Planning a trip from Nelson, New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia? Melbourne is a vibrant city boasting a rich blend of cultural attractions, historical landmarks, and natural beauty. It's renowned for its iconic street art, historic laneways, and stunning parks. Its diverse culinary scene, thriving arts community and unique sporting culture draws visitors from across the globe. You can easily reach Melbourne by air. The average direct flight duration from Nelson to Melbourne is approximately 3 hours. However, this can vary depending on weather conditions, air traffic and the specific aircraft used. Several airlines offer frequent direct flights, including Air New Zealand and Qantas. Flights operate daily. While direct flights are typical, there aren't typically any stopover cities required for this route. For the cheapest airfare, the ideal months to fly are typically during the off-season (June-August) and booking well in advance. However, the best time to secure cost-effective flights is generally 2-3 months before your departure date. Peak travel months are December to February, coinciding with the summer holiday season in both countries, which means that finding the cheapest flights will be harder during these months. In contrast, the quietest months are during the winter months in June-August.

Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate, experiencing distinct seasons. Summers (December-February) are warm, with average temperatures ranging from 15-30°C, ideal for outdoor activities. Winters (June-August) are relatively mild, ranging from 5-15°C with occasional rainfall. Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures and sunshine with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. The weather is known to change quickly in Melbourne.

Nelson has one currently operating airport that serves commercial flights: Nelson Airport.

Nelson Airport

Nelson Airport is a small, modern airport serving domestic flights. It's known for its friendly atmosphere and efficient service.

Main airlines for this route

• Air New Zealand
• Qantas
• Jetstar

Melbourne has several airports currently in operation serving commercial flights. The most important ones are Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport.

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport is a major international airport, one of the busiest in Australia. It's modern, spacious, and well-equipped with various amenities. To reach the city centre, you have several convenient options: take the SkyBus, a direct coach service to Southern Cross Station; a taxi readily available outside the terminal; or hire a car.

Avalon Airport

Avalon Airport is a smaller airport mostly focusing on domestic and low-cost flights. It is located further from the city centre compared to Melbourne Airport. Reaching the city centre from Avalon Airport usually requires pre-booking a shuttle bus or taking a taxi.

Melbourne offers a vast array of activities and attractions for every type of traveller.

• Explore the laneways: Discover Melbourne's hidden gems by wandering through the city's network of fascinating laneways filled with street art, cafes and boutiques.
• Visit Federation Square: Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Federation Square, a central hub for events, exhibitions and performances.
• Take a stroll along St Kilda Beach: Relax by the coast and enjoy the scenery at St Kilda Beach.