$162 Cheap Flights from Wellington to Cairns
One-way
Departing from
Wellington
Going to
Cairns, Australia
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • February, 2026
73% AI deal score
$815 $228
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • February, 2026
73% AI deal score
$1,630 $456
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • February, 2026
72% AI deal score
$815 $266
Top Cheap Flight Deals from Wellington to Cairns
Recent round-trip flight deals to Cairns
Tue, Jan 20 - Thu, Jan 22
Cheapest
Wellington (WLG) - Cairns (CNS)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Christchurch (CHC)
Cairns (CNS) - Wellington (WLG)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Gold Coast (OOL)
$815
$391
-$424
52%
Tue, Jan 20 - Thu, Jan 22
Wellington (WLG) - Cairns (CNS)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Christchurch (CHC)
Cairns (CNS) - Wellington (WLG)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Christchurch (CHC)
$815
$423
-$392
48%
Tue, Jan 20 - Tue, Feb 17
Wellington (WLG) - Cairns (CNS)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Christchurch (CHC)
Cairns (CNS) - Wellington (WLG)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Christchurch (CHC)
$815
$441
-$374
46%
Thu, Jan 15 - Thu, Jan 22
Wellington (WLG) - Cairns (CNS)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Christchurch (CHC)
Cairns (CNS) - Wellington (WLG)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Gold Coast (OOL)
$815
$443
-$372
46%
Wed, Mar 4 - Thu, Mar 5
Wellington (WLG) - Cairns (CNS)
Air New Zealand airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Wellington (WLG)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Christchurch (CHC)
$320
$481
+$161
50%
Sat, Feb 7 - Thu, Mar 5
Wellington (WLG) - Cairns (CNS)
Air New Zealand airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Wellington (WLG)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Christchurch (CHC)
$815
$494
-$321
39%
The cheapest time to fly to Cairns
Ready to jet to Cairns on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights from Wellington to Cairns
Need to get to Cairns ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last Minute Flight Deals
We found last-minute flight deals to Cairns, Australia, departing in the next two weeks, with prices starting from $535.
⌛ Last-Minute
Wellington - CNS
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 1 week ago
$535
round-trip
Facts About Flights from Wellington to Cairns
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick Cairns flight facts and tips.
Cairns city airports
Cairns Airport (CNS) is the primary airport serving Cairns and Far North Queensland. As a major gateway for both domestic and international travelers, it offers a wide range of flights connecting Cairns to major Australian cities, as well as international destinations in Asia-Pacific. The airport features modern facilities, including a variety of shops, restaurants, and services to cater to passengers' needs. Conveniently located a short drive from the city center, Cairns Airport provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and other popular tourist attractions in the region, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland.
Pro tip: search “Cairns (Any)” to see fares to all Cairns airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to Cairns
Cheapest airport
Cairns (CNS)
Cairns Airport (CNS) is your gateway to tropical paradise! Nestled in Queensland, Australia, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views as you arrive. Get ready to explore the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests right from the doorstep of this convenient hub.
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
Cairns Airport (CNS) acts as a secondary airport, offering both domestic and international routes; popular routes include connections to major Australian cities like Brisbane and Sydney, as well as international destinations in Asia and the Pacific.
Number of airlines
10+ airlines
Cairns is serviced by over ten airlines, including full-service options like Qantas and Virgin Australia, along with budget-friendly choices such as Jetstar and Bonza.
CNS Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
CNS airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Tue, Wed
Based on the data, Friday has the best chance of finding cheap flight deals for Cairns airport. With a count of 21, it is significantly lower than other days, suggesting more affordable options are available.
Avg. deal survival time
8.6 hours
Deals for flights from Cairns typically last around 8.6 hours. This means that good offers may disappear quickly, so it's important to book promptly.
Rare deal frequency
10 deals
We discovered 10 rare deals for flights to Cairns Airport in the last month. These rare finds, with an AI Deal Score of 90+, typically include mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-66%
On average, flights to Cairns see a price drop of 65.7%, making it a potentially great destination for budget travelers. This significant decrease suggests that booking at the right time could lead to substantial savings.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Cairns Flight Forecast - Next Month
Based on current trends, flights to Cairns from July 2026 show stable pricing with a slight decrease expected towards the end of the month. Overall, expect moderate prices with no major spikes anticipated.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on January 1
Bangkok - CNS
$8,985 → $1,026
89%
Found on January 7
Dunedin - CNS
$1,400 → $217
85%
Found on January 6
Nelson - CNS
$1,500 → $260
83%
Found on January 4
Wellington - CNS
$815 → $162
80%
Found on January 6
Tauranga - CNS
$1,300 → $302
77%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near CNS sometimes drop rare deals too:
Hughenden (HGD)
~13 rare deals/month
Mackay (MKY)
~11 rare deals/month
Paraburdoo (PBO)
~11 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially HGD and MKY for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly from Wellington to Cairns
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to Cairns:
Cheapest month
November
Cheapest month
November is often the cheapest month to fly to Cairns. The weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and lower humidity compared to the summer months. Plus, you'll avoid the peak tourist season, meaning fewer crowds and potentially lower prices on accommodations and activities.
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
Tuesday is often the best day to book flights to Cairns. Airlines tend to release deals early in the week to try and fill up empty seats. Keep an eye on flash sales and limited-time offers that might pop up on Tuesdays.
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday is often the cheapest day to fly to Cairns. Mid-week flights tend to be less popular with business travelers and weekend vacationers. Flying on Wednesday can save you some serious cash, leaving you with more spending money for your trip.
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
The sweet spot for booking flights to Cairns is generally around two months in advance. This timeframe often strikes the right balance between availability and price. Booking too early might not give you the best deals, while waiting until the last minute can lead to higher fares.
Cairns Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which Cairns airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to Cairns’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
Cairns Airport (CNS)
G'day, travel bugs! Cairns Airport (CNS) is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the lush Daintree Rainforest. Just a hop, skip, and a jump (about 7km) from Cairns city center, this airport is super convenient. Once you land, you'll find a bunch of shops and restaurants to grab a bite or snag a souvenir. Getting into town is a breeze with shuttle buses, taxis, and ride-share options readily available. Plus, the airport has a relaxed vibe, making your arrival or departure a piece of cake.
Tip: Snag a window seat on your flight in for a sneak peek at the stunning coastline!
Other airports
While Cairns Airport (CNS) is the main gateway, consider flying into nearby cities like Townsville or even Brisbane for potentially cheaper flights. However, factor in the extra travel time and cost to get to Cairns, which could involve a domestic flight, a long bus ride, or a scenic but lengthy drive. Make sure you compare the total cost, including transportation, before booking!
Airport transfers
Getting around from Cairns Airport is a breeze with several options, including airport shuttle buses that drop you off at your hotel, convenient taxi services, and rideshare options like Uber and Ola. For those wanting more independence, you can rent a car from the many car rental agencies located at the airport and explore the city at your own pace.
What to Do in Cairns
Cairns isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in Cairns, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & Landmarks
Cairns is a city that has many sightseeing opportunities, you can visit the Cairns Esplanade, a popular waterfront park with a swimming lagoon, walking paths, and barbecue areas. Also, the Cairns Botanic Gardens showcase tropical flora, and the nearby Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome offers animal encounters and panoramic city views.
Arts & Culture
Cairns has a unique art and culture scene that you can explore. The Cairns Regional Gallery exhibits contemporary and historical art, while the Tanks Arts Centre, housed in former World War II fuel tanks, hosts performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
Food & Nightlife
You can explore diverse dining options and nightlife venues in Cairns. The Cairns Esplanade and city center offer a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes serving local and international cuisine. Night markets and live music venues provide entertainment into the late hours.
Shopping & Fashion
Cairns has many shopping destinations that will fill your needs, from souvenirs to high fashion. Cairns Central Shopping Centre offers a variety of retail stores, while the Cairns Night Markets provide an opportunity to purchase souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts.
Nearby Getaways
From Cairns there are many nearby getaway locations that you can visit. Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling and diving, the Daintree Rainforest for guided tours, and Kuranda for scenic train and cable car rides are all great options. These locations offer unique natural experiences within easy reach of Cairns.
Events in Cairns This Month
iconic seafood buffet at pullman cairns international – friday & saturday night
Indulge in a seafood extravaganza at Coco's Kitchen + Bar, located inside the Pullman Cairns International. Due to popular demand, the Friday Night Seafood Buffet is now also available on Saturdays for a limited time. Don't miss this opportunity to savor a wide array of fresh seafood delights.
new year’s eve at the benson
Celebrate New Year's Eve in style at The Benson's exclusive adults-only party! Get ready to welcome 2026 with a night filled with excitement, music, and unforgettable moments.
chaos masquerave | hard techno x violin exclusive set | nye rave
Get ready to rave into the new year with CHAOS! They're back to close out 2025 with a loud, dark, and unforgettable party experience. Prepare for a night of hard-hitting beats and high-energy vibes.
new year's eve at the hound small bar!
Join us for a New Year's Eve celebration at The Hound! Enjoy a night of music with a Vinyl DJ spinning tunes all night long, complemented by a 3-hour drinks package. Celebrate the start of a new year in style without the hassle of traveling in and out of town.
Cairns Weather
Weather in Cairns
Wed, Jan 7
25%
30° 25°
25%
Thu, Jan 8
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Cairns
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Cairns
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on Cairns flights:
Be Flexible with Your Dates: Cairns calling! If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can snag some serious savings. Mid-week flights and off-season travel often come with significantly lower price tags. Keep an open mind and let the deals guide you!
Set Up Price Alerts: Don't let the perfect fare slip away! Use RatePunk to set up price alerts for your Cairns flights. You'll be notified the moment prices drop, ensuring you never miss out on a bargain. It's like having a personal flight-deal detective!
