CHC - CNS

$183 Find Cheap Flights from Christchurch 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 Christchurch to Cairns departing on 25/3. 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Everything you should know

Cheapest return fare
$551
Typical prices: $492-$817
Jetstar
Wed 20/5Thu 28/5
CHC - CNS • Direct
Cheapest one-way flight
$183
Typical prices: $231-$494
Jetstar
Wed 25/3
CHC - CNS • Direct
Direct flights
3 days a week
Mon, Wed, Fri
You can fly direct with Jetstar. Average duration is 5h 35m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Top airlines
Jetstar
Cheapest • from $551 (return)
Emirates
Best reviews • 8.1 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Avoid delays
Jetstar
Most punctual • 87% on-time
Morning flights
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
2 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 2 weeks in advance save around 12% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
August
Cheapest • 22% price drop
July
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
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 Christchurch to Cairns (CHC-CNS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Christchurch 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 Christchurch to Cairns

Wed, 20 May - Thu, 28 May
Jetstar Logo
07:05 - 10:40
CHC
-
CNS
5h 35mdirect
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 13:55
CNS
-
CHC
4h 55mdirect
$551Jetstar
Wed, 1 Apr - Sun, 19 Apr
Jetstar Logo
07:55 - 10:40
CHC
-
CNS
5h 45mdirect
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 13:55
CNS
-
CHC
4h 55mdirect
$620Jetstar
Wed, 20 May - Thu, 28 May
Jetstar Logo
08:20 - 20:50
CHC
-
CNS
14h 30m
1 stop
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 13:55
CNS
-
CHC
4h 55mdirect
$673Jetstar
Mon, 6 Apr - Tue, 14 Apr
Jetstar Logo
06:55 - 10:40
CHC
-
CNS
5h 45mdirect
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 13:55
CNS
-
CHC
4h 55mdirect
$702Jetstar
Wed, 20 May - Thu, 28 May
Qantas Airways Logo
08:20 - 20:50
CHC
-
CNS
14h 30m
1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
21:40 - 14:45
CNS
-
CHC
15h 05m
1 stop
$735Qantas Airways
Thu, 21 May - Wed, 27 May
Qantas Airways Logo
08:20 - 22:40
CHC
-
CNS
16h 20m
1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
21:40 - 16:20
CNS
-
CHC
16h 40m
1 stop
$740Qantas Airways
Wed, 1 Apr - Sun, 19 Apr
Multiple Airlines Logo
07:55 - 10:40
CHC
-
CNS
5h 45mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
21:40 - 00:10
CNS
-
CHC
24h 30m
1 stop
$767Multiple Airlines
Wed, 17 Jun - Sat, 27 Jun
Multiple Airlines Logo
07:05 - 10:40
CHC
-
CNS
5h 35mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:00 - 00:20
CNS
-
CHC
16h 20m
1 stop
$787Multiple Airlines
Sun, 17 May - Thu, 21 May
Qantas Airways Logo
08:20 - 22:40
CHC
-
CNS
16h 20m
1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
21:40 - 14:45
CNS
-
CHC
15h 05m
1 stop
$807Qantas Airways
Mon, 6 Apr - Tue, 14 Apr
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:55 - 10:40
CHC
-
CNS
5h 45mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
21:40 - 16:20
CNS
-
CHC
16h 40m
1 stop
$812Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Christchurch to Cairns flights

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

How much is a return flight from Christchurch 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 Christchurch to Cairns departing in May.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Christchurch to Cairns?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Christchurch to Cairns clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

When flying from Christchurch to Cairns, you should consider leaving on a Tuesday and avoid Wednesdays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Christchurch, you’ll find the best rates on Mondays and the most expensive ones on Sundays.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Christchurch 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 Christchurch to Cairns is August, where tickets cost $531 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are February and March, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $959 and $877 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from Christchurch to Cairns?

The average return price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

Yes, flying with a stopover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop stopover the cheapest option at $602 on average.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Christchurch 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch to Cairns, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 12% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 24 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$183
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 40% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 18% lower on average.
Flight from Christchurch to Cairns

When to book flights from Christchurch to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Christchurch 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 Christchurch to Cairns

  • What is the cheapest flight from Christchurch to Cairns?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Christchurch to Cairns was $183 for a one-way ticket and $551 for a return.

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

    The Airbus A320-100/200 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Christchurch to Cairns flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Christchurch to Cairns?

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

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

    You can catch a direct flight from Christchurch to Cairns on on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Christchurch to Cairns are Emirates and Air New Zealand. With an average price for the route of $1,157 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 $1,037 and an overall rating of 8.0.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Christchurch 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 Christchurch to Cairns.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Christchurch 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch with another airline.

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

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $252 or less one-way and $503 or less round-trip.

Prefer to fly direct from Christchurch to Cairns?

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

Direct departures

Christchurch to Cairns

Monday

Jetstar

Jetstar

Wednesday

Jetstar

Jetstar

Friday

Jetstar

Jetstar

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Christchurch

Tuesday

Jetstar

Jetstar

Thursday

Jetstar

Jetstar

Sunday

Jetstar

Jetstar

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 4 airlines flying from Christchurch to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Christchurch 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 Christchurch 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 3522 reviews
8.1Boarding
8.3Crew
7.9Food
8.2Entertainment
8.0Comfort
Airline reviews

Everything was great except the boarding experience. After the check in, they "packed us" in a small area, very hot there. It would be nice to be aware of this, I'd wait on the outside area

10.0 ExcellentDiego, Feb 2026
DXB - MAA
Read more Emirates reviews

Everything was great except the boarding experience. After the check in, they "packed us" in a small area, very hot there. It would be nice to be aware of this, I'd wait on the outside area

Chaos at the gate while boarding - no clear signs or announcements

This777-300 is configured 2/3/2 for Biz class straight out of the 80s!!! Not to mention seats are narrow, bed does NOT FULLY RECLINE FLAT as advertised, and purser didn’t know that!! ARM REST HAS A REMOTE TABLET ON IT FURTHER CONFINING THE ALREADY NARROW SPACE!!! WHO thought this was a good design?? After flying the new A350-900 biz class Montreal to Dubai , this was a total let down!!

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

I liked the newer aircraft CRJ-550 since it had WIFI and the seats are more spacious.

I liked everything: the service, the food, the cleanness. I flew last year with Qatar Airways, so I can compare. Emirates did much better! Especially their meals and service.

The plane was old so the entertainment system was difficult to operate. The crew did advise earlier. The plane was landed and parked away from the gates, which added 20+ mins to the overall arrival

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

Very poor boarding experience with these remote gates and buses. Also these 777s bardy need a remodeling. Entertainment is a bit laggy. Food and crew is still among the better, but they seriously have to do something with these remote gates.

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

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.

The disembarking steps in Wellington were precarious and I felt quite insecure. There was no one on the tarmac to greet us and help. The embarking ramp in Blenheim was much more satisfactory. The rest of the flight was fine.

The food was not as good as Air New Zealand. The veg pasta was pass-able but the veg cibotta sandwich was dry, hard and not up to par. The coach staff were attentive and accommodating.

Air conditioning was turned to the wrong setting. Way too hot. The entertainment system kept resetting and didn’t work half the flight. Said something to the crew. They didn’t do anything to help. Plane had a mechanical problem that resulted in 2.5 hour delay. Boarded the plane, had to disembark and get back on.

Flight was delayed by 2 hours. Got lucky that i had a long connection, else would have certainly missed my connecting flight. Food is just okay, specially the breakfast is worse . Asked for water 30 mins before landing, the response is that we are landing so everything is packed . I guess traveling in economy that’s what we get. Probably business class passengers would get a different answer. Only good thing is that wifi service is available from auckland to lax for most part Next time will try united or American and then compare.

They are my favourite airline in the world by a million miles.

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 Christchurch to Cairns

Information on your arrival and departure airports