Cheap flights from Auckland (AKL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Fly from Auckland to Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, where art, sport, and café culture collide. Start your day with brunch in a hidden laneway, then wander through Fitzroy’s vintage stores or the National Gallery of Victoria’s modern art halls. 

Catch a footy game at the MCG, cruise the Yarra River at sunset, or sip cocktails from rooftop bars glowing over the skyline. From the Australian Open and Melbourne International Comedy Festival to lazy afternoons at Queen Victoria Market or St Kilda Beach, Auckland to Melbourne flights land you in a city built on creativity, conversation, and world-famous coffee.

Airlines flying direct from Auckland to Melbourne 

Cross the Tasman with ease thanks to these reliable airlines offering direct daily flights:

• Air New Zealand: Enjoy signature Kiwi service with complimentary snacks, drinks, and entertainment included. Earn Airpoints Dollars on every fare.
• Qantas: Australia’s full-service favourite with meals, checked baggage, and Qantas Frequent Flyer points all part of the ticket.
• Jetstar: Budget-friendly fares with flexible add-ons for baggage and seat selection make this pick ideal for weekend escapes or wallet-wise city breaks.

Flight time from Auckland to Melbourne

When flying direct, it takes around 4 hours and 0 minutes to travel from Auckland to Melbourne. Non-stop flights run every day, making it an easy trans-Tasman hop between New Zealand’s largest city and the Victorian capital.

Average price of flights between Auckland and Melbourne

Return fares on the Auckland–Melbourne route usually sit around the $500 return mark, btu can range between AU$405 and AU$850 return, with current deals from AU$299 each way. Prices rise in April around school holidays and again in December for summer and festive travel. To score the best deals, book two to three months ahead and watch Traveloka sales like Boxing Day, EOFY, and Click Frenzy Travel sales for exclusive flight discounts and coupons.

Cheapest time to fly to Melbourne

The cheapest month to fly from Auckland to Melbourne is May, or any of the winter months, really. Typically, August also works well, when fares drop during late winter and demand slows. It’s a great time to enjoy Melbourne’s cafés, art galleries, and markets before spring crowds return.

Prices climb again in April around Easter and peak in December when summer festivals, holiday travel, and warm weather bring more visitors. For better value, plan an off-peak or shoulder-season escape and check Traveloka’s promo page for the latest flight offers and seasonal sales.

Where is the airport in Melbourne?

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) sits about 23 kilometres northwest of the CBD and serves as the city’s main domestic and international hub. The SkyBus runs 24/7 to Southern Cross Station, reaching the city in roughly 25–35 minutes. Taxis and rideshares are readily available outside each terminal, with clear signage for app-based pick-ups. Travellers hiring a car will find rental desks inside all terminals, perfect for road trips to the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, or the Great Ocean Road.

Some flights also operate from Avalon Airport (AVV), around 50 kilometres southwest of Melbourne near Geelong, handy for those heading to the Surf Coast or Bellarine Peninsula.

Visa and passport requirements for flying to Melbourne

Australian citizens flying this route only need valid photo identification for check-in, as this is considered trans-Tasman travel rather than a visa-controlled international entry.

New Zealand citizens don’t need a visa to enter Australia, but must travel on a valid New Zealand passport. On arrival, eligible travellers are automatically granted a Special Category Visa (subclass 444), allowing them to visit, work, or study while in Australia. Travellers of other nationalities should apply for an Australian visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before departure. 

Time difference between Auckland and Melbourne

Melbourne operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT+10), moving to GMT+11 during daylight saving. Auckland runs on New Zealand Standard Time (GMT+12) and shifts to GMT+13 in summer. The two cities are usually two to three hours apart, depending on the season. Your itinerary automatically adjusts to local arrival time, so there’s no need to reset your watch mid-flight.

Our tips to getting the best price on flights

• Book early: Lock in your Auckland–Melbourne fare two to three months ahead. Prices rise fast around events like Christmas, the tennis, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
• Use Traveloka tools: Set a Flight Alert to catch fare drops, and check Traveloka’s promo page during Boxing Day, EOFY, and Click Frenzy Travel for bonus coupons and exclusive app-only deals.
• Compare inclusions: Full-service airlines may include baggage and meals, often a better value than adding extras later.
• Travel midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often cheaper, giving you more to spend on Bourke Street Mall shopping steals once you land.
• Look for extras: The Traveloka app offers, flash sales, and app-only discounts that make your Melbourne trip even more affordable.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

• All in one place: Flights, hotels near Federation Square or Southbank, car hire, and attraction tickets mean you can plan your Melbourne stay in one app.
• Seasonal savings: Find deals during Boxing Day, EOFY, and Click Frenzy Travel, plus bonus coupons on Traveloka’s promo page for limited-time discounts.
• Transparent pricing: What you see is what you pay. No hidden baggage, meal, or seat fees.
• Exclusive perks: Enjoy app-only discounts, SIM card offers, and Traveloka Rewards that make exploring Melbourne even easier.

Ready for your Melbourne adventure?

More than just flights, Traveloka helps you plan your Melbourne getaway from start to finish. Think hotels near Federation Square and Southbank, attraction tickets, day tours, and Great Ocean Road adventures.

Other popular destinations in Australia from Auckland you might want to check out:

• Auckland to Sydney flights – Australia’s NSW icon, home to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and beachside walks.
• Auckland to Brisbane flights – A laid-back riverside city known for laid-back bars and warm subtropical weather.
• Auckland to Gold Coast flights – Surf, sunshine, and theme parks, perfect for family holidays and weekend escapes.
• Auckland to Adelaide flights – South Australia’s food and wine capital, surrounded by vineyards and heritage architecture.
• Auckland to Perth flights – A sunny west coast city filled with beaches, parklands, and an outdoor lifestyle.

Flying in the other direction? Here’s everything you need to know about the reverse journey from Melbourne to Auckland.