When is the best time to fly to Queenstown?
Peak season
Located in New Zealand's South Island, the resort town of Queenstown nestles on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. This is a popular holiday destination with travellers from all over the world seeking cheap flights to Queenstown. Queenstown is not only incredibly photogenic with its serene lakes and snow-capped mountains, it’s a hot spot for thrill seekers offering adventure sports such as bungy jumping, jet boating, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, paragliding and more. Referred to as ‘a skiers paradise in winter and a hiker’s heaven in summer’, these two seasons are the busiest for booking flights to Queenstown. From June to October is ski season, and the annual Winter Festival takes place at the end of June attracting around 45,000 people and running over 10 days. If you’re planning on attending the festival it is advised to book flights to Queenstown and accommodation well in advance. December to March is the warmest time of the year in Queenstown and when New Zealanders typically take their annual holidays. Walking and hiking is a popular activity at this time of year when the trails are clear of snow and there are longer daylight hours.
Off Season
Queenstown doesn’t really have an off season, it’s a popular place to visit all year round, however, some times of year are less busy than others. From March to May you may be able to find the cheapest flights to Queenstown. This time of year there are still plenty of activities, both indoor and outdoor, to be had but fewer tourists around.
When is the best time to book a flight to Queenstown?
There really is no bad time to book a flight to Queenstown as it is a four season tourist destination. You should easily be able to find flights to Queenstown throughout the year, whether you’re seeking an adrenalin rush or relaxation at a winery or day spa. If skiing and snowboarding is on the agenda, then book a flight to Queenstown in July or August to access four ski fields: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone - with over 200 bars and eateries in the town, the après-ski is first-rate. If you want less people, to see snow on the mountains and flowers in bloom, then spring is a good time to book a flight to Queenstown.
How long is the flight to Queenstown?
Flights from Sydney to Queenstown – 3 hrs
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown – 3 hrs 20 mins
Flights from Brisbane to Queenstown - 3 hrs 25 mins
Flights from Perth to Queenstown – 9 hrs 35 mins
Which airlines operate flights to Queenstown?
Air New Zealand operates direct flights to Queenstown from Sydney, Melbourne and a seasonal flight from Brisbane. Jetstar has direct flights to Queenstown from Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast. Brisbanites can fly direct to Queenstown with Virgin Australia a couple of times a week or indirectly via stopovers Sydney, Wellington or Auckland. Qantas operates seasonal flights from Brisbane, and year round flights from Sydney and Melbourne.
How to get from the airport to the city centre?
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is considered to have one of the most scenic approaches in the world, for the best views of the Southern Alps sit on the left side of the plane from Auckland to Queenstown, and on the right from Queenstown to Sydney. Once you land you’ll be approximately 10 km (20 minutes drive) from the town centre. Queenstown Airport has good public transport connections from early morning until late at night. Airport shuttles and taxis are available outside the terminal and will take you directly to your accommodation. The Connectabus is a public bus service that leaves every 15 minutes from the airport and services many of the major hotels in the town; a one way ticket costs NZ$12.