How long does it take to fly to Cairns?

If you’re flying from a popular airport in New Zealand, such as Christchurch or Wellington, and flying into Cairns, then you can expect flight times to average 5h 35m and 9h 30m, respectively.

What is the most punctual flight time for New Zealand to Cairns flights?

Generally, flights departing in the early afternoon tend to experience fewer delays. Flights departing in the morning have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from New Zealand to Cairns?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand are the most popular carriers operating from New Zealand to Cairns

How many flights depart from New Zealand to Cairns on average per week?

The number of flights available between New Zealand and Cairns is 6 per week as of January 2026. The most frequent departure day is Mon, with 33% of weekly flights leaving on this day.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on New Zealand to Cairns flights?

According to our data, China Eastern have had the fewest delays on this route over the last 12 months, with about 2% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Sunday is statistically the day of the week that experiences the fewest delays on this flight route. Monday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

How often are flights from New Zealand to Cairns delayed?

Historically, on average around 7% of flights between New Zealand and Cairns have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 93 minutes.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport?

Prices for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport refresh daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport?

As of January 2026, there is 1 operator available to choose from for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport.

How old do you have to be to fly from New Zealand to Cairns Airport?

The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from New Zealand to Cairns Airport.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?

The required travel and health documents for your Cairns Airport 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 Cairns Airport. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

$146 Cheap Flights from New Zealand to Cairns in 2026

1 adult

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Find the cheapest flights from New Zealand to Cairns

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08:20 - 10:55

CHC

CNS

5h 35mdirect

07:15 - 15:10

CNS

CHC

4h 55mdirect

$414Jetstar

Fri, 16 Jan - Thu, 22 Jan

08:20 - 10:55

CHC

CNS

5h 35mdirect

09:45 - 00:05

CNS

CHC

11h 20m1 stop

$561Jetstar

Fri, 16 Jan - Thu, 22 Jan

06:20 - 17:15

CHC

CNS

13h 55m1 stop

07:15 - 15:10

CNS

CHC

4h 55mdirect

$658Multiple Airlines

Tue, 3 Mar - Tue, 10 Mar

08:20 - 10:55

CHC

CNS

5h 35mdirect

12:05 - 00:25

CNS

CHC

9h 20m1 stop

$687Multiple Airlines

Fri, 13 Mar - Fri, 20 Mar

19:50 - 11:05

ZQN

CNS

18h 15m1 stop

19:50 - 19:00

CNS

ZQN

20h 10m1 stop

$742Virgin Australia

Fri, 16 Jan - Thu, 22 Jan

17:30 - 23:05

ZQN

CNS

8h 35m1 stop

17:20 - 13:10

CNS

ZQN

16h 50m2 stops

$775Virgin Australia

Tue, 3 Mar - Tue, 10 Mar

06:00 - 23:05

WLG

CNS

20h 05m1 stop

06:00 - 11:20

CNS

WLG

26h 20m2 stops

$862Air New Zealand

Mon, 16 Feb - Mon, 23 Feb

06:00 - 23:05

WLG

CNS

20h 05m1 stop

17:35 - 14:45

CNS

WLG

18h 10m1 stop

$885Air New Zealand

Mon, 16 Feb - Mon, 23 Feb

11:05 - 11:15

HLZ

CNS

26h 10m2 stops

21:40 - 10:30

CNS

HLZ

34h 50m2 stops

$1,157Qantas Airways

Sun, 10 May - Wed, 13 May

11:05 - 08:30

HLZ

CNS

23h 25m2 stops

21:40 - 10:30

CNS

HLZ

34h 50m2 stops

$1,160Qantas Airways

Sun, 10 May - Wed, 13 May

Qantas Airways flights from New Zealand to Cairns

Our best Qantas Airways deals on New Zealand to Cairns flight tickets

Qantas Airways

13 Mar

CHC06:20Christchurch

10h 45m

1 stop

CNS14:05Cairns

21 Mar

CNS11:45Cairns

9h 40m

1 stop

CHC00:25Christchurch

$938

Find similar

Qantas Airways

18 Feb

AKL06:50Auckland Intl

13h 25m

1 stop

CNS17:15Cairns

22 Feb

CNS06:00Cairns

15h 45m

1 stop

AKL00:45Auckland Intl

$942

Find similar

Qantas Airways

17 May

CHC15:45Christchurch

9h 25m

1 stop

CNS23:10Cairns

21 May

CNS21:40Cairns

15h 05m

1 stop

CHC14:45Christchurch

$968

Find similar

Emirates flights from New Zealand to Cairns

Our best Emirates deals on New Zealand to Cairns flight tickets

Emirates

17 Feb

AKL06:50Auckland Intl

17h 10m

1 stop

CNS21:00Cairns

24 Feb

CNS11:35Cairns

9h 30m

1 stop

AKL00:05Auckland Intl

$939

Find similar

Emirates

16 Feb

AKL06:50Auckland Intl

19h 15m

1 stop

CNS23:05Cairns

23 Feb

CNS11:35Cairns

24h 20m

1 stop

AKL14:55Auckland Intl

$950

Find similar

Emirates

17 Feb

AKL06:00Auckland Intl

11h 05m

2 stops

CNS14:05Cairns

24 Feb

CNS11:35Cairns

9h 30m

1 stop

AKL00:05Auckland Intl

$1,120

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Fri 16/1

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Thu 22/1

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

$414

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Fri 16/1

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Thu 22/1

09:45-00:05

1 stop11h 20m

$561

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Tue 3/3

06:20-17:15

1 stop13h 55m

Cairns

Tue 10/3

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

$658

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Fri 13/3

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Fri 20/3

12:05-00:25

1 stop9h 20m

$687

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Fri 16/1

19:50-11:05

1 stop18h 15m

Cairns

Thu 22/1

19:50-19:00

1 stop20h 10m

$742

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Tue 3/3

17:30-23:05

1 stop8h 35m

Cairns

Tue 10/3

17:20-13:10

2 stops16h 50m

$775

WellingtonCairns

WLG - CNS

WLGCNS

Wellington

Mon 16/2

06:00-23:05

1 stop20h 05m

Cairns

Mon 23/2

06:00-11:20

2 stops26h 20m

$862

WellingtonCairns

WLG - CNS

WLGCNS

Wellington

Mon 16/2

06:00-23:05

1 stop20h 05m

Cairns

Mon 23/2

17:35-14:45

1 stop18h 10m

$885

HamiltonCairns

HLZ - CNS

HLZCNS

Hamilton

Sun 10/5

11:05-11:15

2 stops26h 10m

Cairns

Wed 13/5

21:40-10:30

2 stops34h 50m

$1,157

HamiltonCairns

HLZ - CNS

HLZCNS

Hamilton

Sun 10/5

11:05-08:30

2 stops23h 25m

Cairns

Wed 13/5

21:40-10:30

2 stops34h 50m

$1,160

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Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from New Zealand to Cairns

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

Delays

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

The cheapest month to fly to Cairns from New Zealand is in October. Flight prices, which tend to average around $718, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. If you are unable to visit Cairns during the month of October, then departing from New Zealand during the month February is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around $747.

What is the cheapest New Zealand to Cairns flight route?

Fly from Christchurch to Cairns for the best New Zealand - Cairns flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Cairns?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Cairns from New Zealand when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Cairns for around $827 when searching weeks before you fly. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Cairns from New Zealand for as low as $702 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on New Zealand to Cairns flights?

There is only 1 cabin class available to choose from on New Zealand to Cairns 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 New Zealand to Cairns flights?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between New Zealand to Cairns.

Cheap New Zealand to Cairns flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from New Zealand to Cairns

Fastest flight time	5h 35m
Direct flights	Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat
Airports in Cairns	1 airport

The fastest flight from New Zealand to Cairns takes 5h 35m

Direct flights go from New Zealand to Cairns on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. There are no airlines offering direct flights..

There is 1 airport in Cairns. From New Zealand there are direct flights to Cairns (CNS).

Search flight deals

When did momondo last update prices for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport?
Prices for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport refresh daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport?
As of January 2026, there is 1 operator available to choose from for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport.
How old do you have to be to fly from New Zealand to Cairns Airport?
The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from New Zealand to Cairns Airport.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?
The required travel and health documents for your Cairns Airport 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 Cairns Airport. 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 New Zealand to Cairns?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked plane model on the route from New Zealand to Cairns is Airbus A320-100/200, representing 50.00% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Airbus A321neo at 31.82%, Airbus A320neo at 6.82%, and Airbus A320 Freighter at 6.82%.

Best airlines flying from New Zealand to Cairns

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from New Zealand to Cairns with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free cancellation	Price
Jetstar	PriceFrom $301	Free cancellation	Rating 6.5 498 reviews		Search Jetstar flights

Port Douglas

Palm Cove

Trinity Beach

Mission Beach

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from New Zealand to Cairns?

Finding the right flight to Cairns from New Zealand is quick and easy when you have a range of options in front of you, from reputable agents and recognisable airlines. Options that can then be filtered down to find the best fit. That is what momondo does. We make finding flights to Cairns quick and easy, saving you time and money.

Can I find flights from New Zealand to Cairns with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo enables you to select and highlight flights to Cairns from New Zealand with this policy.

How can momondo help me find flights from New Zealand to Cairns?

Once all potential New Zealand to Cairns 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 New Zealand to Cairns right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Of course. momondo tracks the price of New Zealand to Cairns flights. All you need is a valid email address and we will do the rest; it is that quick and easy.

An easier way to manage your Cairns 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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Cheap flights from New Zealand to Cairns from $146

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from New Zealand to Cairns departing on 21/1. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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Big names, great deals

Filter for what you want

Filter for what you want

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Find the cheapest flights from New Zealand to Cairns

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Qantas Airways flights from New Zealand to Cairns

Our best Qantas Airways deals on New Zealand to Cairns flight tickets

Emirates flights from New Zealand to Cairns

Our best Emirates deals on New Zealand to Cairns flight tickets

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See travel insights to Cairns from

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from New Zealand to Cairns

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

What is the cheapest New Zealand to Cairns flight route?

Fly from Christchurch to Cairns for the best New Zealand - Cairns flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Cairns?

What cabin class options are available on New Zealand to Cairns flights?

There is only 1 cabin class available to choose from on New Zealand to Cairns 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 New Zealand to Cairns flights?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between New Zealand to Cairns.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from New Zealand to Cairns?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand are the most popular carriers operating from New Zealand to Cairns

How often are flights from New Zealand to Cairns delayed?

Historically, on average around 7% of flights between New Zealand and Cairns have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 93 minutes.

What is the most punctual flight time for New Zealand to Cairns flights?

Generally, flights departing in the early afternoon tend to experience fewer delays. Flights departing in the morning have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Sunday is statistically the day of the week that experiences the fewest delays on this flight route. Monday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on New Zealand to Cairns flights?

According to our data, China Eastern have had the fewest delays on this route over the last 12 months, with about 2% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

How many flights depart from New Zealand to Cairns on average per week?

The number of flights available between New Zealand and Cairns is 6 per week as of January 2026. The most frequent departure day is Mon, with 33% of weekly flights leaving on this day.

How long does it take to fly to Cairns?

If you’re flying from a popular airport in New Zealand, such as Christchurch or Wellington, and flying into Cairns, then you can expect flight times to average 5h 35m and 9h 30m, respectively.

Cheap New Zealand to Cairns flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from New Zealand to Cairns

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Cairns

When did momondo last update prices for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from New Zealand to Cairns Airport?

How old do you have to be to fly from New Zealand to Cairns Airport?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?

What is the most popular plane model from New Zealand to Cairns?

Best airlines flying from New Zealand to Cairns

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from New Zealand to Cairns with momondo

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from New Zealand to Cairns?

Can I find flights from New Zealand to Cairns with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights from New Zealand to Cairns?

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

An easier way to manage your Cairns 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 Australia

Airports servicing Queensland