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Cheap flights from New Zealand to Cairns from $278

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 10/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
AKL — CNS
6 May — 13 May1
1 adult

Cheap flight deals from New Zealand to Cairns

Keep the following information in mind while searching for New Zealand to Cairns flight deals. Data was last updated 1 May 2025.

Round-trip from

$391

One-way from

$286

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

February

Average price

$872

Good one-way deal

$168 or less
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 2/6-5/6
  • Nonstop
  • 10h 30m total
  • New Zealand to Cairns
Search Deals
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 31/5
  • 2 total stops
  • 41h 10m total
  • New Zealand to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 6% potential increase in price ($93 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($22 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in May 2025
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from New Zealand to Cairns.
Search Deals

Find flight deals from New Zealand to Cairns

Cheapest flights from New Zealand to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from New Zealand to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 1 May 2025.

Mon 2/607:05CHC - CNS
Nonstop5h 35mJetstar
Thu 5/622:55CNS - CHC
Nonstop4h 55mJetstar
Deal found 30/4$391
Sun 15/615:00WLG - CNS
1 stop20h 10mJetstar
Tue 24/622:55CNS - WLG
1 stop18h 05mJetstar
Deal found 30/4$600
Sat 14/606:40AKL - CNS
1 stop16h 15mJetstar
Tue 24/622:55CNS - AKL
1 stop8h 55mJetstar
Deal found 30/4$613
Fri 20/617:05AKL - CNS
1 stop8h 30mMultiple Airlines
Tue 24/622:55CNS - AKL
1 stop10h 05mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 30/4$628
Fri 6/607:05CHC - CNS
Nonstop5h 35mMultiple Airlines
Sun 15/606:00CNS - CHC
1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 30/4$674
Fri 6/613:55AKL - CNS
1 stop23h 30mFiji Airways
Sat 14/612:25CNS - AKL
1 stop8h 20mFiji Airways
Deal found 29/4$688
Sat 14/612:40ZQN - CNS
1 stop22h 30mJetstar
Sat 21/606:45CNS - ZQN
1 stop26h 25mJetstar
Deal found 30/4$689
Fri 20/612:20WLG - CNS
2 stops13h 15mMultiple Airlines
Thu 26/622:55CNS - WLG
1 stop8h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 30/4$750
Tue 24/607:10AKL - CNS
Nonstop5h 35mAir New Zealand
Thu 21/811:55CNS - AKL
Nonstop4h 40mAir New Zealand
Deal found 30/4$916
Sun 17/806:10CHC - CNS
1 stop13h 50mQantas Airways
Sun 24/809:20CNS - CHC
1 stop13h 00mQantas Airways
Deal found 30/4$921
Sun 24/813:15ZQN - CNS
1 stop24h 10mVirgin Australia
Sun 31/806:00CNS - ZQN
1 stop7h 40mVirgin Australia
Deal found 30/4$939
Mon 16/606:15AKL - CNS
1 stop18h 35mEmirates
Sat 21/609:20CNS - AKL
1 stop12h 35mEmirates
Deal found 30/4$958

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Customise your flight search to find flights from New Zealand to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 1 May 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from New Zealand to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

New Zealand

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Mon 2/6

07:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Thu 5/6

22:55-05:50

Nonstop4h 55m

$391

WellingtonCairns

WLG - CNS

WLGCNS

Wellington

Sun 15/6

15:00-09:10

1 stop20h 10m

Cairns

Tue 24/6

22:55-19:00

1 stop18h 05m

$600

AucklandCairns

AKL - CNS

AKLCNS

Auckland Intl

Sat 14/6

06:40-20:55

1 stop16h 15m

Cairns

Tue 24/6

22:55-09:50

1 stop8h 55m

$613

AucklandCairns

AKL - CNS

AKLCNS

Auckland Intl

Fri 20/6

17:05-23:35

1 stop8h 30m

Cairns

Tue 24/6

22:55-11:00

1 stop10h 05m

$628

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Fri 6/6

07:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Sun 15/6

06:00-00:45

1 stop16h 45m

$672

AucklandCairns

AKL - CNS

AKLCNS

Auckland Intl

Fri 6/6

13:55-11:25

1 stop23h 30m

Cairns

Sat 14/6

12:25-22:45

1 stop8h 20m

$688

QueenstownCairns

ZQN - CNS

ZQNCNS

Queenstown Intl

Sat 14/6

12:40-09:10

1 stop22h 30m

Cairns

Sat 21/6

06:45-11:10

1 stop26h 25m

$689

WellingtonCairns

WLG - CNS

WLGCNS

Wellington

Fri 20/6

12:20-23:35

2 stops13h 15m

Cairns

Thu 26/6

22:55-09:40

1 stop8h 45m

$750

AucklandCairns

AKL - CNS

AKLCNS

Auckland Intl

Tue 24/6

07:10-10:45

Nonstop5h 35m

Cairns

Thu 21/8

11:55-18:35

Nonstop4h 40m

$916

ChristchurchCairns

CHC - CNS

CHCCNS

Christchurch

Sun 17/8

06:10-18:00

1 stop13h 50m

Cairns

Sun 24/8

09:20-00:20

1 stop13h 00m

$921

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 28/4

Showing 1-10 of 29 results
1
2
3

Best time to book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from New Zealand with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from New Zealand to Cairns

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns?

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns (average of $166). Flying from New Zealand to Cairns in June is currently the most expensive (average of $243). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from NZ to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from New Zealand to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 1 May 2025.

When flying from New Zealand to Cairns, the time of day you decide to fly out makes little to no difference towards the overall price you’ll pay on tickets.

Rainfall in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Cairns ranges from 20.0 - 430.0 inches per month. March is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 430.0 mm. July is typically the driest time to visit Cairns when rainfall is around 20.0 mm.

Temperature in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average temperature totals by month.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Cairns, 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 27.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of June, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 21.0 C).

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. 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 Cairns. Reviews last updated 1 May 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with Fiji Airways, Emirates and Air New Zealand from New Zealand to Cairns have to say. 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.
Fiji Airways
8.1
Very Good
190 reviews
Check prices

Food

7.5

Overall

8.1

Boarding

8.2

Crew

8.5

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 15
6.0
Good

Anonymous,Dec 2024

NAN - LAX

Asked for water before dinner was served, didn’t get it. Dinner served but no drinks was asked or served with dinner. When asked if I wanted my seat made for bedtime, asked for water again. This time I got it. Filled the breakfast form but was still asked what I wanted. Comparing this experience with Fiji air flight from LA to Melbourne. Worse was missing my flight connection to Baltimore since Fiji air opted to wait for a passenger that couldn’t pass security. Instead of leaving at 9:40 pm, we left at 11. So spent overnight at a hotel for next day’s flight. Another expense!
Fiji Airways
8.1
Very Good
190 reviews
Fiji Airways
8.1
Very Good
190 reviews
Check prices

Food

7.5

Overall

8.1

Boarding

8.2

Crew

8.5

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 15
6.0
Good

Anonymous,Dec 2024

NAN - LAX

Asked for water before dinner was served, didn’t get it. Dinner served but no drinks was asked or served with dinner. When asked if I wanted my seat made for bedtime, asked for water again. This time I got it. Filled the breakfast form but was still asked what I wanted. Comparing this experience with Fiji air flight from LA to Melbourne. Worse was missing my flight connection to Baltimore since Fiji air opted to wait for a passenger that couldn’t pass security. Instead of leaving at 9:40 pm, we left at 11. So spent overnight at a hotel for next day’s flight. Another expense!
Emirates
8.0
Very Good
3,216 reviews
Fiji Airways
8.1
Very Good
190 reviews
Check prices

Food

7.5

Overall

8.1

Boarding

8.2

Crew

8.5

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 15
6.0
Good

Anonymous,Dec 2024

NAN - LAX

Asked for water before dinner was served, didn’t get it. Dinner served but no drinks was asked or served with dinner. When asked if I wanted my seat made for bedtime, asked for water again. This time I got it. Filled the breakfast form but was still asked what I wanted. Comparing this experience with Fiji air flight from LA to Melbourne. Worse was missing my flight connection to Baltimore since Fiji air opted to wait for a passenger that couldn’t pass security. Instead of leaving at 9:40 pm, we left at 11. So spent overnight at a hotel for next day’s flight. Another expense!
Air New Zealand
8.0
Very Good
472 reviews
Fiji Airways
8.1
Very Good
190 reviews
Check prices

Food

7.5

Overall

8.1

Boarding

8.2

Crew

8.5

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 15
6.0
Good

Anonymous,Dec 2024

NAN - LAX

Asked for water before dinner was served, didn’t get it. Dinner served but no drinks was asked or served with dinner. When asked if I wanted my seat made for bedtime, asked for water again. This time I got it. Filled the breakfast form but was still asked what I wanted. Comparing this experience with Fiji air flight from LA to Melbourne. Worse was missing my flight connection to Baltimore since Fiji air opted to wait for a passenger that couldn’t pass security. Instead of leaving at 9:40 pm, we left at 11. So spent overnight at a hotel for next day’s flight. Another expense!
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
829 reviews
Fiji Airways
8.1
Very Good
190 reviews
Check prices

Food

7.5

Overall

8.1

Boarding

8.2

Crew

8.5

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 15
6.0
Good

Anonymous,Dec 2024

NAN - LAX

Asked for water before dinner was served, didn’t get it. Dinner served but no drinks was asked or served with dinner. When asked if I wanted my seat made for bedtime, asked for water again. This time I got it. Filled the breakfast form but was still asked what I wanted. Comparing this experience with Fiji air flight from LA to Melbourne. Worse was missing my flight connection to Baltimore since Fiji air opted to wait for a passenger that couldn’t pass security. Instead of leaving at 9:40 pm, we left at 11. So spent overnight at a hotel for next day’s flight. Another expense!
Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
400 reviews
Fiji Airways
8.1
Very Good
190 reviews
Check prices

Food

7.5

Overall

8.1

Boarding

8.2

Crew

8.5

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 15
6.0
Good

Anonymous,Dec 2024

NAN - LAX

Asked for water before dinner was served, didn’t get it. Dinner served but no drinks was asked or served with dinner. When asked if I wanted my seat made for bedtime, asked for water again. This time I got it. Filled the breakfast form but was still asked what I wanted. Comparing this experience with Fiji air flight from LA to Melbourne. Worse was missing my flight connection to Baltimore since Fiji air opted to wait for a passenger that couldn’t pass security. Instead of leaving at 9:40 pm, we left at 11. So spent overnight at a hotel for next day’s flight. Another expense!

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from New Zealand to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from New Zealand?

    Cairns (CNS) is the airport you will fly into if you book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns. It is only a 4.4 km journey from Cairns (CNS) to Cairns’s city centre.

  • How popular is this New Zealand to Cairns flight route?

    Flights from New Zealand to Cairns have been viewed 7 times in the past calendar month.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from New Zealand to Cairns one-way?

    One-way options have recently been found by users for as low as $286 on Jetstar. Other airlines that offer cheap prices include Air New Zealand from $427 and Qantas Airways from $466 one-way.

  • What are the most popular routes from New Zealand to Cairns?

    Most travellers choose Auckland Intl - Cairns, Christchurch - Cairns or Wellington - Cairns when deciding on the best route from New Zealand to Cairns.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from New Zealand to Cairns?

    The top 3 most reliable airlines when flying from New Zealand to Cairns are Virgin Australia (100%), Air New Zealand (100%) and Singapore Airlines (100%).

  • Can I find deals for flights from New Zealand to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on New Zealand to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from New Zealand to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from New Zealand to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from New Zealand to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from New Zealand to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns?

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from New Zealand to Cairns (average of $166). Flying from New Zealand to Cairns in June is currently the most expensive (average of $243). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Travelling to a place near New Zealand?

Book flights to New Zealand if you plan to visit one of these locations
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Top 2 airlines flying from New Zealand to Cairns

Discover the top 2 airlines that operate flights from New Zealand to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 1 May 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$300Average$632FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$879Average$1,120FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from New Zealand to Cairns?

Deals for New Zealand to Cairns flights are sourced from 900+ travel sites when you use Cheapflights. When all flight results come back, Cheapflights lets you sort and filter flights using different criteria to choose better, like price, airport, cabin class, and plenty of other options.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from New Zealand to Cairns?

Cheapflights helps you find that perfect flight to Cairns from New Zealand by searching from hundreds of airlines and agencies you know and love. We are also free to use, in case you were wondering!

Can Cheapflights find flights from New Zealand to Cairns with no change fees?

Yes! Cheapflights helps users easily find flights from New Zealand to Cairns with no change fees.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from New Zealand to Cairns become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on New Zealand to Cairns flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.

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