How popular is this Cairns to South Island flight route?

Flights from Cairns to South Island have been viewed 116 times in the past calendar month. Find deals

How long is the flight from Cairns to South Island?

Jetstar and Virgin Australia can get you from Cairns to South Island in just under 4h 55m. Your travel time can differ by up to 2h 45m. The distance from Cairns to South Island is about 3883 km. When browsing for deals, the options you’ll see will be for both direct flights and flights with stops. Find deals

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in South Island ranges from 40.0 - 60.0 inches per month. May is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 60.0 mm. February is typically the driest time to visit South Island when rainfall is around 40.0 mm. Find deals

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).

What are the cheapest flights from Cairns to South Island?

On average you can expect to pay $408 for a flight from Cairns to South Island. The cheapest flight overall is $225 while the most popular route, (Cairns - Christchurch) is currently priced at $403.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Cairns to South Island?

August can be a great time to fly to South Island from Cairns with a flight ticket averaging about $637. Cheapflights users have found deals in the month of August for as cheap as $415. The most expensive prices can be found in the month of November.

What airport do you fly from for flights from Cairns to South Island?

Most people fly from Cairns (CNS) if they book a flight from Cairns to South Island. Cairns is conveniently located just 4.4 km from Cairns’s city centre.

Can I find deals for flights from Cairns to South Island that include hotel bookings?

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

How can I find direct flights from Cairns to South Island?

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

Can I find deals for business class flights from Cairns to South Island?

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

$250+ Cheap Flights from Cairns to South Island

Cheap flight deals from Cairns to South Island

Round-trip from	$404
One-way from	$250
Popular in	November
Cheapest in	August
Average price	$567

Jetstar
20/11-26/11
Nonstop
10h 30m total
Cairns to South Island

Search Deals

Jetstar
23/11
Nonstop
4h 55m total
Cairns to South Island

Search Deals

Highest demand for flights based on searches. 14% potential increase in price ($155 potential increase over avg. return price).

Search Deals

Cheapest flight prices on average. 6% potential price decrease ($58 potential savings vs. average return price).

Search Deals

Average for round-trip flights in September 2025

Search Deals

Find flight deals from Cairns to South Island

Cheapest flights from Cairns to South Island
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Cairns to South Island. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 14 September 2025.

Thu 20/1107:15CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Wed 26/1108:20CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$404

Thu 9/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Wed 15/1008:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$445

Sun 16/1107:15CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Thu 20/1109:15CHC - CNS

1 stop15h 50mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$522

Mon 10/1106:00CNS - CHC

2 stops31h 45mJetstar

Fri 14/1108:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$568

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Tue 4/1120:35CHC - CNS

2 stops27h 25mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$585

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - ZQN

1 stop12h 05mMultiple Airlines

Tue 4/1113:35ZQN - CNS

1 stop22h 30mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 13/9$607

Wed 29/1006:00CNS - CHC

2 stops31h 45mJetstar

Wed 5/1108:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$637

Wed 29/1006:00CNS - ZQN

1 stop7h 40mVirgin Australia

Wed 5/1117:30ZQN - CNS

1 stop8h 35mVirgin Australia

Deal found 14/9$759

Tue 28/1006:00CNS - ZQN

1 stop7h 40mVirgin Australia

Tue 4/1115:05ZQN - CNS

2 stops11h 00mVirgin Australia

Deal found 13/9$788

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - ZQN

2 stops14h 55mJetstar

Tue 4/1117:30ZQN - CNS

2 stops30h 30mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$920

Wed 29/1015:50CNS - ZQN

2 stops17h 55mMultiple Airlines

Wed 5/1112:10ZQN - CNS

2 stops12h 55mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 14/9$1,123

Best flights from Cairns to South Island
Discover carefully curated flight deals from Cairns to South Island that have cost, travel time, and stopovers in mind to ensure you get the best travel experience. Data last updated 14 September 2025.

Thu 20/1107:15CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Wed 26/1108:20CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$404

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - ZQN

1 stop12h 05mMultiple Airlines

Tue 4/1113:35ZQN - CNS

1 stop22h 30mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 13/9$639

Wed 29/1006:00CNS - ZQN

1 stop7h 40mVirgin Australia

Wed 5/1117:30ZQN - CNS

1 stop8h 35mVirgin Australia

Deal found 14/9$759

Sun 16/1107:15CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Thu 20/1109:15CHC - CNS

1 stop15h 50mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$522

Thu 9/1019:25CNS - CHC

1 stop25h 45mJetstar

Wed 15/1008:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$573

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mMultiple Airlines

Tue 4/1106:45CHC - CNS

3 stops13h 45mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 13/9$675

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Tue 4/1120:35CHC - CNS

2 stops27h 25mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$585

Tue 28/1006:00CNS - ZQN

1 stop7h 40mVirgin Australia

Tue 4/1115:05ZQN - CNS

2 stops11h 00mVirgin Australia

Deal found 13/9$788

Mon 10/1109:45CNS - CHC

1 stop11h 20mJetstar

Fri 14/1108:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$606

Thu 22/107:15CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Mon 2/208:20CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$630

Wed 29/1015:50CNS - ZQN

2 stops17h 55mMultiple Airlines

Wed 5/1112:10ZQN - CNS

2 stops12h 55mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 14/9$1,123

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - ZQN

2 stops14h 55mJetstar

Tue 4/1117:30ZQN - CNS

2 stops30h 30mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$920

Direct flights from Cairns to South Island
Explore direct flight options from Cairns to South Island based on user searches, and compare prices and availability for your desired travel dates. Data last updated 14 September 2025.

Thu 20/1107:15CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Wed 26/1108:20CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$404

Thu 9/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Wed 15/1008:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$445

Last-minute flights from Cairns to South Island
Discover last-minute flight deals from Cairns to South Island. Data last updated 14 September 2025 and is based on user searches.

Thu 9/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Wed 15/1008:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$445

Thu 9/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mMultiple Airlines

Wed 15/1012:10CHC - CNS

2 stops24h 00mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 14/9$646

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Tue 4/1120:35CHC - CNS

2 stops27h 25mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$585

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - ZQN

1 stop12h 05mMultiple Airlines

Tue 4/1113:35ZQN - CNS

1 stop22h 30mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 13/9$607

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mMultiple Airlines

Tue 4/1106:45CHC - CNS

3 stops13h 45mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 13/9$675

Tue 28/1006:00CNS - ZQN

1 stop7h 40mVirgin Australia

Tue 4/1115:05ZQN - CNS

2 stops11h 00mVirgin Australia

Deal found 13/9$788

Tue 28/1022:55CNS - ZQN

2 stops14h 55mJetstar

Tue 4/1117:30ZQN - CNS

2 stops30h 30mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$920

Wed 29/1006:00CNS - CHC

2 stops31h 45mJetstar

Wed 5/1108:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$637

Wed 29/1023:55CNS - CHC

1 stop14h 25mMultiple Airlines

Wed 5/1108:05CHC - CNS

Nonstop5h 35mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 14/9$654

Wed 29/1006:00CNS - ZQN

1 stop7h 40mVirgin Australia

Wed 5/1117:30ZQN - CNS

1 stop8h 35mVirgin Australia

Deal found 14/9$759

Wed 29/1015:50CNS - ZQN

2 stops17h 55mMultiple Airlines

Wed 5/1112:10ZQN - CNS

2 stops12h 55mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 14/9$1,123

One-way flights from Cairns to South Island
Search for one-way flight options from Cairns to South Island. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Data last updated 14 September 2025.

Sun 23/1107:15CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$250

Sun 30/1107:15CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$269

Tue 21/1022:55CNS - CHC

Nonstop4h 55mJetstar

Deal found 14/9$379

Mon 1/1217:35CNS - ZQN

1 stop17h 40mVirgin Australia

Deal found 14/9$409

Wed 15/1015:35CNS - CHC

2 stops23h 00mJetstar

Deal found 13/9$409

Sun 30/1123:55CNS - ZQN

1 stop10h 15mVirgin Australia

Deal found 14/9$427

Wed 15/1015:35CNS - CHC

3 stops17h 45mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 13/9$505

Sun 23/1107:45CNS - CHC

1 stop13h 25mQantas Airways

Deal found 14/9$511

Wed 26/1111:35CNS - CHC

1 stop9h 35mEmirates

Deal found 13/9$540

Mon 1/1206:00CNS - ZQN

3 stops23h 20mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 14/9$541

Tue 21/1007:00CNS - CHC

1 stop14h 10mQantas Airways

Deal found 13/9$541

Sun 30/1106:00CNS - ZQN

3 stops24h 40mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 14/9$645

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Cairns to South Island that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 20/11

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Wed 26/11

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

$404

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Sun 16/11

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Thu 20/11

09:15-22:05

1 stop15h 50m

$522

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 9/10

19:25-00:10

1 stop25h 45m

Christchurch

Wed 15/10

08:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

$573

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Tue 28/10

22:55-06:50

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Tue 4/11

20:35-21:00

2 stops27h 25m

$585

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Mon 10/11

09:45-00:05

1 stop11h 20m

Christchurch

Fri 14/11

08:05-10:40

Nonstop5h 35m

$606

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Thu 22/1

07:15-15:10

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Mon 2/2

08:20-10:55

Nonstop5h 35m

$630

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Tue 28/10

22:55-14:00

1 stop12h 05m

Queenstown Intl

Tue 4/11

13:35-09:05

1 stop22h 30m

$639

CairnsChristchurch

CNS - CHC

CNSCHC

Cairns

Tue 28/10

22:55-06:50

Nonstop4h 55m

Christchurch

Tue 4/11

06:45-17:30

3 stops13h 45m

$675

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Wed 29/10

06:00-16:40

1 stop7h 40m

Queenstown Intl

Wed 5/11

17:30-23:05

1 stop8h 35m

$759

CairnsQueenstown

CNS - ZQN

CNSZQN

Cairns

Tue 28/10

06:00-16:40

1 stop7h 40m

Queenstown Intl

Tue 4/11

15:05-23:05

2 stops11h 00m

$788

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 14/9

Showing 1-10 of 29 results

Best time to book a flight from Cairns to South Island

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to South Island from Cairns 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 Cairns to South Island

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Cairns to South Island?

Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to South Island (average of $346). Flying from Cairns to South Island in December is currently the most expensive (average of $480). 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 CNS to EDG?

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

Reviews of airlines servicing South Island

See what other customers who have flown with Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, andJetstar from Cairns to South Island have to say. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

Virgin Australia

7.6

Good

416 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

6.0

Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.

Virgin Australia

7.6

Good

416 reviews

Virgin Australia

7.6

Good

416 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

6.0

Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.

Qantas Airways

7.5

Good

905 reviews

Virgin Australia

7.6

Good

416 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

6.0

Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.

Jetstar

6.5

Okay

474 reviews

Virgin Australia

7.6

Good

416 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

6.0

Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.

Related info for your journey

What airport do you fly from for flights from Cairns to South Island?
Most people fly from Cairns (CNS) if they book a flight from Cairns to South Island. Cairns is conveniently located just 4.4 km from Cairns’s city centre.
How popular is this Cairns to South Island flight route?
Flights from Cairns to South Island have been viewed 116 times in the past calendar month.
How long is the flight from Cairns to South Island?
Jetstar and Virgin Australia can get you from Cairns to South Island in just under 4h 55m. Your travel time can differ by up to 2h 45m. The distance from Cairns to South Island is about 3883 km. When browsing for deals, the options you’ll see will be for both direct flights and flights with stops.
What are the cheapest flights from Cairns to South Island?
On average you can expect to pay $408 for a flight from Cairns to South Island. The cheapest flight overall is $225 while the most popular route, (Cairns - Christchurch) is currently priced at $403.
Can I find deals for flights from Cairns to South Island that include hotel bookings?
Yes. In addition to deals on Cairns to South Island flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.
How can I find direct flights from Cairns to South Island?
After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Cairns to South Island.
Can I find deals for business class flights from Cairns to South Island?
Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Cairns to South Island 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 Cairns to South Island?
Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to South Island (average of $346). Flying from Cairns to South Island in December is currently the most expensive (average of $480). 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

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Alternative routes for Cairns to South Island

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Complete your trip

South Island car hire

Auckland Intl Airport car hire

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Wellington Airport car hire

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Kerikeri Airport car hire

Top 3 airlines flying from Cairns to South Island

Airline	Cheapest	Average	Flexibility	On-time
Jetstar	Cheapest$350	Average$534	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time74%	Search Jetstar flights
Qantas Airways	Cheapest$596	Average$1,051	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time74%	Search Qantas Airways flights
Virgin Australia	Cheapest$609	Average$834	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time80%	Search Virgin Australia flights

Fly with Cheapflights

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Cairns to South Island?

Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Cairns to South Island. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Cairns to South Island?

Cheapflights simply makes it quick and affordable to book flights from Cairns to South Island by bringing together all flight options from hundreds of airlines and agencies online — and put it in one place for you to choose from. Plus, Cheapflights is 100% free to use for all.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Cairns to South Island with no change fees?

Yes, we can. To see specific flights from Cairns to South Island with no change fees, users can toggle flexible booking options after using the search form above to find flights.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Cairns to South Island become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights has a feature called Price Alert, which notifies users when flight prices change. Track prices for your flight to South Island from Cairns today and book when prices fit your budget.

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Cheap flights from Cairns to South Island from $250

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 23/11. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.

Cheap flight deals from Cairns to South Island

Keep the following information in mind while searching for Cairns to South Island flight deals. Data was last updated 14 September 2025.

Round-trip from

One-way from

Popular in

Cheapest in

Average price

Find flight deals from Cairns to South Island

Cheapest flights from Cairns to South IslandExplore the most affordable flight options available from Cairns to South Island. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 14 September 2025.

Explore the most affordable flight options available from Cairns to South Island. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 14 September 2025.

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Cairns to South Island that are best for you.

Best time to book a flight from Cairns to South Island

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to South Island from Cairns with our price prediction graph.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Cairns to South Island

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Cairns to South Island?

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

Find hourly flight availability from Cairns to South Island. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 14 September 2025.

Reviews of airlines servicing South Island

See what other customers who have flown with Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, andJetstar from Cairns to South Island have to say. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Cairns to South Island. 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 from for flights from Cairns to South Island?

How popular is this Cairns to South Island flight route?

How long is the flight from Cairns to South Island?

What are the cheapest flights from Cairns to South Island?

Can I find deals for flights from Cairns to South Island that include hotel bookings?

How can I find direct flights from Cairns to South Island?

Can I find deals for business class flights from Cairns to South Island?

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Cairns to South Island?

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on Cheapflights for your next trip.

Alternative routes for Cairns to South Island

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.

Top 3 airlines flying from Cairns to South Island

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 Cairns to South Island?

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Cairns to South Island?

Can Cheapflights find flights from Cairns to South Island with no change fees?

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Cairns to South Island become cheaper?

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Cheapest flights from Cairns to South Island
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Cairns to South Island. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 14 September 2025.