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Sun 26/4

07:00-13:55

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Wed 29/4

07:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

$509

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Sun 26/4

07:00-13:55

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Fri 1/5

07:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

$544

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Tue 2/6

06:00-15:40

1 stop7h 40m

Queenstown Intl

Sat 6/6

16:30-08:40

1 stop18h 10m

$807

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Tue 2/6

06:00-15:40

1 stop7h 40m

Queenstown Intl

Sat 6/6

16:30-13:10

1 stop22h 40m

$808

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Mon 29/12

06:00-16:40

1 stop7h 40m

Queenstown Intl

Wed 7/1

19:50-09:20

2 stops16h 30m

$877

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Tue 2/6

06:00-15:40

1 stop7h 40m

Queenstown Intl

Sat 6/6

16:30-09:50

2 stops43h 20m

$921

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 January. Flight prices, which tend to average around $664, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. The month of June is another great option to travel to South Island, with average flight prices from Cairns averaging around $679.

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 $715. 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 $1,003. 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 $696 when looking at flights departing at midday. Flights in the morning are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of $842.

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	12 airports

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 are 12 airports in South Island. From Cairns there are direct flights to 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 December 2025, 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 Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets), making up 29.87% of the total bookings. Other popular models include Airbus A320-100/200 with 27.04%, Embraer 190 with 8.87%, and Airbus A321neo with 8.61%.

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 $342	Free cancellation	Rating 6.6 491 reviews		Search Jetstar flights
Virgin Australia	PriceFrom $609	Free cancellation	Rating 7.6 428 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 $272

Look for other cheap flights to Queenstownfrom $409

Look for other cheap flights to Christchurchfrom $370

Look for other cheap flights to Wellingtonfrom $406

Look for other cheap flights to Dunedinfrom $428

Look for other cheap flights to Nelsonfrom $729

Look for other cheap flights to Taurangafrom $771

Look for other cheap flights to Napierfrom $472

Look for other cheap flights to Hamiltonfrom $260

Look for other cheap flights to Gisbornefrom $880

Look for other cheap flights to Palmerston Northfrom $732

Look for other cheap flights to Invercargillfrom $762

Cheap flights from Cairns to South Island from $230

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 18/1. 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

Qantas Airways flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Qantas Airways 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.

See travel insights to South Island from

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

What is the cheapest month to fly to South Island?

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 $696 when looking at flights departing at midday. Flights in the morning are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of $842.

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?

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 December 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