NZD/NZ
Find cheap flights to Cairns in 2026/2027 from $461 This is the cheapest return flight found to Cairns from New Zealand on FlightsFinder on January 30th 2026 at 03:27. This offer may no longer be available. Click the offer to check live prices & dates of travel.
Our Flight Finder compares the cheapest flights to Cairns from the most established flight comparison sites.
Fly to Cairns and visit sites like Cairns Aquarium, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon & Cairns Botanic Gardens.
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These economy flights were found on FlightsFinder from New Zealand to Cairns in the last few days. Prices subject to availability.
These economy flights were found on FlightsFinder from New Zealand to Cairns in the last few days. Prices subject to availability.
According to our data, August is on average the cheapest time to book flights to Cairns.
You can get flights from $461 return.
According to our data, January is on average the most expensive time to book flights to Cairns.
A return flight could set you back more than $799.
Nestled along the stunning coastline of Far North Queensland, Cairns beckons travelers with its tropical allure and vibrant atmosphere. Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, this bustling city is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. With its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and dynamic culture, Cairns offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. From exploring the underwater wonders of the reef to immersing oneself in the rich Indigenous heritage of the region, visitors are sure to be captivated by the beauty and charm of Cairns from the moment they arrive.
A good price for a flight to Cairns is $415 - $507.
The popular airports near Cairns are Cairns Airport (CNS), Townsville Airport (TSV), and Mackay Airport (MKY).
The flight to Cairns (CNS) is roughly 5 hours 29 minutes and 2,249 miles (3,619 kilometres) from Auckland, New Zealand - Auckland International Airport (AKL).
The best way is to compare flights to Cairns from leading comparison sites using our search engine dashboard.
Yes, there are direct flights to Cairns.
Here is the average weather forecast in Cairns by month:
• Jan: 32°C
• Feb: 32°C
• Mar: 31°C
• Apr: 30°C
• May: 28°C
• Jun: 27°C
• Jul: 26°C
• Aug: 27°C
• Sep: 29°C
• Oct: 30°C
• Nov: 31°C
• Dec: 32°C
The main airport in Cairns is approximately 7 kilometers from the city centre.
Typically, flights are cheapest to Cairns 2 months before departure.
Studies show flights to Cairns are typically cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
27 °C
Fri, 30 Jan 2026
Average Temperature
32°C
Jan
32°C
Feb
31°C
Mar
30°C
Apr
28°C
May
27°C
Jun
26°C
Jul
27°C
Aug
29°C
Sep
30°C
Oct
31°C
Nov
32°C
Dec
Auckland, New Zealand - Auckland International Airport (AKL) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,249 miles (3,619 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 29 minutes)
Christchurch, New Zealand - Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,415 miles (3,886 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 51 minutes)
Wellington, New Zealand - Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,413 miles (3,883 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 51 minutes)
Queenstown, New Zealand - Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,356 miles (3,791 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 44 minutes)
Dunedin, New Zealand - Dunedin International Airport (DUD) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,449 miles (3,942 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 56 minutes)
Taupo, New Zealand - Taupo Airport (TUO) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,371 miles (3,815 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 46 minutes)
Gisborne, New Zealand - Gisborne Airport (GIS) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,457 miles (3,954 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 57 minutes)
Hokitika, New Zealand - Hokitika Airport (HKK) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,321 miles (3,735 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 39 minutes)
Hamilton, New Zealand - Hamilton International Airport (HLZ) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,305 miles (3,709 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 37 minutes)
Kerikeri, New Zealand - Bay of Islands Airport (KKE) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,147 miles (3,455 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 16 minutes)
Kaitaia, New Zealand - Kaitaia Airport (KAT) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,109 miles (3,395 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 11 minutes)
New Plymouth, New Zealand - New Plymouth Airport (NPL) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,294 miles (3,692 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 35 minutes)
Napier/Hastings, New Zealand - Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,433 miles (3,915 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 54 minutes)
Nelson, New Zealand - Nelson Airport (NSN) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,345 miles (3,775 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 42 minutes)
Invercargill, New Zealand - Invercargill Airport (IVC) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,415 miles (3,886 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 51 minutes)
Palmerston North, New Zealand - Palmerston North Airport (PMR) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,408 miles (3,875 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 51 minutes)
Rotorua, New Zealand - Rotorua International Airport (ROT) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,359 miles (3,797 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 44 minutes)
Tauranga, New Zealand - Tauranga Airport (TRG) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,339 miles (3,764 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 41 minutes)
Timaru, New Zealand - Richard Pearse Airport (TIU) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,405 miles (3,870 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 50 minutes)
Blenheim, New Zealand - Woodbourne Airport (BHE) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,381 miles (3,832 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 47 minutes)
Whangarei, New Zealand - Whangarei Airport (WRE) to Cairns (CNS)
Distance:
2,186 miles (3,518 kilometres)
Average flight time (direct 5 hours 21 minutes)
From Christchurch (CHC), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $461
Depart: 10 Aug 2026 · Return: 20 Aug 2026 Price found 30 Jan 2026, 03:27
From Auckland (AKL), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $597
Depart: 02 Jun 2026 · Return: 06 Jun 2026 Price found 30 Jan 2026, 07:11
From Hamilton (HLZ), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $698
Depart: 10 Nov 2026 · Return: 18 Nov 2026 Price found 29 Jan 2026, 06:37
From Queenstown (ZQN), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $708
Depart: 22 May 2026 · Return: 28 May 2026 Price found 29 Jan 2026, 02:00
From Wellington (WLG), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $739
Depart: 10 Mar 2026 · Return: 17 Mar 2026 Price found 28 Jan 2026, 01:56
From Dunedin (DUD), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $952
Depart: 16 Mar 2026 · Return: 23 Mar 2026 Price found 30 Jan 2026, 02:23
From Nelson (NSN), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $970
Depart: 24 May 2026 · Return: 01 Jun 2026 Price found 27 Jan 2026, 00:03
From Whangarei (WRE), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $1,014
Depart: 02 Mar 2026 · Return: 09 Mar 2026 Price found 29 Jan 2026, 23:29
From Palmerston North (PMR), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $1,076
Depart: 14 Mar 2026 · Return: 21 Mar 2026 Price found 28 Jan 2026, 06:46
From Gisborne (GIS), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $1,154
Depart: 15 May 2026 · Return: 19 May 2026 Price found 30 Jan 2026, 01:00
From Invercargill (IVC), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $1,250
Depart: 01 Dec 2026 · Return: 08 Dec 2026 Price found 27 Jan 2026, 17:41
From Tauranga (TRG), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $1,271
Depart: 04 Jul 2026 · Return: 17 Jul 2026 Price found 28 Jan 2026, 06:24
From Rotorua (ROT), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $1,821
Depart: 03 Mar 2026 · Return: 23 Mar 2026 Price found 28 Jan 2026, 02:17
From Blenheim (BHE), New Zealand to Cairns, Australia (CNS): $2,963
Depart: 02 Feb 2026 · Return: 14 Feb 2026 Price found 26 Jan 2026, 20:42
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