Cairns (CNS) → Queenstown (ZQN)

3,791 km
5h 14m flight
From $550
Queenstown destination photo

About Cairns to Queenstown Flights

Discover the best flights from Cairns to Queenstown, covering 3,791 km in approximately 5h 14m. Cairns (CNS) to Queenstown (ZQN) is one of the popular medium-haul routes connecting Australia and New Zealand. With 7 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from Cairns to Queenstown.

12-Month Price History

Flight prices from Cairns to Queenstown vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $781, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $1322. Savvy travelers can save up to 41% by choosing their travel dates wisely.

Best Time to Fly

Cheapest Month

February

Save up to 40% on average

Most Expensive

July

Peak season pricing

Book in Advance

60 days

For best prices

Booking Tips

For the best prices on Cairns to Queenstown flights, we recommend booking 179 days in advance. International flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.

Airlines Serving This Route

United Airlines

UA

Economy

$1200

Business

$5470

First

$6440

Air France

AF

Economy

$1310

Business

$4770

First

$8560

British Airways

BA

Economy

$1390

Business

$5180

First

$9410

American Airlines

AA

Economy

$1430

Business

$5370

First

$7180

Emirates

EK

Economy

$1480

Business

$5520

First

$11770

Delta Air Lines

DL

Economy

$1500

Business

$4800

First

$8320

Lufthansa

LH

Economy

$1640

Business

$5880

First

$8150

Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from Cairns to Queenstown?

The flight time from Cairns (CNS) to Queenstown (ZQN) is approximately 5 hours and 14 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.

What is the distance between Cairns and Queenstown?

The aerial distance between Cairns and Queenstown is 3,791 kilometers (2,356 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.

Which airlines fly from Cairns to Queenstown?

Several airlines operate flights between Cairns and Queenstown, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and 4 more airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Cairns to Queenstown?

Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Cairns to Queenstown. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.

How far in advance should I book my flight to Queenstown?

For the best prices on Cairns to Queenstown flights, we recommend booking 122 days in advance. International flights generally require earlier booking than domestic routes.

Do I need a visa to travel from Cairns to Queenstown?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of Australia traveling to New Zealand should check the latest visa requirements. Visit our partner site visarequirements.io for detailed visa information.

What is the time difference between Cairns and Queenstown?

Cairns operates on Australia/Brisbane time zone, while Queenstown is in the Pacific/Auckland time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.