$42 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 New Zealand to South Island departing on 4/3. 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.
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Search 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

Best South Island Flight Deals

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

Christchurch
Christchurchdirect$78
Queenstown
Queenstowndirect$149
Dunedin
Dunedindirect$180
Nelson
Nelsondirect$143
Invercargill
Invercargilldirect$233
Blenheim
Blenheimdirect$165

Good to know

Low season

May

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$42
Best time to beat the crowds (8% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (4% more expensive on average)
Flight from Auckland to Christchurch

FAQs - booking South Island flights

  • How long is the flight to South Island?

    An average direct flight from New Zealand to South Island takes 5h 12m, covering a distance of 981 km. The most popular route is Auckland - Queenstown with an average flight time of 1h 50m.

  • What is the cheapest flight to South Island?

    The cheapest ticket to South Island from New Zealand found in the last 72 hours was $82. The most popular route is from Auckland to Queenstown and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $143.

  • Which airlines fly to South Island?

    Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways & Qantas Airways fly the most frequently from New Zealand to South Island.

  • What are the most popular destinations in South Island?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Christchurch (44% of total searches to South Island). The next most popular destinations are Queenstown (35%) and Nelson (8%). Searches for flights to Dunedin (8%), to Invercargill (3%) and to Blenheim (2%) are also popular.

  • How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

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

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 Auckland $247, from Dunedin $257, from Wellington $305
  • Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price.
  • High season is considered to be October and November. The cheapest month to fly from New Zealand is June.
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest South Island flight deals.
See more tips

Flights to South Island: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew to South Island 
Verified travelerFlew with Air New ZealandAKL-ZQNSept 2024
There is a domestic Air NZ lounge AFTER security, right next to the gate if you are flying Air NZ. Looks like it is new. I had flown the same route about 10 months earlier, and there was no lounge inside. The only Air NZ lounge was in the checkin area (next to regional airlines). The plan was good, and had decent space (legroom and overhead).
ScottFlew with Air New ZealandAKL-CHCNov 2024
Make sure you have at least 2 hours layover if going to CHC from out of country. Getting to domestic terminal takes either a 15 minute walk or waiting for a shuttle which is not easy to locate.

Top 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 New Zealand 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 New Zealand 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
Air New ZealandOverall score based on 529 reviews
8.2Boarding
8.6Crew
7.6Entertainment
8.0Comfort
7.4Food
Airline reviews

Would have been nice to have decaf coffee as an option, and perhaps a scone

10.0 ExcellentScott, Nov 2024AKL - CHC
Read more Air New Zealand reviews

Would have been nice to have decaf coffee as an option, and perhaps a scone

Overall, a great experience from food and crew. The only setback was that this was the Second flight from Air New Zealand within a week that was an hour late for boarding.

The flight attendances were very helpful and friendly ! Dinner and breakfast were great . The seat was not too comfortable though .

The air New Zealand employees who assisted us with wheelchair aid on Auckland made our transfer from flight to the next seamless. Also were amazing in helping with our luggage and customs in Brisbane.

New Zealand crew were attentive. We were not informed that we needed transit document to pass through New Zealand. A checkin employee helped with this for which we were thankful.

The boarding process was less than ideal. While I liked being greeted with “Kia Ora”, the rest of the process was very average for business-class travel — queue, crowding, no clear separation between economy and business premier. The aircraft felt old, even though I believe it was only 6 years’ old. Travelling in Business Premier in Air New Zealand is like sitting in a glass bowl. One can see everyone, and everyone can see others. Very bad structuring of seats. If you have a choice, fly another airlines like Singapore Airlines for business — I had the option, but chose this flight due to it’s departure time. Regrettable decision. I had opted for Vegan food choice. Very poor food as well as service. It is as if the chefs preparing the meal have little idea what nutritious, healthy and filling plant-based food is. And the crew were totally uncoordinated. In the main dinner meal, the first thing I was served was a fruit bowl, and then followed by other items. No mention was made that the fruit bowl (served first) was the dessert! And then after my meal tray was cleared another steward (not the one who served the main meal) comes around asks me that now that I had had the would like the dessert. I said yes, please. He went off and comes back to tell me discreetly that I’ve already had my dessert! He also didn’t know what the dessert was — and I guess it was the fruit platter that was the first item I was served. I was traveling with partner, who had similar experience. For her, they just cleared her table without offering dessert. Extremely poor coordination. The area behind the seats was extremely dirty. I just happened to use the overhead light to try and locate something that had fallen, only to be horrified at the dust, crumbs and all kinds of other particles. The only good thing about the flight was that when it ended, our bags came very very quickly. But that I guess is more to do with airport operations for Air New Zealands at Auckland Airport rather than the flight itself. I would think very hard next time I have to fly Business Premier in New Zealand, especially on Boeing 787-9NZM, which this plane was. Basically if you are selecting seats and find that they are at a diagonal angle, do not book this if you are looking for luxurious travel. Better off with premium economy or a good economy seat. The quality of food and service indeed was way below par.

Gate agent was fantastic in Auckland. They wanted to charge me for my two bags even though I was gold member with United in Tonga. So I had to pay for an upgrade. The meals on both flights had no vegetarian option. The only one item the salad was not tasty at all. Good thing I had brought my own snacks. The bread was white roll which is so not healthy. I think New Zealand air can definitely improve their food offering.

The entire process was excellent! The economy sits are a bit snug so I'll have to be sure to purchase premier or business class next time but, other than that, food, service, attendants were exceptional. Gate agents and ticket agents too!

Can you please process refund. Mum died and dad went to Pakistan to bury her after cancelling flight.

Short flight so no entertainment, turbulence so no food service - overall flight as expected

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.

Unaware of charge for carry on until i got to gate

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

I like that fare is cheap but because there's no amenities whatsoever. You get what you paid for.

Plane was delayed both on arrival to Sydney and departure. We boarded the plane while it was in the process of being refuelled, which I am certain is against CASA regulations. Comfort for anyone over 6 foot is non existent.

The flight was over an hour late due to staff shortages and due to it being the last evening flight, I got back to Sydney very late

The flight take-off was delayed which was fine but the staff seemed pretty over their jobs. The seats are very uncomfortable and the food was pretty average. Overall is was okay.

a constant reminder that you need to work harder so you can avoid this airline

For some reason the cabin was kept very cold. Unlike my flight over which i would say was excellent this was a long, cold flight home.

Book Cheap South Island Plane Tickets

Recent return flight deals

 
These are the cheapest return flights to South Island found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.
6/1Mon
directJetstar
0h 50mWLG-CHC
8/1Wed
directJetstar
0h 50mCHC-WLG
$78
13/1Mon
directJetstar
0h 50mWLG-CHC
23/1Thu
directJetstar
0h 50mCHC-WLG
$93
2/1Thu
directJetstar
0h 50mWLG-CHC
8/1Wed
directJetstar
0h 50mCHC-WLG
$97
19/2Wed
direct
1h 05mWLG-CHC
21/2Fri
direct
0h 50mCHC-WLG
$146
20/3Thu
directAir New Zealand
0h 55mWLG-CHC
23/3Sun
directAir New Zealand
1h 00mCHC-WLG
$155
12/2Wed
direct
1h 25mAKL-CHC
14/2Fri
direct
1h 25mCHC-AKL
$161
9/1Thu
directAir New Zealand
0h 55mWLG-CHC
13/1Mon
directAir New Zealand
1h 00mCHC-WLG
$195
5/12Thu
1 stopSounds Air
4h 20mWLG-CHC
10/12Tue
1 stopSounds Air
2h 45mCHC-WLG
$560
4/12Wed
1 stopEmirates
8h 00mWLG-CHC
8/12Sun
1 stopEmirates
8h 50mCHC-WLG
$1,732
4/12Wed
1 stopEmirates
8h 00mWLG-CHC
10/12Tue
1 stopEmirates
8h 50mCHC-WLG
$1,741

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Recent one-way flight deals

 
Only flying one-way? Below are some of the best deals for one-way flights to South Island found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.
4/3Tue
directJetstar
1h 25mAKL-CHC
$42
4/3Tue
directJetstar
0h 50mWLG-CHC
$46
12/2Wed
directJetstar
1h 25mAKL-CHC
$48
29/1Wed
directJetstar
0h 50mWLG-CHC
$48
6/4Sun
directAir New Zealand
1h 25mAKL-CHC
$95
28/1Tue
directAir New Zealand
1h 05mWLG-CHC
$97
13/1Mon
1 stop
8h 30mAKL-NSN
$134
31/1Fri
1 stop
26h 30mAKL-NSN
$146
29/11Fri
1 stopSounds Air
6h 00mWLG-CHC
$239
30/11Sat
1 stopSounds Air
4h 40mWLG-CHC
$245

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Search by price

Last minute flights to South Island

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

 
These last-minute flight deals are the cheapest flights found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours for flights to South Island that are departing in the next 10 days.
23/11Sat
directJetstar
0h 50mWLG-CHC
24/11Sun
directJetstar
0h 50mCHC-WLG
$350
25/11Mon
directJetstar
1h 50mAKL-DUD
2/12Mon
directJetstar
1h 45mDUD-AKL
$406
24/11Sun
directJetstar
1h 25mAKL-CHC
25/11Mon
directJetstar
1h 20mCHC-AKL
$409
24/11Sun
multi-stopJetstar
13h 50mAKL-CHC
25/11Mon
directJetstar
1h 20mCHC-AKL
$435
21/11Thu
directJetstar
1h 50mAKL-DUD
5/12Thu
directJetstar
1h 45mDUD-AKL
$442
25/11Mon
direct
1h 50mAKL-DUD
2/12Mon
multi-stop
7h 05mDUD-AKL
$467
23/11Sat
directAir New Zealand
1h 55mAKL-ZQN
29/11Fri
directAir New Zealand
1h 50mZQN-AKL
$673
23/11Sat
directAir New Zealand
1h 55mAKL-ZQN
23/11Sat
directAir New Zealand
1h 55mZQN-AKL
$686
22/11Fri
multi-stopAir New Zealand
10h 00mAKL-DUD
25/11Mon
multi-stopAir New Zealand
8h 05mDUD-AKL
$686
21/11Thu
directAir New Zealand
1h 25mAKL-CHC
5/12Thu
multi-stopAir New Zealand
6h 30mCHC-AKL
$703

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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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