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Cheap flights to South Island from $249

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 31/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
CMH — CHC
24 May — 31 May1
1 adult
Fri 24/5
Fri 31/5

Flights to South Island in 2024

Find the latest flights to South Island in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 529,572 searches and data was last updated on 19 May 2024.

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$556

Return from

$475

One-way from

$249
High demand for flights, 11% potential price rise
Best time to find cheap flights, 3% potential price drop
Average for return flights in May 2024
From Sydney Kingsford Smith to Christchurch
One-way flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) to South Island

Find flights to South Island

Browse one-way and return flights deals to South Island on Cheapflights. Flight deals are based on user searches and were last updated on 19 May 2024
Explore South Island

Cheap flights to South Island in May & June 2024

Discover affordable flights and deals to South Island in May and June 2024. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 529,572 searches and data was last updated on 19 May 2024.
The following deals offer some of the lowest prices we've found on flights heading to South Island in May and June 2024. Be sure to check back soon as deals update often.
Sat 1/606:35SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Sat 8/612:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$424
Sun 2/614:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Sun 9/612:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$457
Wed 19/617:55SYD - CHC
Nonstop3h 05mAir New Zealand
Wed 26/606:35CHC - SYD
Nonstop3h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 19/5$488
Sat 1/617:40SYD - ZQN
1 stop15h 50mJetstar
Sat 8/612:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$499
Sat 8/612:20SYD - CHC
1 stop9h 45mJetstar
Tue 18/616:05CHC - SYD
1 stop7h 35mJetstar
Deal found 19/5$505
Thu 27/617:55SYD - CHC
Nonstop3h 05mAir New Zealand
Mon 1/706:35CHC - SYD
Nonstop3h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 19/5$508
Wed 19/618:10SYD - CHC
1 stop11h 15mAir New Zealand
Wed 26/606:35CHC - SYD
Nonstop3h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 19/5$515
Wed 19/613:05SYD - CHC
1 stop9h 00mJetstar
Wed 26/616:05CHC - SYD
1 stop8h 15mJetstar
Deal found 19/5$517
Fri 24/514:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Wed 29/512:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$518

South Island 2024 flight deals

Explore flight deals for South Island in 2024, offering the best prices and options to suit your preferences. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 529,572 searches and data were last updated on 19 May 2024.
Browse some of the best deals on flights to South Island in 2024. Check back in a little while for more flight options.
Sat 1/606:35SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Sat 8/612:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$424
Sun 2/614:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Sun 9/612:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$457
Sun 20/1014:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Tue 29/1012:20ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$460
Tue 27/812:10SYD - CHC
1 stop9h 55mJetstar
Tue 3/916:05CHC - SYD
1 stop8h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$475
Mon 14/1014:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Fri 1/1112:20ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$478
Sat 9/1114:40SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Fri 15/1112:20ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$488
Wed 19/617:55SYD - CHC
Nonstop3h 05mAir New Zealand
Wed 26/606:35CHC - SYD
Nonstop3h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 19/5$488
Mon 12/817:55SYD - CHC
Nonstop3h 05mAir New Zealand
Mon 19/806:35CHC - SYD
Nonstop3h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 18/5$490
Fri 23/813:05SYD - CHC
1 stop9h 00mJetstar
Mon 26/816:05CHC - SYD
1 stop8h 10mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$494

Flights to South Island departing soon

Discover available last-minute flight options to South Island, providing immediate availability and potentially lower prices. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 529,572 searches and data was last updated on 19 May 2024.
Browse through available last-minute flights travelling to South Island. Prices refresh often so be sure to come back soon for more deals.
Fri 24/514:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Wed 29/512:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$518
Tue 28/512:35SYD - CHC
1 stop9h 30mJetstar
Tue 4/616:05CHC - SYD
1 stop17h 20mJetstar
Deal found 17/5$542
Fri 24/514:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Wed 29/520:40ZQN - SYD
1 stop12h 45mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$548
Sat 25/506:35SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Thu 30/512:35ZQN - SYD
1 stop11h 40mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$574
Fri 24/514:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mMultiple Airlines
Mon 27/510:25ZQN - SYD
1 stop23h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 18/5$586
Fri 24/514:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mMultiple Airlines
Mon 27/512:45ZQN - SYD
1 stop21h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 18/5$592
Mon 27/518:25SYD - ZQN
1 stop14h 15mAir New Zealand
Wed 12/611:25ZQN - SYD
1 stop8h 00mAir New Zealand
Deal found 18/5$593
Tue 28/513:05SYD - CHC
1 stop9h 00mJetstar
Thu 30/516:05CHC - SYD
1 stop8h 10mJetstar
Deal found 17/5$596
Mon 27/511:35SYD - ZQN
1 stop26h 40mMultiple Airlines
Wed 12/612:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 18/5$609

One-way flights to South Island

Explore one-way flight options to South Island for greater flexibility in your travel plans. Find up-to-date pricing and availability for one-way flights. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 529,572 searches and data was last updated on 19 May 2024.
Consider booking one of these one-way flights heading to South Island. Those seeking round-trip flights to South Island should utilize the search form at the top of the page.
Fri 31/514:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$249
Tue 12/1114:40SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$255
Fri 31/514:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$258
Sat 15/606:35SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$263
Tue 10/914:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$267
Tue 5/1114:40SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$269
Tue 11/621:20SYD - CHC
1 stop24h 45mJetstar
Deal found 19/5$269
Fri 11/1014:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$270
Fri 11/1014:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$273

Direct flights to South Island

Sat 1/606:35SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Sat 8/612:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$424
Sun 2/614:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Sun 9/612:30ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$457
Sun 20/1014:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Tue 29/1012:20ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$460
Mon 14/1014:45SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Fri 1/1112:20ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$478
Sat 9/1114:40SYD - ZQN
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Fri 15/1112:20ZQN - SYD
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 18/5$488
Wed 19/617:55SYD - CHC
Nonstop3h 05mAir New Zealand
Wed 26/606:35CHC - SYD
Nonstop3h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 19/5$488
Mon 12/817:55SYD - CHC
Nonstop3h 05mAir New Zealand
Mon 19/806:35CHC - SYD
Nonstop3h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 18/5$490
Thu 22/817:55SYD - CHC
Nonstop3h 05mAir New Zealand
Mon 26/806:35CHC - SYD
Nonstop3h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 18/5$499
Fri 23/817:55SYD - CHC
Nonstop3h 05mAir New Zealand
Mon 26/806:35CHC - SYD
Nonstop3h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 18/5$503

Find flights to South Island within your budget

Locate flights to South Island that fit your budget, with regularly updated fares and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 529,572 searches and data was last updated on 19 May 2024.

Fly from

Any airport

Budget

$424 - $699

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Sydney Kingsford SmithQueenstown Intl

SYD - ZQN

SYDZQN

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sat 1/6

Nonstop2h 55m

Queenstown Intl

Sat 8/6

Nonstop3h 15m

$424

Sydney Kingsford SmithQueenstown Intl

SYD - ZQN

SYDZQN

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sun 2/6

Nonstop2h 55m

Queenstown Intl

Sun 9/6

Nonstop3h 15m

$457

Sydney Kingsford SmithQueenstown Intl

SYD - ZQN

SYDZQN

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 5/6

Nonstop2h 55m

Queenstown Intl

Fri 14/6

Nonstop3h 15m

$459

Sydney Kingsford SmithChristchurch

SYD - CHC

SYDCHC

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 19/6

Nonstop3h 05m

Christchurch

Wed 26/6

Nonstop3h 40m

$488

Sydney Kingsford SmithChristchurch

SYD - CHC

SYDCHC

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Mon 12/8

Nonstop3h 05m

Christchurch

Mon 19/8

Nonstop3h 40m

$490

Sydney Kingsford SmithQueenstown Intl

SYD - ZQN

SYDZQN

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sun 9/6

Nonstop3h 00m

Queenstown Intl

Sat 15/6

Nonstop3h 15m

$503

Sydney Kingsford SmithQueenstown Intl

SYD - ZQN

SYDZQN

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Mon 14/10

Nonstop3h 00m

Queenstown Intl

Fri 1/11

1 stop6h 40m

$559

Sydney Kingsford SmithQueenstown Intl

SYD - ZQN

SYDZQN

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Thu 20/6

Nonstop3h 05m

Queenstown Intl

Mon 24/6

Nonstop3h 15m

$626

Sydney Kingsford SmithChristchurch

SYD - CHC

SYDCHC

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sun 30/6

Nonstop3h 05m

Christchurch

Sat 6/7

Nonstop3h 30m

$699

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 18/5

Average price of flights to South Island by month

Plan your trip to South Island by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. The average price of a one-way flight to South Island is currently $264 while a return flight costs $523. Price data was last updated on 12 May 2024.

Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to South Island (average of $344). Flying to South Island in December will prove the most costly (average of $431). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

January

$565

February

$566

March

$559

April

$560

May

$514

June

$620

July

$584

August

$568

September

$614

October

$566

November

$586

December

$644

Temperature and rainfall in South Island by month

Plan your trip to South Island by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month.

CHC

Temperature

6 - 17 °C

If weather is an important factor for your trip to South Island, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, January is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 17.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of June, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 6.0 C).

When is the best time to book a flight to South Island?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight to South Island. Price data was last updated on 10 May 2024.
To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight to South Island, you should look to book at least 53 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.
Search Deals

Reviews of airlines servicing South Island

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to South Island. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to South Island. Reviews last updated 19 May 2024.
Get a feel of what it's like to fly with Jetstar, Air New Zealand and Emirates to South Island by reading reviews from past customers. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
8.3
Very Good
623 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.6

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

8.3
Very Good
623 reviews
8.3
Very Good
623 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.6

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

8.1
Very Good
3,943 reviews
8.3
Very Good
623 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.6

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

7.8
Good
642 reviews
8.3
Very Good
623 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.6

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

7.6
Good
961 reviews
8.3
Very Good
623 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.6

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

7.6
Good
2,398 reviews
8.3
Very Good
623 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.6

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

  • How long is the flight to South Island?

    Flights from Australia to South Island, New Zealand range from 3h-15h. If you’re traveling from as far west as Perth, your flight can last more than 14 hours, with common stopovers made in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland. If you’re flying out of Sydney, your flight may be as short as three hours, with direct flights made available by Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas Airlines to Queenstown Airport.

  • Where can you get direct flights to South Island from?

    Direct South Island flight deals operate from different cities in Australia to South Island’s three international airports, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Queenstown. Both Queenstown and Christchurch Airports can be reached with direct flight from four Australian city airports, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. If you’re flying from Brisbane, Virgin Australia also offers direct flights to Dunedin Airport. However, if you’re flying to Dunedin from a city other than Brisbane, stopover flights commonly occur in Melbourne, Sydney, and Gold Coast Airports.

  • How do you get from South Island airport(s) to the city centre?

    Christchurch Airport is only 12 kilometres from the city centre. You can easily reach the city centre in 15-20 minutes by taking an Uber or a taxi, with common taxi charges ranging from A$45-65. Shuttles are available as well and cost A$19 for one rider, to A$24 for two, and can take about 30 minutes to reach your downtown destination. Both the number 29 and the Purple Line Buses can be utilised from the airport to the city centre and cost about A$8.50 for one adult, one way. Dunedin Airport is 29 kilometres from city centre, Momona. A taxi ride can cost you about A$90 and may take 20-30 minutes, while executive limousine transfers can cost about A$85 and last about 25 minutes. Shuttle rides are also available, with a price range of about A$20 for one rider, A$30 for two, and more discounts for groups. The journey can last about 45 minutes during busier periods. Queenstown Airport is a 10-minute drive from the city centre in Frankton. A taxi ride will cost you about A$45 and take about 15 minutes to reach your destination. Shuttle rides may take as long as 30 minutes but only charge about A$10 per person, with discounts for multiple riders. Queenstown’s Orbus service provides bus rides to all major hotels from the hotel, costing about A$10 per adult, one way. Car hires are also available at all three airports.

  • What are some things to do in New Zealand’s South Island?

    The South Island of NZ is famous for its natural beauty and thrilling sites. Kayak at Abel Tasman National Park and maybe you’ll encounter a dolphin or two. Visit the wineries in Central Otego to enjoy remarkable vintages and gorgeous scenery. Hike the trails or sail the waters in Mt Aspiring National Park in Wanaka and behold views that include mountains, azure waters, and lush greenery alike.

  • Do I need a passport or visa to fly to South Island?

    Australian citizens do need a valid passport to visit South Island, however, a visa is not required. Australians traveling on their passport may stay in New Zealand indefinitely.

  • Can I find cheaper flights to South Island if I am willing to have stopovers?

    Yes, flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to South Island on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

  • What is the best airline to fly to South Island?

    Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Virgin Australia is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to South Island.

  • What is the cheapest airport to fly to in South Island?

    null is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in South Island. One-way flights to null typically cost null, while return flights cost around null.

  • How much is a return flight to South Island?

    A return flight to South Island will typically cost around $130, however they can be found for as little as $49.

  • Where does the fastest flight to South Island depart from?

    For those looking to save time traveling to South Island, Sydney offers the quickest one-way flight (2 hours 55 minutes).

  • Does Christchurch Airport have car hire?

    Yes. Those touching down at Christchurch Airport can take advantage of the car hire services offered upon their arrival.

  • Are there hotels close to Christchurch Airport?

    Yes. Christchurch Airport has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Novotel Christchurch Airport is the closest property to Christchurch Airport (0.0 km away from Christchurch Airport).

See more FAQs

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