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Cheap flights to Queenstown you can book in 2020

Flying to Queenstown? Here is everything you need to know.

Monique Law
Monique Law

Updated

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Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) is the gateway to the adventure capital of New Zealand. Flights in and out of the resort town offer spectacular views, and you can get there with direct flights from Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Latest Queenstown flight deals

Skyscanner Skyscanner

New Zealand flights from $243 return

Available on select dates from January - October 2021 to Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin and more. Sample fare is Sydneyt-Auckland with Jetstar. T&Cs apply.

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How much are flights to Queenstown?

From Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne, you can secure return flights to Queenstown for under $700. Return flights from Adelaide to Queenstown will set you back no more than $450. From Perth, a good deal can be found for less than $800 for a return fare.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Queenstown?

The cheapest time to fly to Queenstown from Australia is in May. This falls before snow season, but you can definitely expect chilly weather and autumn to be in full force. May is a great time to hire a car or caravan and make your way around New Zealand as there are fewer tourists on the roads and there's less competition when booking accommodation.

How far in advance should I book my flight to Queenstown?

If you know when you want to travel, it is best to book your flights from Australia to Queenstown seven weeks in advance.

Frequently asked questions about flights to Queenstown

How long does it take to fly to Queenstown?

There are four cities in Australia with direct flights to Queenstown. You can find the flight times listed below.

  • Sydney: 3 hours, 5 minutes
  • Gold Coast: 3 hours, 15 minutes
  • Brisbane: 3 hours, 30 minutes
  • Melbourne: 3 hours

If you don't live in one of these cities, you can get a domestic flight from your nearest airport to one of these locations. Your airline may offer a two-leg ticket from your airport to Queenstown with a stopover in Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane or Melbourne. Alternatively, you can book a separate domestic flight but make sure that it arrives in plenty of time for you to check-in for your international flight.

Which airlines fly to Queenstown from Australia?

Five airlines provide direct flights from Australia to Queenstown. We've listed these airlines and the city they depart from below.

  • Jetstar: Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast
  • Qantas: Melbourne, Sydney
  • Air New Zealand: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
  • Virgin Australia: Sydney, Brisbane
  • Emirates: Sydney, Brisbane

Flights are not as frequent to Queenstown as they are to other New Zealand airports. Depending on your departure airport, there may only be one flight a day so you will need to schedule your travel plans according to what's available.

When you book, make sure to check what is included with your fare as a cheap deal may not end up so cheap after you factor in additional costs for baggage, meals and drinks. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Emirates all include a checked bag, meal, drinks and entertainment in their trans-Tasman fares. Air New Zealand allows you to choose the type of fare that suits your needs, and Jetstar sells a base fare with optional extras to purchase as required.

Where is the airport in Queenstown?

Queenstown Airport is located in Frankton, just eight kilometres from the city centre.

How long does it take to get to the airport from Queenstown?

  • City centre: 15 minutes (8 kilometres)
  • Fernhill: 20 minutes (11 kilometres)
  • Arthurs Point: 18 minutes (13 kilometres)
  • Arrowtown: 20 minutes (15.5 kilometres)
  • Wanaka: 1 hour (63 kilometres)

To get to your destination, you can take a taxi from outside the airport. This will cost approximately $35 if you are travelling to the city centre where many hotels and hostels are located. Uber is also available and shuttles provide a door-to-door service. There is a public bus that costs just $2 from the airport to the city centre.

If you are staying in Arthurs Point, Arrowtown or Wanaka and you won't be hiring a vehicle, contact your accommodation to see if they provide a shuttle service for its guests.

Do I need a visa to travel to Queenstown with an Australian passport?

A visa is not required for travel to Queenstown if you hold an Australian passport. If you are a permanent resident of Australia, then you will need to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.This authority is also required by citizens of countries indicated on the visa waiver list, including the US, the UK, Italy and Canada. Similar to an ESTA for the US, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority enables you to travel, but you are still subject to border security checks upon arrival. You can apply for it online and pay the appropriate fee at least 72 hours prior to departure.

If you are not eligible for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, you will need to apply for a visa before you can travel to Queenstown.

Am I required to book an onward or return flight to Queenstown?

Australian passport holders do not need a return flight when visiting Queenstown, but anyone entering with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority will need to show proof that they have onward travel arrangements.

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