Compare Cheap Christchurch to Cairns Flights
Book your return flights from Christchurch to Cairns and get ready for the ultimate tropical holiday! This vibrant coastal city is located in Queensland and is a launchpad for discovering the Great Barrier Reef. It is also home to delicious restaurants and a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, hike through the Mossman Gorge, or go on a cableway ride over lush rainforests. With a flight time of 8 hours 10 minutes from Christchurch, Cairns is a top destination for Kiwis looking for long days on the beach and action-packed adventure.
Find cheap flights from Christchurch to Cairns with Webjet's powerful airline comparison search engine and discover what the city has to offer for yourself.
The best time to visit Cairns
The best time to visit Cairns is from April to September. You'll have better luck finding cheap flights from Christchurch to Cairns during this time. It's also the city's shoulder season, so you'll get to explore the top attractions without the crowds. If you're planning a trip to Cairns on a budget, book your flights for travel between February and March. The peak season has ended and tour operators, hotels and airlines slash their prices to make up for the seasonal lull. High season in Cairns is from December to January. The city is full of families and adventure seekers. Make sure you book your trip well in advance to lock in lower rates.
Departing From Christchurch
Christchurch International Airport is New Zealand's second busiest airport. It operates direct flights to 18 domestic and 11 international destinations. There are no direct flights between Christchurch (CHC) and Cairns (CNS), but Qantas and Air New Zealand offer connecting routes via Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney.
Getting to Christchurch International Airport
The best way to get from Christchurch city centre to the airport is with a taxi. The 20-minute trip will cost, at most, $65 NZD. If you're travelling to Cairns on a budget and want to save money by using public transportation to reach the airport, take Christchurch's local metro bus. Route 29 stops at the departure terminals and costs as little as $8 NZD per person. For groups of travellers heading to the airport, book an airport shuttle bus. The price starts at $30 NZD for two and becomes cheaper as your group numbers increase.
Parking at Christchurch International Airport
Christchurch International Airport several parking options and you’re sure to find one that suits, no matter whether you're going to Cairns for two weeks or two months.
Where to Park at Christchurch Airport
Long Stay Parking Lot: Leave your car here if you're going to Cairns for longer than three days. Weekly pricing starts at $135 NZD, and the lot is a five-minute walk to the departures terminal.
Short Stay Parking Lot: Park your car here for weekend trips away. Daily rates begin at $27 NZD.
Orchard Road Car Park: Only use this option for day trips or pickups. The first 30 minutes are free, and rates are $10NZD for four hours. This is a good tip to pass onto anyone who may be picking up you at the end of your Cairns holiday.
Arriving in Cairns
Cairns Airport is a hub for Jetstar and is a focus city for Qantas. It's the seventh busiest airport in Australia and operates direct flights to 30 domestic and 18 international destinations.
How to Get from Cairns Airport to Your Cairns Hotel or Accommodation
Cairns Airport (CNS) is a short seven kilometres from the city centre and has a range of transportation options available. The best way to get into Cairns on a budget is with the Airport Connect Bus. You'll need to take the shuttle from the arrivals terminal to the Sheridan Street bus stop for $4 AUD ($4 NZD) per person. Once there, you can transfer to the local bus service heading into town for $2.20 AUD ($2.20 NZD). If you want to save time and money getting to your hotel, book an airport shuttle. You'll get to split the cost with other travellers, but you'll need to wait until it's your turn to be dropped off. Fares start as low was $15 AUD ($16 NZD) per person. Metered taxis and Ubers are also available at Cairns Airport. You'll find the taxi rank outside the arrivals hall, and you can meet your Uber driver at the designated pick up zone. A one-way trip will cost between $20 AUD to $30 AUD ($21 to $32 NZD).
Things to do in Cairns
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
No trip to Cairns would be complete without a trip to this world wonder. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest reef system and is a designated UNESCO Heritage Site. Travellers will need to book a place on a tour to discover this incredible underwater ecosystem, and some excursions also cater for those wanting to scuba dive or snorkel.
Visit the Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is the world's oldest surviving tropical rainforest. The best way to explore the forest is on-board the Kuranda Scenic railway. There are tours to the Rainforest departing from Cairns, or travellers who have rented a car for their trip can drive themselves.
Get your adrenaline fix
In addition to its natural bounty, Cairns is home to exhilarating activities. Take a leap off of the 50-metre high bungy, or swoop through the rainforest on the jungle swing.