$232 Find Cheap Flights to South Island

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Australia to South Island departing on 13/6. 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.
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KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to South Island

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to South Island, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to South Island, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Best South Island Flight Deals

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Queenstown
Queenstowndirect$379
Christchurch
Christchurchdirect$359
Nelson
Nelson1 stop$708
Dunedin
Dunedindirect$578
Invercargill
Invercargill1 stop$775
Blenheim
Blenheim1 stop$761
Timaru
Timaru2 stops$847
Hokitika
Hokitika2 stops$736

Cheap Flight Deals to South Island

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights to South Island 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.

Recent return flight deals to South Island

Recommended return deals departing in the coming months from the most popular airlines that fly to South Island.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Choose your dates
Jetstar Logo
11:05 - 16:20MEL-CHC
3h 15mdirect
Jetstar Logo
08:20 - 10:05CHC-MEL
3h 45mdirect
$374Jetstar
Find Deal
Wed, 11 Jun - Fri, 13 Jun
Jetstar Logo
14:50 - 20:00MEL-ZQN
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
12:10 - 13:35ZQN-MEL
3h 25mdirect
$379Jetstar
Find Deal
Sun, 1 Jun - Wed, 4 Jun
Air New Zealand Logo
09:10 - 14:25MEL-ZQN
3h 15mdirect
Air New Zealand Logo
15:40 - 17:10ZQN-MEL
3h 30mdirect
$489Air New Zealand
Find Deal
Mon, 23 Jun - Wed, 25 Jun
Air New Zealand Logo
18:25 - 12:20MEL-ZQN
15h 55m1 stop
Air New Zealand Logo
15:40 - 17:10ZQN-MEL
3h 30mdirect
$501Air New Zealand
Find Deal
Fri, 23 May - Sun, 25 May
Virgin Australia Logo
11:35 - 16:45MEL-ZQN
3h 10mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
18:00 - 19:35ZQN-MEL
3h 35mdirect
$526Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Mon, 23 Jun - Mon, 30 Jun
Virgin Australia Logo
11:35 - 16:45MEL-ZQN
3h 10mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
18:00 - 19:35ZQN-MEL
3h 35mdirect
$528Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Mon, 23 Jun - Mon, 30 Jun
Qantas Airways Logo
18:40 - 00:10MEL-CHC
3h 30mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
06:20 - 08:10CHC-MEL
3h 50mdirect
$600Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Mon, 26 May - Thu, 29 May
Qantas Airways Logo
18:40 - 00:10MEL-CHC
3h 30mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
06:20 - 08:10CHC-MEL
3h 50mdirect
$650Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Wed, 25 Jun - Tue, 8 Jul
Emirates Logo
07:30 - 12:40MEL-ZQN
3h 10mdirect
Emirates Logo
13:35 - 15:00ZQN-MEL
3h 25mdirect
$677Emirates
Find Deal
Sun, 8 Jun - Sun, 15 Jun
Emirates Logo
09:10 - 14:20MEL-ZQN
3h 10mdirect
Emirates Logo
13:35 - 15:00ZQN-MEL
3h 25mdirect
$689Emirates
Find Deal
Thu, 26 Jun - Sat, 5 Jul

KAYAK's insights & trends for flights to South Island

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to South Island to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest flight to South Island?

These are the best return prices found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.
The cheapest ticket to South Island from Australia found in the last 72 hours was to Dunedin, at $116 return. The most popular route is Brisbane (BNE) to Queenstown (ZQN) and the cheapest return airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $149.

How much is a flight to South Island?

The average and cheapest price for all round-trip flights to South Island from each origin found by users searching on KAYAK in the last month.
A flight to South Island costs $470 on average. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $212 for the route Coolangatta (OOL) to Christchurch (CHC). The most popular routes on KAYAK are Coolangatta to Christchurch which costs $461 on average, and Melbourne to Christchurch, which costs $509 on average.
See prices from:

What is the cheapest day to fly to South Island?

The average price of all flights from Australia to South Island clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.
Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to South Island is Wednesday when return tickets can be as cheap as $658. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, when return prices are $686 on average.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Australia to South Island?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights from Australia to South Island, 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 Australia to South Island is May, when tickets cost $429 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and April, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $749 and $609 respectively.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to South Island?

The average price for all round-trip flights from Australia to South Island depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.
The cheapest time of day to fly to South Island is generally in the afternoon, when round-trip flights cost $350 on average. Morning departures are around 10% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to South Island is generally at night, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $425.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Australia to South Island?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights to South Island, 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 Australia to South Island, you should book around 6 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 25 weeks before departure.

Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in South Island?

Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in South Island is Christchurch Airport (CHC), with an average flight price of $346.

Good to know

Low season

May

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$232
Best time to beat the crowds (11% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (19% more expensive on average)
Flight from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Christchurch

FAQs - booking South Island flights

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Australia to South Island?

    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 Australia to South Island.

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

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

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Australia to South Island?

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

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

    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 from Australia to South Island up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to South Island

  • Looking for cheap airfare to South Island? 25% of our users found return tickets to South Island for the following prices or less: From Coolangatta $314, from Brisbane $574, from Melbourne $704
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest South Island flight deals.

Top 5 airlines flying to South Island

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying to South Island. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline from Australia to South Island. 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 Australia to South Island? 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.
8.0
EmiratesOverall score based on 3206 reviews
8.1Boarding
8.3Crew
7.8Food
8.0Comfort
8.2Entertainment
Airline reviews

Food no so good. Extra charge to much for front seats cost me £163 then other people sat near me for nothing 🤬

6.0 GoodDave, Mar 2025SYD - DXB
Read more Emirates reviews

Food no so good. Extra charge to much for front seats cost me £163 then other people sat near me for nothing 🤬

Boarding for business class passengers can be improved. Also, when debarking the aircraft, Economy passengers are let off first due the way the configuration of the cabin upstairs.

Overall I was quite pleased with the experience; the cleanliness; the polite and attentiveness of the cabin crew; and the delicious food options.

Except for the uncleaned tray, and the delay in serving food for our section (which may have been due to the location of our row) everything else was good. The crew were very professional and responded to our requests promptly throughout the flight. We as a family were not disappointed by Emirates.

Overall was a good experience and this particular flight the crew were great too at least in business class. It’s not always the case with flydubai. Few things would make me think twice in the future on this route. 1. The arrival into T3 might sound good but it is a real pain as it takes almost 30 mins to get to terminal on the bus as the aircraft still park at T2. The bag takes even longer . If they just let us off at T2, I’d be home within 30 mins of walking off the plane. Instead it takes 1.5 hours. 2. Due to the timing, the very tiny lounge in Penang is so crowded because half the lounge is closed for Qatar crew. Hardly anywhere to sit. 3. Flydubai app and site has a long way to go and using it is very unpleasant.

Comfort poor, little leg room, cabin temperature too hot. No free entertainment. No complementary drinks. Overal experience poor and would not travel with them again.

Comfort good. Service as usual poor. Cabin temperature as usual too cold, about 15 degrees

Flight left on time. Bags came quickly. Crew was nice. But internet never worked and the food was awful.

Comfort and customer service from most if the crew was great. The crew reassigning passengers should consider the presence of infants when reassigning seats. Unfortunately a couple of oversized passengers were relocated next to us, making this segment a bit uncomfortable, as there was not only extra leg space required. I ended up swapping seats with my husband so our baby wouldn't be impacted. My husband travelled quite uncomfortable as the reassigned neighbour shoulder and arm ended up on my husband's seat

Boarding, seats, entertainment and service were all great. The food was great except for the fact that there were too many sweet items.

Again, Air New Zealand was great. They kept bathrooms clean, food was actually very good, New Zealand wines a big hit

The issue was with getting our boarding pases. There were issues with our arrangements that were made through Kayak. I am sorry to say that we will not use you again because of this. The flight itself was good and the flight attendants excellent.

Arriving at Coolangatta, rows 20 forward, took the airbridge across to the terminal. It was suggested to those from rows 21 back, that we take the rear stairs and to be careful crossing the tarmac. That was all well and good. However, when we got across to the terminal we then had to climb three large flights of stairs to meet up with those coming across the airbridge. No elevator! There were people carrying babies and elderly carrying hand luggage that needed assistance from others.. There was no option to turn back.

It was good for a short domestic flight. As no food ar entertainment provided, there should be a n/a rating available for those.

USB charging ports did not work on any of Air New Zealand flights

Economy was much nicer on the Air New Zealand planes.

At Coolangatta International it is difficult to hear voice boarding announcements when away from screen announcements.

Everything was fine. Wish the wifi was free and included in the ticket price.

Nothing special short flight - all good - difference between 1 fudge and 2 fudge is obligation and thankfulness

The flight we had booked was cancelled due to bad weather conditions, but we were lucky to arrive at the airport quite early and got a seat on an earlier flight. The flight was mostly nice, but there were some hefty turbulences towards Queenstown. One of the passengers behaved hysterically. It would have been great if the crew had done something to calm her.

Their aircraft are old and amenities lack way behind other international carriers leaving from BNE. Even in economy

Airport and crew experience was excellent. We had to queue for the runway - no one’s fault, but it did mean we were 30 minutes late leaving

Overall good experience with flight and airport wheelchair staff. Also got Indian food in the flights

Friendly staff, surprisingly good premium economy seats allowing good sleep/ snooze opportunity and very good menu.

Very good as always, stand out airline. The passengers whom choose to stuff baggage that otherwise should be checked-in is a real bother but that's not the airlines doing. A real frustration that passengers just don't want to check-in luggage. This is a pet hate unfortunately.

It’s a two prop flight so I had problems with my ears on re- entering ! But otherwise fine

I love flying with Qantas. There was no onscreen entertaining on this flight, and only a snack provided (not a meal) but still better than Jetstar or Virgin (in my opinion) so still happy.

Wheelchair assistance to move through the terminals and to/from the plane door was excellent. No vegan snack on the flight, only something with salami and cheese in it.

The old Plane had not been cleaned properly in a long time.

Planes was old - business class seats looked like they were installed in the 80s

Gluten free options less explicit on business class, but great service

Very good… seems the virgin staff particularly in the lounge and in flight exceeded expectations.

I liked everything about the experience but would have liked some free snacks!

Crew was great but flight was delayed almost three hours due to a technical issue and we had to go back to the terminal and wait for another one.

Being told why we delayed three hours and not even given an apology by someone. Not a word. Not my airline of choice ever.

Checked Baggage line up was long but moved quickly, rest of the process, boarding, crew was excellent

Virgin has always provided a smooth and comfortable flight. This one was no different. Seats are comfortable. Staff are great. This is my favourite airline.

Virgin changed the flight to an Alliance flight. Smaller plane, tea coffee and water the only refreshments available and not sure what happened to the extra money I paid to sit in a selected seat with extra leg room. This is obviously a regular switch as it happened on our flight there and back. Do not recommend.

Late boarding, late departure due to weather and slow boarding, packed 5+hour flight, only 2 toilets for main cabin, tight leg room, no free food except tea, coffee, and water, arrived 75 minutes late.

Cramped, crowded flight, with no complimentary food except coffee, tea, or water.

Overall, it was good. The only concern was that I couldn't charge my phone because the USB port didn't work after we took off. One of the crew members tried to restart it but never came back to me with an update.

Comfortable seats, boarding was easy and staff were very nice.

Flight was fine but a domestic flight was called by Jetstar international. This meant going through immigration and custom scanning twice. Long queues were experienced which were frustrating. We were using a wheelchair and exit at Perth needed a scissor lift as no air bridge provided. No fast lane at Perth for wheelchair. The staff were helpful but this system is poor.

The crew were great. The seat was older than an old Holden with a big metal bar sticking right into my back. The passenger next to me complained that hers was the same. The pre purchase system for food was disappointing as the pie/quiche took 20 mins to warm up, arrived too hot and with no utensils. It was one of the most uncomfortable flights I've ever been on.

Not very good, no food and not drink ( caffe or tea). Never ever fly with jet star.

Fabulous I have no issues with JetStar great service always use them to fly

Flight was as expected - we got what we paid for which was a base fare

Hardly we had overweight and we were asked to pay $75. We were checked by a female and weight was alright

Unaware of charge for carry on until i got to gate

I got what I paid for - flight was clean, staff were friendly

Everything you need to know for your flight to South Island

Cabin class types available on flights to South Island

Cabin classes available on flights to South Island. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.

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