Cheap flights from Queenstown to Cairns - Compare the best flight deals

Prices shown below were available within the past 3 days for the period specified and should not be considered the final price offered. Please note that availability and prices are subject to change.

Cheapest time to fly from Queenstown to Cairns

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week: 23 Jun - 29 Jun

Flights from just $529

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Currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket

20%Trains are 20% more expensive in Cairns than in Queenstown.

Queenstown$4.50

Cairns$5.40

MealMid-priced restaurant

22%A meal in Cairns is 22% cheaper than a meal in Queenstown.

Queenstown$25.00

Cairns$19.42

TaxiStandard daytime start rate

130%Taxis are 130% more expensive in Cairns than in Queenstown.

Queenstown$4.70

Cairns$10.79

CoffeeRegular cappuccino

13%Coffee is 13% more expensive in Cairns than in Queenstown.

Queenstown$5.65

Cairns$6.38

Exchange rate

1 NZD = 0.93 AUD

1 AUD = 1.08 NZD

Last checked on Wed, 18/06

Distance: 3783 kms

Queenstown airports

Queenstown Airport (limited) (ZQN)How far from city centre: 8 kms

Cairns airports

Cairns International Airport (CNS)How far from city centre: 5 kms

Comprehensive Guide to Flights from Queenstown to Cairns

Planning a trip from Queenstown, New Zealand, to Cairns, Australia? Cairns, nestled in Tropical North Queensland, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Its iconic landmarks, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, are major draws for travellers worldwide. The city itself boasts a vibrant atmosphere, with a diverse range of activities and attractions for all tastes. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventurous soul, or a culture buff, Cairns has something to offer you. The fastest way to reach this captivating destination is by air.

Flights from Queenstown to Cairns are typically direct, with an average flight duration of approximately 3.5 hours. However, flight times may fluctuate slightly based on weather conditions and the specific aircraft used. At least two major airlines, such as Air New Zealand and Qantas, frequently offer direct routes, operating multiple flights daily or weekly, depending on the season. It’s rare to need a stopover on this route, making it particularly convenient for travellers.

Although direct flights are common, there is always the possibility of alternative flight paths involving stopover cities. Layover hubs could be in cities such as Brisbane or Sydney, potentially extending overall travel time, so when booking your flight, be sure to check for those options as well. The ideal months for budget travellers to fly are generally during the off-peak seasons – January, February and March being the cheapest months to book a flight. The best time to book your flight is typically 2-3 months prior to your intended departure date. Seasonal airfare trends usually indicate higher prices during peak periods – such as school holidays and the holiday season (December to February) – due to the high demand. The destination is busiest during the dry season (May to October) due to the favourable weather, while the wet season (November to April) tends to be a quieter time, however rain showers are to be expected. Ultimately, planning your trip around these seasonal factors will help you to secure the best deals.

Best time to fly to Cairns

Cairns enjoys a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season (May to October) boasts warm temperatures averaging 17.5–26°C, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Summer (November to April) is hot and humid, with temperatures between 23.6–31.4°C and significant rainfall. Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are transition seasons with moderate temperatures and rainfall.

Queenstown airports

Queenstown has one main airport that serves commercial flights: Queenstown Airport (ZQN).

Queenstown Airport (ZQN)

Queenstown Airport is a small but modern airport serving both domestic and international flights. It's known for its stunning mountain views and efficient operations. It was opened in 1960 and has recently undergone renovations to improve its facilities.

Main airlines for this route

Air New Zealand
Qantas
Jetstar

Cairns airports

Cairns has one major airport that handles both domestic and international flights: Cairns Airport (CNS).

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Cairns Airport is a significant international airport, serving as a major hub for Tropical North Queensland. Opened in 1943, it has two passenger terminals, handling many domestic and international destinations. The airport is located 7 km from Cairns’ city centre.

To reach the city centre from Cairns Airport, you can use public transport, such as the Excellence coaches, which provide shuttle bus services. Taxis and ride-booking services are also readily available at both terminals. Car rentals are also an option, with rental booths conveniently located in the arrival halls.

What to do and see in Cairns

Cairns is a fantastic destination for travellers seeking a blend of city exploration and natural adventures. The city itself offers a great range of things to do and see, and also serves as an excellent base for exploring the region’s many natural attractions.

Great Barrier Reef trip: Explore the world's largest coral reef system through diving, snorkelling, or glass-bottom boat tours.
Daintree Rainforest visit: Discover the oldest rainforest in the world, home to unique flora and fauna, through guided walks or cruises.
Kuranda Scenic Railway ride: Enjoy a scenic train journey through lush rainforests to the charming village of Kuranda.

Frequently asked questions about flights from Queenstown to Cairns

Is it safe to travel from Queenstown to Cairns during the Covid-19 situation?

At eDreams we do our best to ensure that your travel plans won't be affected by restrictions or possible cancellations that Australia may apply. Using the flexible ticket gurantee you can decide if you rather rebook or get a refund!

For flights from Queenstown to Cairns, how can I find the cheapest price?

The cheapest price for a flight from Queenstown to Cairns is 350$. At eDreams we use different machine learned based methodologies to find our costumers the best option available, considering airline combinations, stopovers and direct flights as well as different criteria for inbound and outbound journeys.

Is Cairns more expensive than Queenstown to visit?

Looking at cab fares, a ride in Cairns costs about $ 10.79 NZD, 130% more expensive than Queenstown, with a fare of $ 4.70 NZD,

while train tickets cost 20% more at Cairns: $ 5.40 NZD versus $ 4.50 NZD at Queenstown.

Comparing the price of a meal, they range from 19.42 NZD euros in Cairns, 22% less than the 25.00 NZD euros in Queenstown.

The price of the coffee is around 13% more expensive in Cairns, with an average of 6.38 NZD , while in Queenstown the coffee costs 5.65 NZD.

How long does the flight from Queenstown to Cairns take?

Flight length from Queenstown to Cairns is around 06:06 hours on average, at an average distance of 3,821 km, for flights for the route (which may have 1 or more stops in other cities in between).

Which airports have flights between Queenstown and Cairns?

The main route from Queenstown to Cairns is: Queenstown Airport (limited) (ZQN) to Cairns International Airport (CNS). The following airlines fly this route:

Virgin Australia.

Air New Zealand.

Plan your trip

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