$378 Cheap Flights from Nelson (NSN) to Cairns (CNS)

View $378 flight on Tue, Jan 13, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Nelson (NSN) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)

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Cheap Flights from Nelson to Cairns (NSN-CNS)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $378 for one-way flights and for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Flights from Nelson (NSN) to Cairns (CNS)
Origin airport
Nelson
Destination airport
Cairns Intl.
Distance
2346 mi

Nelson to Cairns Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Nelson to Cairns

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Nelson to Cairns are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Nelson to Cairns with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Nelson to Cairns

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Nelson to Cairns: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Nelson to Cairns

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Nelson to Cairns in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $378 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Nelson to Cairns flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Nelson to Cairns airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

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

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) cost?
Discover the latest flight deals from NSN to CNS by entering your preferred travel dates and searching on Expedia. Easily compare prices by departure date if you have flexibility with your schedule and use handy filters to explore prices for your preferred journey. As a member of One Key™, our free loyalty program, you can use Price Tracking to watch fares and receive notifications if prices go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from NSN to CNS?
The cheapest flights from NSN to CNS are usually during off-peak season, when demand is lower. To save money, avoid flying during public holidays, school breaks and major local events.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from NSN to CNS?
Use the filter tool on Expedia to compare airlines and find the cheapest carrier that'll take you from NSN to CNS. Sort your results by "Price (lowest to highest)" to snap up a great deal.
How many flights per day from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
You'll have to book a flight with a layover when traveling from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). Direct flights don't operate daily on this route. However, simply filter your search to include one or two stops to find the best option for your trip.
What day of the week has the most flights from NSN to CNS?
You'll typically find Tuesday the quietest day for flights, while Fridays are often the busiest.* However this can vary from season to season and during peak travel times or public holidays.*Busiest/quietest day to travel is based on Expedia flight demand through January to December 2024.
What is the best time to fly from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
To land at Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) on time, pick a flight that leaves Nelson Airport (NSN) before 3 PM. The likelihood of cancellations is 22% higher, on average, for departures after this hour.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG's global flight data platform.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) last-minute?
Last-minute fares from NSN to CNS are typically more expensive. For the cheapest rates, start searching for flights ahead of time. That being said, if you're flexible with your travel plans, it's possible to find a cheap fare right before you leave.
Is it cheaper to book a NSN to CNS flight and hotel package?
You'll generally save money by booking a NSN to CNS flight and hotel package compared to booking separately. In fact, you could save hundreds of dollars by bundling with Expedia. And it's easy to manage it all in one convenient place. After selecting your preferred accommodations and flights, consider adding extras like car rentals, tours and activities.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
If you booked your NSN to CNS flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you purchased, additional charges may apply for changes beyond that time. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, visit our Customer Service portal for more details.

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*Available to One Key members.