Cheap flights from Sydney (SYD) to Queenstown (ZQN)

Queenstown is heaven on earth for thrill-seekers thanks to its adrenaline-pumping attractions such as bungee-jumping, paragliding and jet boating. Not as keen to get your heart rate pumping? Never fear, the destination on New Zealand’s South Island is just as renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes and its divine restaurant and wine scene. 

Sold? Traveloka will help you get there, thanks to this travel guide which shares all the info you need to know from affordable flights to accommodation deals and exclusive promotions to help you nail down the logistics for your trip.

Which airlines fly direct from Sydney to Queenstown? 

If you’re looking to fly direct from Sydney (SYD) to Queenstown (ZQN), you’ll have a couple of options up your sleeve. When you're planning your trip from Australia to New Zealand, take a look at this list of airlines that offer this Trans-Tasman route. 

• Jetstar: A low-cost carrier for those on a budget, Jetstar offers fares with a 7kg carry-on luggage allowance included. Travellers will need to pay extra for check-in baggage and meals on board if desired.
• Qantas: Qantas is a full-service carrier with free meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment. Frequent flyer points can be earned through Qantas Points. 
• Air New Zealand: Air New Zealand has several fare options to suit different traveller needs. The basic “seat” option includes 1 x carry-on bag plus a snack and in-flight entertainment while “theworks” option is an all-inclusive experience with checked bag, meal service and free standard seat select included in the fare. 
• Virgin Australia: Virgin Australia uses a hybrid model on its international short-haul flights. In economy, there are “saver” fares, which are cheaper and travellers can purchase food and drink on board whereas if they select the “flexi” fare, a complimentary meal is included. Frequent flyer points are earned through its Velocity program.

You can book flights with any of these airlines on Traveloka, where you'll find the best deals and convenient booking options.

Flight time from Sydney to Queenstown?

When flying direct, it takes 2 hours and 55 minutes to fly from Sydney to Queenstown. That’s less time than it takes to fly across Australia!

Average price of flights between Sydney and Queenstown

The prices of airfares from Sydney (SYD) to Queenstown (ZQN) can vary depending on a number of factors including: the season you choose to visit in, whether your flight takes off midweek or on popular timeslot like on the weekend and how far in advance you got the flights booked and sorted. 

The cheapest fares on this route start from as low as  AU$356, and can go up a few hundred dollars during peak times. There are things you can do to make sure you’re not paying more than you have to on your trip. Try to plan ahead and use Traveloka to nab exclusive deals and promotions during special sales events like Black Friday or Boxing Day.

Cheapest time to fly to Queenstown

 If you’re trying to book fares and accommodation based on what’s going to be the most cost-effective, you’d probably want to aim for either June or October and November, when flight prices are generally at their lowest. Fares for these routes start from AU$356. These months are between the ski season and the summer tourist peak.

Where is the airport in Queenstown?

As the fourth busiest airport in New Zealand when rated by passenger numbers, Queenstown Airport is located just under 8km from the resort town it’s named after. Want to know the easiest way to get to Queenstown itself once you land? These are the transport options available: 

• Bus: The Orbus, is available to take passengers into the city centre for NZ$10 (AU$9.30) if you pay the driver in cash. If you order a Bee Card online, the adult fare lowers to just NZ$2 (AU$1.80). It comes every 15 minutes, services most hotels and takes about 25 minutes. There are also private shuttle bus options available.
• Taxis/ride share: You can travel via taxi from the airport to Queenstown’s city centre from the airport. A taxi fare typically costs around NZ$45 (AU$42) and the journey will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Ride share options such as Uber are also available, which can be booked via an app. This journey will take a similar amount of time as a cab.
• Rental cars: Car rental is available at Queenstown Airport. Sixt, Europcar, Avis, Enterprise and Go Rentals are just some of the car rental companies offering their services here. Want a rental that does double duty as your wheels and your accommodation? You can also rent campervans and motorhomes at Queenstown Airport.
• Limousines/ VIP service: If you want a more luxe way to travel in style, you’re in luck! For a higher price, limos and other VIP car services offer transport options to and from the airport – driver included. 

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Queenstown

To enter New Zealand, a valid passport is required for international travellers, including Australians. A visa is not necessary for Australians travelling to New Zealand (unless you have a criminal record or have been deported from a country in the past). However, Australian travellers will need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form (NZTD) either online or via the NZTD app prior to arriving at passport control in New Zealand. There is no cost to complete this form.

Time difference between Sydney and Queenstown

There is a small time difference between Sydney and Queenstown, with Queenstown being two hours ahead of Sydney. Both New Zealand and New South Wales observe daylight savings time so the time difference stays the same for most of the year except for a brief period between when New Zealand’s clocks move forward one hour on the last Sunday of September but the clocks in Sydney don’t move forward an hour until the first Sunday of October. In this short period, Queenstown is three hours ahead of Sydney.

Our tips to getting the best price on flights

Be savvy when booking your flights from Sydney (SYD) to Queenstown (ZQN). Traveloka’s smart and simple tips will make organising a trip easier than ever.

• Use Traveloka’s promotions page to access exclusive discounts and turn on flight alerts to be notified when prices drop
• Be flexible with your travel dates—fly mid-week when ticket prices are often lower or try visiting in the off-season
• Book in advance to secure the cheapest fares and avoid last-minute price surges.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

Searching far and wide for amazing flight deals and accommodation prices for your trip from Sydney (SYD) to Queenstown (ZQN)? Traveloka has you covered with great perks and features – perfect for planning your dream holiday in New Zealand.

• Price Alerts: Stay updated on price drops and grab competitive deals. 
• Flexible Options: Need to reschedule your Queenstown flight? Easily manage your bookings. 
• Comprehensive Support – Customer service that’s available 24/7. 
• Exclusive Extras – Gain access to SIM cards, in New Zealand discounted accommodation, and travel packages for your trip

We’re one of the fastest-growing online travel agencies here in Australia. With a stellar reputation globally and features designed for busy travellers, it’s time to experience a more innovative way to book flights.

Ready for your Queenstown adventure?

More than just flights, we can also help you find the perfect accommodation in Queenstown along with attraction tickets, tours and day trips to help you make the most of your trip.

Other popular destinations and activities in New Zealand from Sydney you might want to check out:

• Sydney to Wellington
• Sydney to Auckland
• Sydney to Christchurch
• Sydney to Rotorua