AKL - CNS

$316 Find Cheap Flights from Auckland to Cairns

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Auckland to Cairns departing on 3/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Cairns

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Auckland to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Auckland to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Everything you should know

Cheapest return fare
$632
Typical prices: $755-$1,051
Jetstar
Tue 21/4Tue 28/4
AKL - CNS • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
$959
Air New Zealand
Tue 21/4Tue 28/4
AKL - CNS • Direct
Direct flights
2 days a week
Tue, Sat
You can fly direct with Air New Zealand. Average duration is 0
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Top airlines
Jetstar
Cheapest • from $632 (return)
Emirates
Best reviews • 8.1 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Top stopover airports
Christchurch (CHC)
Cheapest • Avg $677 (return)
Sydney (SYD)
Shortest trip • 8h 52m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
China Eastern
Most punctual • 98% on-time
Night flights
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
4 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 15% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
May
Cheapest • 15% price drop
July
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
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KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Cairns!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Auckland to Cairns (AKL-CNS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Auckland to Cairns that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Auckland to Cairns

Tue, 21 Apr - Tue, 28 Apr
Jetstar Logo
20:50 - 10:40
AKL
-
CNS
15h 50m
1 stop
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 20:15
CNS
-
AKL
11h 15m
1 stop
$632Jetstar
Thu, 23 Apr - Tue, 28 Apr
Jetstar Logo
18:30 - 10:40
AKL
-
CNS
18h 10m
1 stop
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 21:50
CNS
-
AKL
12h 50m
1 stop
$672Jetstar
Tue, 2 Jun - Sat, 13 Jun
Jetstar Logo
06:15 - 17:00
AKL
-
CNS
12h 45m
1 stop
Jetstar Logo
09:40 - 23:35
CNS
-
AKL
11h 55m
1 stop
$724Jetstar
Tue, 2 Jun - Sat, 13 Jun
Multiple Airlines Logo
07:10 - 10:45
AKL
-
CNS
5h 35mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
09:40 - 23:35
CNS
-
AKL
11h 55m
1 stop
$727Multiple Airlines
Mon, 11 May - Sun, 17 May
Jetstar Logo
17:25 - 08:30
AKL
-
CNS
17h 05m
1 stop
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 21:50
CNS
-
AKL
12h 50m
1 stop
$735Jetstar
Sat, 18 Apr - Sat, 25 Apr
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 18:45
AKL
-
CNS
13h 45m
1 stop
Jetstar Logo
19:25 - 14:35
CNS
-
AKL
17h 10m
1 stop
$737Jetstar
Thu, 9 Apr - Thu, 16 Apr
Jetstar Logo
20:50 - 10:40
AKL
-
CNS
15h 50m
1 stop
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 18:45
CNS
-
AKL
9h 45m
1 stop
$739Jetstar
Sat, 18 Apr - Sat, 25 Apr
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 18:45
AKL
-
CNS
13h 45m
1 stop
Jetstar Logo
19:25 - 14:35
CNS
-
AKL
17h 10m
1 stop
$742Jetstar
Tue, 2 Jun - Sat, 13 Jun
Air New Zealand Logo
07:10 - 10:45
AKL
-
CNS
5h 35mdirect
Air New Zealand Logo
11:55 - 18:35
CNS
-
AKL
4h 40mdirect
$765Air New Zealand
Thu, 9 Apr - Thu, 16 Apr
Jetstar Logo
20:50 - 10:40
AKL
-
CNS
15h 50m
1 stop
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 20:15
CNS
-
AKL
11h 15m
1 stop
$811Jetstar
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Auckland to Cairns flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Auckland to Cairns to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a return flight from Auckland to Cairns?

This analysis is based on the cheapest return trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Auckland to Cairns departing in April.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Auckland to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Auckland to Cairns is May, where tickets cost $794 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and June, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,050 and $1,008 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Auckland to Cairns?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Auckland to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Auckland to Cairns, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 15% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 5 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$308
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 3% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly (4% more expensive on average)
Flight from Auckland to Cairns

When to book flights from Auckland to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Auckland to Cairns based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Auckland to Cairns

  • What is the cheapest flight from Auckland to Cairns?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Auckland to Cairns was $308 for a one-way ticket and $632 for a return.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Auckland to Cairns?

    Auckland airport is called Auckland Intl and the only airport in Cairns is Cairns.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Auckland to Cairns?

    The Airbus A321neo is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Auckland to Cairns flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Auckland to Cairns?

    oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between Auckland and Cairns, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Auckland to Cairns?

    You can catch a direct flight from Auckland to Cairns on on Tuesday, and Saturday.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Auckland to Cairns, Emirates or Air New Zealand?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Auckland to Cairns are Emirates and Air New Zealand. With an average price for the route of $1,175 and an overall rating of 8.1, Emirates is the most popular choice. Air New Zealand is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $1,010 and an overall rating of 8.0.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Auckland to Cairns?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Auckland to Cairns.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Auckland to Cairns?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Auckland is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Auckland to Cairns?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Cairns with an airline and back to Auckland with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Auckland to Cairns?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Cairns from Auckland up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Auckland to Cairns

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $482 or less one-way and $1,001 or less round-trip.

Prefer to fly direct from Auckland Intl to Cairns?

 
Nonstop data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying nonstop from Auckland Intl to Cairns.
Find which airlines fly direct from Auckland Intl Airport to Cairns Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Auckland Intl to Cairns

Tuesday

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand

Saturday

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Auckland Intl

Tuesday

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand

Saturday

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 4 airlines flying from Auckland to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Auckland to Cairns. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Auckland to Cairns? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.1
EmiratesOverall score based on 3534 reviews
8.0Comfort
8.1Boarding
8.2Entertainment
8.4Crew
7.9Food
Airline reviews

The crew were absolutely fantastic. They actively asked if passengers wanted refills and if they were comfortable. I was extremely impressed.

10.0 ExcellentJames, Jan 2026
WLG - SYD
Read more Emirates reviews

The crew were absolutely fantastic. They actively asked if passengers wanted refills and if they were comfortable. I was extremely impressed.

Fly Dubai takes low cost and thrift to new depths in terms of service levels, terminal 2 is grossly inadequate for capacity and resembles a crowded buss or railway station,, the fly dubai( Emirates) flight is never on time(was 2.5 hrs delayed), and this is not an isolated experience, the flght air conditioning was turned low while we waited on the tarmac for take clearance to save fuel, should say more!!!! The depths! I only fly this airline from a compulsion, emirates code shares for connections to Muscat

They changed the flight time without telling us and were unwilling to help with rebooking because we booked through orbits/kayak

Emirates did great! I liked the service, the food, cleanness, and the flight was on time. Much better airline than Qatar Airways I flew with last year.

Emirates A380s are always wonderful to fly on. Their crews, food and service are always excellent. They are typically on time and the only thing I would change (maybe newer or upgraded aircraft have this) is bluetooth so I can pair my noise cancelling headphones without a cable.

Premium economy was worth it-comfort was definitely better than economy class. The seats were more comfortable, blankets and pillows thicker

The journey was nice, all the crews were very good and services are excellent

Wonderful Premium Economy experience. Felt as good as Business Class for food and entertainment. Comfortable sleeping too

No kids provided. Instead we were told to have contacted the airline that we have kids and require kids meals. We were not the only ones who inquired about kids meals. It’s odd. Emirates and other airlines give kids meals as standard and before the adult food comes out. The rice in our meals was gluggy and under cooked. The chicken was also raw. Sadly not the best experience with Finn Air. The hostesses tried to compensate with the snacks and drinks but missed the mark by a long way. Especially when paying Emirates/Qantas prices

the seat is quite narrow compared to others. entertainment and food were very good

Wonderful trip. Everyone from checking in to the gate to the flight itself was amazing - kind, helpful, and has a beautiful smile.

This flight was the second leg of a trip that began in Auckland, New Zealand. I was unable to find a way to select seats in advance. The boarding passes we were given in Auckland did not have seat assignments for the second flight. There was no way to check on it until personnel showed up at the gate in Los Angeles, immediately before boarding time. The flight was overbooked by one, and since I was traveling with my sister, we needed two seats. We waited in considerable anxiety for everyone else to board and when one person did not show up, we had to take whatever was left. At least we finally got on the flight although we were the very last to board. We were not able to sit together, of course.

The Premium Economy seats were very comfortable and the food was quite tasty. I did not use the entertainment system, but I was able to charge my phone and tablet with the seatback connection.

The seats are feeling very hard to sit on. All the padding is flat, like sitting on a park bench for over an hour

Nothing better than Air New Zealand. Top scores in every category.

We had difficulty checking in as United didn’t recognize the confirmation number and the agent was not helpful. We went to the United Assistance desk where the agent was able to process our reservation. We also weren’t allowed to choose seats in advance.

Space between seats on Air New Zealand is generally tight. The crew on this flight was excellent! Very attentive and nice. You get free wine or beer and chips and of course the Air New Zealand candies. 1 hour and 35 min flight approximately.

Your entertainment could be better. I flew on Air New Zealand in January so was expecting a better choice in February...but no luck. Same choices and also could have a better selection. Otherwise, lovely service, the purser came to our seats to welcome us. Overall, very nice. Direct flight from Auckland to YVR was fantastic!

Air New Zealand over sold our flight and tried to bump us to yesterday. After several calls we got booked to United about 6 hrs before our original flight. No apologies!

Please add more Bollywood movies and recent movies to the entertainment.

Qantas is always subpar beyond comfy chairs for a domestic flight

I liked boarding the plane. The staff were rude, the food was appalling and the chairs the most uncomfortable I have ever experienced

an hour late, then had to disembark on back stairs and take 4 flights up to get to main airport. No warning, and difficulty for those with canes and poor knees.

Well my expórtenle with Qantas it wasn’t that good KLM from Bs Aires was delay Santiago Chile Qantas QF 028 was still in the airport but the crew didn’t opened the door for me soo I lost my fly And I stuck in the airport 13 hrs waiting for next fly by Latam Arline My question is can I have my money back for business class

It was ok, the additional baggage charges were a bit excessive given winter is a time for skiing. To have to pay $600 extra for skis was tantamount to robbery. Airlines should consider sporting goods as baggage. Likewise, they should consider increasing the number of bags allowed on international flights to known ski destinations.

Flight was canceled. I was not alerted. It was only kayak that alerted me

Flight was 2.5 hours late leaving. We spent 50 minutes of that sitting on the plane with no explanation. They did reduce the time in the air so we arrived a little less late which was something. The cheese and crackers were okay but the wine was terrible.

Couldn't access entertainment on app as said in an email

Excellent as always, I won't fly to Australia, and back to the US on any other airline. The flight crew is always top notch, and have a way to make one feel extra special. Thank you for your service, I would rate Qantas Airways a 10+.

After already paying for excess luggage prior to flight, i was advised AT check in that i had to pay $816 or forfeit my flight! The lady at the counter was SO rude and had already started offboarding me when i said i would pay it after asking her three times for the exact amount! Have lodged a formal complaint yet heard nothing. Will not ever travel via Qantas again

local frequent travellers know that Jetstar’s flights between MEL and LST are turnaround flights so those in the morning tend to run on time and become delayed increasingly through the day. We observed how the staff at check in and boarding try to assist, guide and facilitate travellers - they were courteous, efficient, amiable while enforcing Jetstar’s baggage requirements. They try to speed up boarding by having passengers board from both front and back. We would take Jetstar again.

The issue was a 4 hour delay to takeoff with very sketchy information provided about the available of the flights delay. Passengers were not informed of gate changes and how long the delay might be. It ended with a late night 2 hour drive to our home which was not ideal for elderly people.

Flight was fine with boarding starting a few minutes early. Not a fan of the crew pushing political messaging regarding indigenous naming of Brisbane city… really pushed it like I haven’t heard on Jetstar before.

Improved experience over our last years flight when also we flew local but on an international scheduled flight. The double processing is still unwelcome i.e. by security and then by border force having to produce a licence and boarding pass repeatedly on departure and return. Obviously suits the airline rather than the local traveller. The flight and crew were good though a helper on return was offhand having to push the wheel chair did the bare minimum we felt.

Flight was delayed both directions but once in the air was ok. Boarding out of Melbourne is just a mess.

Although a local trip via international flight it was fairly straight forward albeit more checks than desirable for local travel. On arrival Perth collecting luggage the trollies were hidden in one end of the long hall.

80 minute delay on departure based on two no show pax; removal of checked bags. Boarding very awkward, and waiting in terminal until specific rows called (not zones). Overhead not used for boarding, but specific staff member notifying people at the top of the stairs. Numerous people noted "this is confusing" on boarding. Seats ok, but entertainment (and food, and seat selection) all at extra cost. Smooth flight, and friendly neighbours.

Over four hours late. No entertainment without paying and same for food. Asked to check in at original time even though we were told it was going to be very late leaving. Way too long time to hang around the airport. Arriving to Sydney luggage did not arrive for an hour. Had to get staff to go and find out what was going on. All this made for a very long day and night for a eight hour flight.

I was disappointed to find that the QR code for purchasing in-flight entertainment did not function, leaving me without access to the amenities I had anticipated. (both flights)

I had opted to pay extra for a ticket on Jetstar A321-Neo in the first row, believing it would enhance my travel experience. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The constant line-up for the toilet resulted in people frequently standing next to me, causing significant discomfort throughout the flight. It was difficult to relax with the persistent disturbance from passengers bumping into my seat. Furthermore, I was disappointed to find that the QR code for purchasing in-flight entertainment did not function, leaving me without access to the amenities I had anticipated. Given these circumstances, I will not be purchasing seats in the first two rows in the future, nor will I choose to fly with your airline again.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Auckland to Cairns

Information on your arrival and departure airports