Queenstown (ZQN) → Cairns (CNS)
About Queenstown to Cairns Flights
Discover the best flights from Queenstown to Cairns, covering 3,791 km in approximately 5h 14m. Queenstown (ZQN) to Cairns (CNS) is one of the popular medium-haul routes connecting New Zealand and Australia. 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 Queenstown to Cairns.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Queenstown to Cairns vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $781, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $1311. Savvy travelers can save up to 40% 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
175 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Queenstown to Cairns flights, we recommend booking 120 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
| Airline | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
Air France AF | $980 | $3700 | $6980 |
United Airlines UA | $1050 | $3860 | $4950 |
Delta Air Lines DL | $1050 | $3530 | $6120 |
American Airlines AA | $1130 | $3940 | $5100 |
Lufthansa LH | $1160 | $4260 | $5770 |
British Airways BA | $1180 | $4310 | $6160 |
Emirates EK | $1340 | $4140 | $7110 |
Air France
AF
Economy
$980
Business
$3700
First
$6980
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$1050
Business
$3860
First
$4950
Delta Air Lines
DL
Economy
$1050
Business
$3530
First
$6120
American Airlines
AA
Economy
$1130
Business
$3940
First
$5100
Lufthansa
LH
Economy
$1160
Business
$4260
First
$5770
British Airways
BA
Economy
$1180
Business
$4310
First
$6160
Emirates
EK
Economy
$1340
Business
$4140
First
$7110
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 Queenstown to Cairns?
The flight time from Queenstown (ZQN) to Cairns (CNS) 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 Queenstown and Cairns?
The aerial distance between Queenstown and Cairns is 3,791 kilometers (2,356 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Queenstown to Cairns?
Several airlines operate flights between Queenstown and Cairns, 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 Queenstown to Cairns?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Queenstown to Cairns. 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 Cairns?
For the best prices on Queenstown to Cairns flights, we recommend booking 154 days in advance. International flights generally require earlier booking than domestic routes.
Do I need a visa to travel from Queenstown to Cairns?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of New Zealand traveling to Australia should check the latest visa requirements. Visit our partner site visarequirements.io for detailed visa information.
What is the time difference between Queenstown and Cairns?
Queenstown operates on Pacific/Auckland time zone, while Cairns is in the Australia/Brisbane time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.