If your next escape is all about golden sun, resort living and unforgettable tours, this buzzing tropical paradise is for you. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest and everything in between, laidback Cairns is in the heart of a region everyone should tick off the bucket list.
View our Cairns travel guide
Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Cairns (CNS)
Prices are based on payment at qantas.com by PayPal. A fee applies for other card payments. Fares may not be available on all flights or days. Some flights are operated by partner or subsidiary airlines. Prices correct as at time of posting 10 March 2023 but may fluctuate if carrier charges, taxes, fees or currency rates change. Black-out dates apply.
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9 offers available in Economy class.
Reasons to fly with Qantas
Food and drinks on every flight
Enjoy a meal or snack every time you fly with us, as well as a range of refreshments including beer and wine.
Baggage included in every fare
Pack more into your trip with checked and carry-on baggage included in every fare.
Frequent Flyer program
Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn and use Qantas Pointsin Australia and around the world, and earn Status Credits on eligible flights.
Visiting from Auckland to Cairns
Fly Auckland to Cairns (AKL to CNS)
The approximate time from Auckland to Cairns is 8 hours and 45 minutes, including connection time.
When to visit
A laid-back tourist town and gateway to Far North Queensland, Cairns (pronounced ‘cans’) experiences hot summers, mild winters and two very distinct seasons – wet and dry. It’s warm all year round and even during the wet season, Cairns is all about boardshorts and the tropical outdoors.
Arrival information
What is the main airport called?
Cairns Airport (CNS)Opens in a new tab or window. It is an international airport in Far North Queensland. There are two terminals: Terminal 1 - international airport and Terminal 2 - domestic airport.
Arriving at Cairns Airport
Once greeted by the friendly staff at Cairns Airport, there are several different transport options available to get you on your way.
Getting into Cairns
The easiest way to reach the centre of Cairns is via taxi, rideshare, hire cars and buses which can be accessed at terminal. For a more affordable alternative, the cheapest way to get from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Cairns is to take a shuttle which costs $19 - $40 and takes 8 min for the 6km trip.
Getting around Cairns
Walking is a great way to see the Cairns CBD and when you want to explore the surrounding areas, hiring a car or taking the local public transport is the best option. You may wish to join one of the many four wheel drive tours that can pick you up and drop you back off at your doorstep, taking you up to the beautiful rainforests or join a boat tour out to the reef.
Departure information
Fly from Auckland
Once you’ve purchased your tickets from Auckland, there are a few things you should know to ensure you’re as prepared as possible for your upcoming trip.
What is the main airport called?
Auckland Airport (AKL).Opens in a new tab or window The airport is a major airline hub in New Zealand and there are many domestic and international destinations for visitors to continue on to. The airport is located near Mangere, 21 kilometres south of the Auckland city centre.
Baggage allowance
Passengers on Qantas flights from Auckland are allocated checked baggage. If you need more luggage, you can purchase an additional baggage allowance online prior to departure.
Checking in
Ensure you check-in online or via the Qantas App before you arrive at the airport from 24 hours before departure.
Why Qantas
Experience the Qantas difference
Fly with Qantas and enjoy a comfortable journey with familiar smiles waiting to welcome you onboard.
Included baggage
Enjoy peace of mind knowing baggage is included on all Qantas flights. Find out all you need to know about checked baggage.
Food and drinks on every flight
Enjoy a meal or snack every time you fly with us, as well as a range of refreshments including beer and wine+.
Inflight entertainment
Enjoy a range of entertainment on every flight including TV, the latest movies and more+.
Important Information
* For payment options other than PayPal or Qantas issued UATP, a card payment fee applies per passenger, per booking of NZ$7 for Trans-Tasman travel, and NZ$30 for international travel. For bookings made via Qantas Contact Centres (including through web chat and social media) or through Qantas airport locations, a fee of NZ$45 per passenger, per booking is applicable for Trans-Tasman and Australian domestic bookings and NZ$77 for international bookings. A NZ$30 surcharge per sector applies for peak-day travel (AKL-JFK on Fri/Sat/Sun, JFK-AKL on Thu/Fri/Sat). Some agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. Selected travel dates and days apply and fares may not be available on all flights or days. Offers subject to availability. Food, beverage and entertainment offerings vary between flights. All schedules subject to change, including last minute aircraft changes. Prices correct as at 10 March 2023 but may fluctuate if carrier charges, taxes, fees or currency rates change. Black-out dates apply. Visit qantas.com for full conditions.
Disclaimer: ^ You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.
Disclaimer: +Meals, beverages, entertainment and offerings vary between flights and cabins. Alcohol offered during select flight times on select flights.