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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$796
Typical prices: $1,275-$1,984
Qantas Airways
Sat 2/3Mon 2/26
LAX - ZQN • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way
$417
Typical prices: $768-$1,351
Qantas Airways
Sun 9/23
LAX - ZQN • 1 stop
Top airlines
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
When to travel
Cheapest • 12% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
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Good to know
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We hope you love your trip to Queenstown!
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights to Queenstown

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals to Queenstown

Wed, Feb 3 - Wed, Feb 10
Qantas Airways Logo
8:25 pm - 2:35 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
21h 10m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith
Qantas Airways Logo
7:00 am - 6:20 amZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
20h 20m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith
$796Qantas Airways
Wed, Feb 3 - Fri, Feb 26
Qantas Airways Logo
8:25 pm - 2:35 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
21h 10m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith
Qantas Airways Logo
7:00 am - 6:20 amZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
20h 20m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith
$796Qantas Airways
Fri, Oct 30 - Sat, Nov 14
Qantas Airways Logo
10:45 pm - 3:35 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
20h 50m1 stop Brisbane
Qantas Airways Logo
7:00 am - 6:00 amZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
20h 00m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith
$796Qantas Airways
Fri, Feb 12 - Fri, Feb 19
Qantas Airways Logo
8:25 pm - 2:35 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
21h 10m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith
Qantas Airways Logo
7:00 am - 6:00 amZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
20h 00m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith
$799Qantas Airways
Thu, Feb 4 - Fri, Feb 26
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:45 pm - 6:45 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
24h 00m1 stop Brisbane
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:45 am - 12:00 pmZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
22h 15m2 stops Auckland Intl Nadi
$957Multiple Airlines
Thu, Feb 4 - Thu, Feb 25
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:45 pm - 6:45 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
24h 00m1 stop Brisbane
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:45 am - 12:00 pmZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
22h 15m2 stops Auckland Intl Nadi
$957Multiple Airlines
Sun, Jan 31 - Fri, Feb 26
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:25 pm - 2:35 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
21h 10m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:45 am - 12:00 pmZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
22h 15m2 stops Auckland Intl Nadi
$964Multiple Airlines
Fri, Jan 22 - Sun, Jan 31
Air New Zealand Logo
8:00 pm - 3:20 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
22h 20m2 stops Auckland Intl Wellington
Air New Zealand Logo
12:40 pm - 10:05 amZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
18h 25m2 stops Christchurch Auckland Intl
$977Air New Zealand
Fri, Jan 29 - Wed, Mar 10
Air New Zealand Logo
7:10 pm - 12:05 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
19h 55m2 stops Auckland Intl Christchurch
Air New Zealand Logo
10:25 am - 11:25 amZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
22h 00m2 stops Christchurch Auckland Intl
$977Air New Zealand
Thu, Feb 4 - Sat, Feb 20
Air New Zealand Logo
8:00 pm - 3:55 pmLAX  Los Angeles-ZQN Queenstown Intl
22h 55m2 stops Auckland Intl Christchurch
Air New Zealand Logo
10:25 am - 10:05 amZQN  Queenstown Intl-LAX Los Angeles
20h 40m2 stops Christchurch Auckland Intl
$977Air New Zealand
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for United States to Queenstown flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from the United States to Queenstown with more confidence.

What is the cheapest day to fly to Queenstown?

Saturday is the cheapest day to fly to Queenstown at $1,481 round-trip on average over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Friday is the most expensive at $1,693.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Queenstown?

  • February is the cheapest month to fly to Queenstown with an average price of $1,375 round-trip.
  • December ($1,941) and June ($1,906) are the most expensive.
  • Based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Queenstown?

Morning flights to Queenstown are the cheapest at $1,511 round-trip on average. Evening flights are the most expensive at $1,711.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight to Queenstown

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Air Canada and United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Jessica Macdonald

Jessica Macdonald

Expert on Air New Zealand

Currently based in Scotland after living in South Africa and the United States, Jessica has been writing travel and aviation content for more than 10 years. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure and TripSavvy, and has had work published by Condé Nast Traveller and The Independent. She has traveled to more than 50 countries across six continents.

Bill Fink

Bill Fink

Expert on Qantas Airways

Bill is an award-winning travel writer with extensive credits covering airlines and the aviation industry for publications including AARP, AFAR, The Points Guy and Yahoo. Based in Portland, Oregon, Bill has traveled to more than 75 countries - and been late for his flight in most of them. He once achieved top-level frequent flier status for all of American, Delta and United Airlines during a single year.

Key details for flights to Queenstown

Low season

July

Cheapest flight

$417
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 5% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 24% increase in price.
Flight from Los Angeles to Queenstown

When to book flights to Queenstown

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel to Queenstown based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your questions about flights to Queenstown, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • What is the best way to reach downtown Queenstown from the airport?

    You can take either a bus or taxi to reach downtown Queenstown. The Orbus runs from the airport to central Queenstown every 15min, and with a Bee Card, the trip only costs $2 ($10 without). The trip will take about 20min, and buses run from 6 am to midnight. Taxis are also available at Queenstown Airport; they will be faster but also more expensive.

  • Are there lounges available in Queenstown Airport?

    There are two lounges in Queenstown Airport, though only one has a “pay-in” option. The Manaia Lounge offers a business center, dining area, and TVs; it is available for many different club members but can also be accessed for $55 per adult passenger. The Air New Zealand Lounge is available only for Koru members and Star Alliance Gold members.

  • Are there on-site hotels at Queenstown Airport?

    There are no on-site hotels, and since the airport closes between 10:30 pm and 5:00 am, you will need to find a hotel off-site. Luckily, many nearby hotels offer shuttles to the airport. The Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa and the Ramada Suites are both half a mile from the airport and can be booked through KAYAK.

  • What are the car rental options at Queenstown Airport?

    Queenstown Airport has eight rental car companies with service desks located in the terminal building: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, SIXT, Enterprise, Ezi Car Rental, and Hertz. If you plan on renting a car, remember that in New Zealand, you drive on the left side of the road.

  • What is the difference between the most popular and the most frequent airline at Queenstown?

    American Airlines operates the most flights from the United States to Queenstown at 0 per week, while Air New Zealand is the airline most often selected by KAYAK users searching for flights from the United States to Queenstown. The two are often different because flight volume reflects an airline's schedule, while popularity reflects traveler choice.

  • How do I know if a flight to Queenstown is a good deal?

    A good deal on a flight to Queenstown is around $1,275 round-trip. This fare is in the lowest 25% of round-trip prices searched on KAYAK, averaged across the cities most often searched as origins by KAYAK users.

Your guide to booking Queenstown flights

From booking to airport arrival, find tips to help you plan your flight with more confidence.
  • For flights to Queenstown, recent KAYAK data shows that stronger deals tend to land around $1,275 round-trip. If you see a fare below that threshold, it's a strong deal – book before the price climbs back up.
  • If you can choose when to go, time your trip to Queenstown around February. Round-trip fares historically average $1,375 that month – typically the cheapest month to travel based on the last 12 months.
  • Before you book:

    • Check the route's typical price range so you can spot a deal.
    • Confirm baggage fees and seat-selection costs on budget carriers.
    • Verify whether you need any travel documents beyond ID.
    • Pick a departure airport, since your nearest may not be the cheapest origin.
  • Shift your departure to morning to save up to $200 per round-trip. Morning flights to Queenstown average $1,511 compared to $1,711 for afternoon flights. See the time-of-day chart above for the full breakdown.
  • Luggage storage is available in the Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Lockers are outside the terminal, near check-in. Locker sizes range from small to jumbo, but if your belongings don’t fit in a locker, you can also visit the airport information desk to store your larger luggage. Prices vary based on the locker’s size.
  • Queenstown Airport includes three meeting rooms that can be rented on a half-day or full-day basis. Room capacity ranges from three to twenty-five people, so you can hold a variety of meetings without ever having to leave the airport.
  • While Queenstown Airport provides free Wi-Fi up to 2GB daily, if you have a long layover, you may want to access the Internet lounge, available next to International Arrivals. You can purchase internet time at the information desk for the price of $2 per 15min.
  • Queenstown Airport has a robust shuttle system service. Five shuttles can connect you with Wanaka, Wakatipu, Glenorchy, and your own accommodation in either shared or private shuttles.
  • For travelers with young children, the Queenstown Airport offers two Parents Rooms, which include changing tables, microwaves, and toys. One is located by International Arrivals, and you’ll find another post-security at the international gate lounge.
  • While Queenstown Airport offers flights to Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, the most popular destination from this airport is Auckland (AKL), with over 250 flights per month.
  • Queenstown Airport serves the southwestern side of New Zealand, and is a good option to fly into if you will be visiting Mount Aspiring National Park or other small towns in the area, including Cromwell, Wanaka, and Omarama.

Reviews of the top airlines flying to Queenstown

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with to Queenstown? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
Air New ZealandOverall score based on 664 reviews
8.5Crew
7.9Comfort
7.4Entertainment
8.2Boarding
7.5Food
Airline reviews

Great first time experience with Air New Zealand and loved it. The flight crew was extremely friendly and provided great service.

10.0 ExcellentManish, May 2026
Read more Air New Zealand reviews

Great first time experience with Air New Zealand and loved it. The flight crew was extremely friendly and provided great service.

Great airline service by the staff. I highly recommend it

My experience with Underpricer was not great. The representative assigned to me did not tell me beforehand that selecting seats, which i could not do through ANZ, WOULD ADD SIGNIFICANT cost to my ticket (all flight segments were reg economy seats. The seat selections for the ticket, MCI-AKL, AKL-PER, PER-MCI, cost $284 USD. I WAS NOT TOLD AHEAD OF SELECTING SEATS chosen by the rep OF THE COSTS and never received an itemized invoice of the seat selections.). The costs of seat selection, an option solicited as a service, with no mention of costs, should have been disclosed to me prior to seat selection and certaily should have been itemized. For all I know, the $284 was not referred from the airline but made up and taken directly by Underpricer. Next, when i checked in, united couldnt find my ticket. This is probably why i didnt get a seat selection on that flight and couldnt check in online, despite Underpricer prompts to do so a week before departure, or at the kiosk at the airport. I had to wait for special help at the counter, then was told that because the flight segment, MCI-IAH, operated by United Airlines via the ANZ. ticket, had changed schedule slightly since I BOOKED MY FLIGHT, the MCI-IAH segment had been decoupled from the rest of the ticket because the IAH layover was now 12.5 hrs AND DID NOT QUALIFY AS A THROUGH FLIGHT TO AKL.. This meant my checked bag could not be checked through to AKL and id have to pick it up at IAH, THEN WAIT MOST OF the long layover WITH the large checked bag until ANZ counter in IAH OPENED for checkING just prior to the flight. Apparently, although underpricer had notified me of schedule changes, they did not update the ANZ TICKET, leading to this problem. Finallly, although I RECHECKED TH BAG IN At IAH 3.5-4 hours before the scheduled departure and the IAH-AKL segment was a direct flight, ANZ LOST MY bag and it took 4 days to find it and get it to me. Not fun.

Space between seats on Air New Zealand is generally tight. The crew on this flight was excellent! Very attentive and nice. You get free wine or beer and chips and of course the Air New Zealand candies. 1 hour and 35 min flight approximately.

The food was not as good as Air New Zealand. The veg pasta was pass-able but the veg cibotta sandwich was dry, hard and not up to par. The coach staff were attentive and accommodating.

Overall the plane was good and the crew great. The big disappointment was the skycouch. Maybe it would be good if you were a parent with 2 small kids travelling but as a couple it's hopeless. It's impossible for 2 adults to lie down so one ends up sitting. We split our time with one lying and the other sitting. We both got more sleep sitting upright. We will never book one again and don't recommend it to anyone.

Our original flight was cancelled from SFO to AKL on 6/16/25. So we had to stay overnight at a hotel after a 12-hour layover plus 3-hour delay before the cancellation. Then had to fly to LA and then to AKL the following day losing an entire day of our vacation in NZ, that we can never get back.

The flight we had booked was cancelled due to bad weather conditions, but we were lucky to arrive at the airport quite early and got a seat on an earlier flight. The flight was mostly nice, but there were some hefty turbulences towards Queenstown. One of the passengers behaved hysterically. It would have been great if the crew had done something to calm her.

Crew were pleasant, happy to be there and were a joy to be around. Entire operation was professional, well thought out and ran like a Swiss clock.

No refunds for flights that I could not take due to Covid restrictions

Although the flight was delayed and out of their control, we boarded and were underway in no time. The crew were great, the service A1 and the meal was superb ( I had the chicken dish). I would fly with Qantas again, anytime. Noel Swift

My flight with Qantas was excellent, the crew were exceptional, the food was very good, and the seats were surprisingly spacious and comfortable. I was extremely disappointed when my checked bag did not make it onto my connecting flight, but was pleased with the ease of filing a report of a missing bag with Qantas at the Auckland airport - there, my pleasure ended. I can see, with an apple tag on my bag, that it is still in Sydney and has not moved in more than 30 hours. I shared the tracking information with Qantas and was assured when I filed the missing bag report that my bag would be delivered first thing the next morning on the next flight from Sydney to Auckland. Qantas' missing bag tracking feature still lists its status as "searching for your bag, check back later" more than a full 24 hours after filing the report despite my having shared tracking information, a photo of the bag, and calling the customer care line and being assured that an "urgent action message" had been sent to the team in Sydney. The lack of communication from Qantas' customer service department and the lack of action after an incredibly expensive business class ticket price is outrageous and has, definitively, affected my willingness to consider flying Qantas in the future, much less on long-haul international flights with high cost airfare.

I'd like to see AA's flight safety record clearly and prominently posted online.

Enjoyed the flight with attentive flight staff. Thank you Qantas.

It was nice having space in the way back where it thinned out with passengers, most folks in the far back were able to lay down and sleep. That was a pleasant surprise. Made the 15 hr flight go by pretty smooth, watching a few movies and resting. I had previously never used an airplane toilet, but finally used one. It wasn't too bad. All workers were very helpful and friendly. Their hospitality was welcomed as well

I thought the overall standard in Premium Economy was very good indeed.

After Qantas staff asked us we have the option to book our hotel and then email per written letter. I was denied my right for a $300 voucher after the flight was delayed 24h. Wael Idriss On Nov 22

We were seated in the furthest back row of the plane. Our seats seemed to be the only ones that didn't recline, and our seat row was also closer to the seats in front of us than any other route. I'm a tall man, and this made the long overnight flight extremely uncomfortable and near impossible to sleep on. There was nothing indicated in booking that this row was tighter than the others.

We were downgraded from business class to premium economy with no advance notice. The staff at the gate were extremely rude, the crew on board not very interested in our comfort, mostly stood in the galley and talked with each other. The food was about the worst I have had and the portions were small ( and I am not a big eater). altogether sbout as disappointing an experience as is possible

Polite staff but incompetent staff. They changed my window seat to isle seat and then lied saying the seat was broken, yet I see someone else sitting there! They lost my luggage. Their standards have dropped a lot compared to pre-pandemic.

Traveling to a place near Queenstown?

Book flights to Queenstown if you plan to visit one of these locations
Te Anau
Cromwell

Everything you need to know for your flight to Queenstown

Flights with popular airlines flying to Queenstown