$448 Cheap Flights to Wellington

Flights to Wellington at a glance

Traveling to Wellington is easy—simply choose between full-service and budget airlines, compare flight durations, and select the option that best fits your budget, schedule, and plans to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports in and around Wellington: Wellington International Airport (WLG), Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
• Closest airport to Wellington: Wellington International Airport, WLG (within Wellington)
• Flights per week: 130+ flights arriving across Wellington airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Wellington: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports in and around Wellington

Wellington is a vibrant metropolis ideal for family getaways, outdoor adventures, and business trips. Travelers flock to this city for its blend of outdoor activities, stunning beaches, and urban experiences. The region is conveniently served by two major airports.

• Wellington International Airport (WLG): Situated in the Greater Wellington region, this airport provides both domestic and international flights, linking to approximately 6 cities within New Zealand and over 10 international locales. Travelers can opt for business class service for enhanced comfort, subject to the airline and route. Major carriers include Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas Airways.
• Palmerston North International Airport (PMR): Found in Palmerston North City, Manawatū-Whanganui, about 80 miles from Wellington, this airport primarily handles domestic flights. Air New Zealand is the leading airline servicing this location.

Top routes to Wellington

• Auckland (AKL) to Wellington (PMR/WLG), with one-way airfare from around $30
• Christchurch (CHC) to Wellington (WLG), with one-way tickets available from around $30
• Queenstown (ZQN) to Wellington (WLG), with one-way fares starting at around $35
• Sydney (SYD) to Wellington (WLG), with one-way flight options from around $200
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Wellington (WLG), with one-way flights starting at around $420

Cheapest routes to Wellington

• Christchurch (CHC) to Wellington (WLG), with low one-way fares from around $30
• Auckland (AKL) to Wellington (PMR/WLG), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $30
• Queenstown (ZQN) to Wellington (WLG), with cheap one-way fares from around $35
• Nelson (NSN) to Wellington (WLG), with low one-way fares from around $60
• Rotorua (ROT) to Wellington (WLG), with budget one-way fares from around $75

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Wellington

• Air New Zealand: Operates flights to both Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) and Wellington International Airport (WLG), representing nearly 47% of arrivals in Wellington. The typical one-way fare hovers around $280.
• Jetstar: Serves Wellington International Airport (WLG) and accounts for about 29% of Wellington's arrivals. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of roughly $60.
• Qantas Airways: Flies into Wellington International Airport (WLG), making up approximately 14% of arrivals there. Average one-way fares are around $610, with potential business class service available on certain routes.
• Fiji Airways: Also operating flights to Wellington International Airport (WLG), this airline comprises about 4% of arrivals in Wellington. The average one-way fare is roughly $560, with business class service possible depending on the route.
• Emirates: Provides service to Wellington International Airport (WLG), accounting for about 2% of arrivals in the area. The average one-way fare is around $300.

Best time to fly to Wellington

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Wellington are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Wellington can reach up to 62.8°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 55.6°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $203, roughly 22% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September offers an average one-way fare of around $210, making it a good option for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Wellington

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Wellington is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Wellington hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Wellington flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Wellington

Wellington welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Wellington efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Wellington International Airport, several important transport options are just a short drive away. Wellington Seaport, a seaport, is located about 4.9 miles from the airport, while Wellington Station, a train station, is approximately 5.8 miles away. For ferry travel, the Interislander Ferry Terminal is situated about 6.7 miles from the airport, all easily accessible by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Wellington, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Wellington is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Wellington on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in Wellington

• Te Aro: Located around the area of Wellington, Te Aro is a vibrant suburb that offers a mix of family-friendly activities and urban experiences. Visitors can explore the lively shopping scene at Cuba Street Mall, enjoy the cultural exhibits at Te Papa, or attend events in the bustling Wellington Central Business District. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and conference venues, Te Aro is an excellent base for both leisure and business travelers looking to immerse themselves in the city's dynamic atmosphere.
• Wellington CBD: Wellington CBD is located around the area of Wellington and serves as the heart of the city. This bustling neighborhood is ideal for those seeking a blend of city life, family activities, and business opportunities. Key attractions include the TSB Bank Arena, perfect for conferences and events, and the rich cultural offerings at Te Papa. The area is also home to numerous shopping centers and theaters, making it a convenient and exciting destination for visitors.
• Karori: Karori is located around the area of Wellington and is known for its outdoor adventures and family-oriented entertainment. This suburb features a variety of activities such as music concerts and theater performances, along with the scenic Zealandia nature reserve, where travelers can immerse themselves in New Zealand's unique wildlife. With its proximity to the city and beautiful natural landscapes, Karori is a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy both urban and outdoor experiences.

Tips for short-haul flights to Wellington

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Optimize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This strategy also allows you to bypass waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment options. Make sure to download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Wellington

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is usually 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight's departure to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, consider browsing the shops, enjoying a coffee, or unwinding at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Wellington

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Wellington on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Wellington. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Wellington. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Wellington, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Wellington

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Wellington in 2026 starts from $861, while one-way tickets start from from $448. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Wellington. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Wellington

American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand, United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Wellington. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Wellington and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Wellington, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Wellington. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Wellington plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Wellington

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Wellington.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Wellington are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Wellington. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Wellington for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Wellington. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Wellington flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Wellington. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.