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

Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas Airways 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 62% 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 August 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 August 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.

$249 Cheap Flights from Cairns to South Island in 2025

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Find the cheapest flights from Cairns to South Island

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap return flights

22:55 - 06:50CNS-CHC

4h 55mdirect

08:05 - 10:40CHC-CNS

5h 35mdirect

$382Jetstar

Find Deal

Sun, 19 Oct - Wed, 29 Oct

22:55 - 06:50CNS-CHC

4h 55mdirect

08:05 - 10:40CHC-CNS

5h 35mdirect

$383Jetstar

Find Deal

Sun, 19 Oct - Wed, 29 Oct

21:30 - 12:30CNS-CHC

13h 00m1 stop

07:05 - 10:40CHC-CNS

5h 35mdirect

$636

Find Deal

Sat, 6 Sep - Mon, 15 Sep

22:55 - 06:50CNS-CHC

4h 55mdirect

16:05 - 21:00CHC-CNS

7h 55m1 stop

$650

Find Deal

Sun, 19 Oct - Wed, 29 Oct

14:50 - 16:45CNS-ZQN

22h 55m2 stops

17:40 - 19:10ZQN-CNS

28h 30m1 stop

$688Virgin Australia

Find Deal

Sun, 5 Oct - Sun, 19 Oct

17:25 - 15:40CNS-ZQN

19h 15m1 stop

14:25 - 16:55ZQN-CNS

29h 30m1 stop

$716Virgin Australia

Find Deal

Thu, 9 Oct - Thu, 16 Oct

11:55 - 08:05CNS-CHC

18h 10m2 stops

17:15 - 09:45CHC-CNS

42h 30m2 stops

$939Air New Zealand

Find Deal

Mon, 22 Sep - Sat, 27 Sep

11:55 - 11:40CNS-CHC

21h 45m2 stops

17:10 - 10:45CHC-CNS

19h 35m2 stops

$1,034Air New Zealand

Find Deal

Sat, 6 Sep - Mon, 15 Sep

07:45 - 00:10CNS-CHC

13h 25m1 stop

10:30 - 22:05CHC-CNS

14h 35m2 stops

$1,082Qantas Airways

Find Deal

Thu, 22 Jan - Mon, 2 Feb

12:35 - 23:55CNS-CHC

8h 20m1 stop

10:30 - 23:05CHC-CNS

15h 35m2 stops

$1,096Qantas Airways

Find Deal

Thu, 22 Jan - Mon, 2 Feb

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

22 Sept

CNS11:55Cairns

18h 10m

2 stops

CHC08:05Christchurch

27 Sept

CHC17:15Christchurch

42h 30m

2 stops

CNS09:45Cairns

$939

Find similar

Air New Zealand

6 Sept

CNS11:55Cairns

21h 45m

2 stops

CHC11:40Christchurch

15 Sept

CHC17:10Christchurch

19h 35m

2 stops

CNS10:45Cairns

$1,034

Find similar

Air New Zealand

12 Nov

CNS12:35Cairns

18h 05m

3 stops

ZQN09:40Queenstown Intl

17 Nov

ZQN08:50Queenstown Intl

15h 10m

2 stops

CNS21:00Cairns

$1,510

Find similar

Jetstar flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Jetstar deals on Cairns to South Island flight tickets

Jetstar

19 Oct

CNS22:55Cairns

4h 55m

CHC06:50Christchurch

29 Oct

CHC08:05Christchurch

5h 35m

CNS10:40Cairns

$382

Find similar

Jetstar

19 Oct

CNS22:55Cairns

4h 55m

CHC06:50Christchurch

29 Oct

CHC08:05Christchurch

5h 35m

CNS10:40Cairns

$383

Find similar

Jetstar

8 Oct

CNS09:45Cairns

11h 25m

1 stop

CHC00:10Christchurch

15 Oct

CHC08:05Christchurch

5h 35m

CNS10:40Cairns

$526

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Sun 19/10

22:55-06:50

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Wed 29/10

08:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

$382

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Sun 19/10

22:55-06:50

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Wed 29/10

08:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

$383

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Sat 6/9

21:30-12:30

1 stop13h 00m

Christchurch

Mon 15/9

07:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

$636

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Sun 19/10

22:55-06:50

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Wed 29/10

16:05-21:00

1 stop7h 55m

$650

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Sun 5/10

14:50-16:45

2 stops22h 55m

Queenstown Intl

Sun 19/10

17:40-19:10

1 stop28h 30m

$688

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Thu 9/10

17:25-15:40

1 stop19h 15m

Queenstown Intl

Thu 16/10

14:25-16:55

1 stop29h 30m

$716

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Mon 22/9

11:55-08:05

2 stops18h 10m

Christchurch

Sat 27/9

17:15-09:45

2 stops42h 30m

$939

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Sat 6/9

11:55-11:40

2 stops21h 45m

Christchurch

Mon 15/9

17:10-10:45

2 stops19h 35m

$1,034

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 22/1

07:45-00:10

1 stop13h 25m

Christchurch

Mon 2/2

10:30-22:05

2 stops14h 35m

$1,082

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 22/1

12:35-23:55

1 stop8h 20m

Christchurch

Mon 2/2

10:30-23:05

2 stops15h 35m

$1,096

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 $733. 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 $1,027. 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 $713 when looking at flights departing at midday. Flights in the morning are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of $862.

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 are 1 cabin classes 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 August 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 26.85% of the total bookings. Other popular models include Airbus A320-100/200 with 26.57%, Airbus A321neo with 9.91%, and Airbus A321-100/200 with 9.68%.

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 $358	Free cancellation	Rating 6.5 468 reviews	Search Jetstar flights
Qantas Airways	PriceFrom $610	Free cancellation	Rating 7.5 898 reviews	Search Qantas Airways flights
Virgin Australia	PriceFrom $624	Free cancellation	Rating 7.5 415 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.

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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 $311

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Look for other cheap flights to Taurangafrom $619

Look for other cheap flights to Palmerston Northfrom $554

Look for other cheap flights to Hamiltonfrom $329

Look for other cheap flights to Gisbornefrom $742

Look for other cheap flights to Invercargillfrom $699

Cheap flights from Cairns to South Island from $249

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 4/12. 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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Air New Zealand flights from Cairns to South Island

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

Jetstar flights from Cairns to South Island

Our best Jetstar 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 $713 when looking at flights departing at midday. Flights in the morning are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of $862.

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 are 1 cabin classes 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, Virgin Australia, and Qantas Airways 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 August 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