Cheap Flights from Gold Coast to Queenstown (OOL to ZQN)

The best time to visit Queenstown

The best time to visit Queenstown is during the summer months. From December to February, temperatures are warm and the days are long with the sun only setting after 9:30 pm. If you're planning your trip over this period, you'll need to book your flights from Gold Coast to Queenstown well in advance. It's the busiest time of year for the city and airfare prices skyrocket to meet the demand. If you're a winter sports enthusiast, plan your holiday between June and August. The skiing conditions are at their best, and you'll have perfect weather for helicopter tours.

Departing from Gold Coast

The Gold Coast Airport is the sixth busiest airport in Australia. It operates direct flights from OOL to ZQN with Jetstar Airlines. There are also connecting options available that have stopovers in Christchurch, Auckland and Sydney.

Getting to Gold Coast Airport

The cheapest way to get from the city to Gold Coast Airport is with the public bus. It runs between the city and the airport every day. The Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle Bus is also an affordable option. It's a door-to-door service that collects passengers from Tweed Heads to Runaway Bay. If you don't want to take public transportation, you can hail a metered taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber. A one-way trip from Surfer's Paradise to the airport costs on average $30-60 AUD.

Parking at Gold Coast Airport

The Gold Coast Airport has a variety of parking options to suit your travelling needs and budget. Here are the parking lots available at the airport.

Where to Park at Gold Coast Airport

• Premium Covered Parking: This is the best option for travellers that want to save time at the airport. It's the closest parking option to the check-in counters and has a private walkway.
• Budget Parking: Keep your parking costs down by leaving your car in this lot. There are covered and uncovered lots that cost as little as $16 AUD per day.

Arriving in Queenstown

Queenstown Airport is the fourth busiest airport in New Zealand. It mainly operates flights to domestic destinations and a few international destinations in the Pacific.

How to Get from Queenstown Airport to Your Queenstown Hotel or Accommodation


For budget travellers, the best way to get from the airport into Queenstown is with the public bus. The service runs from 6:00 am to midnight every day and costs $ 8 NZD ($7.62 AUD) for adults. You can also download the Choice app to see real-time schedules. Another affordable option is the airport's shuttle services. For $10 NZD ($9.52) the bus will collect you from the arrival terminal and drop you off at your hotel in Queenstown. If you'd prefer to take a taxi, you'll find the cab drivers waiting outside of the terminal building. Fares cost on average $30 NZD ($29.56 AUD), and it takes about 15-minutes to reach the city centre depending on the traffic. Other options include hiring a car from the airport. You'll find various car rental agencies inside the terminal building. It's recommended to book your vehicle before you arrive, especially if you're travelling to New Zealand during high season.

Things to do in Queenstown

Drive to Skipper's Canyon

For a scenic road trip from Queenstown, join a tour and head out to Skipper's Canyon. Most rental companies will not cover insurance for this route due to the narrow and winding roads.

Go Skiing in the Remarkables

The Remarkables is one of the best skiing destinations in New Zealand. The ski season lasts from June to September, and you can catch a shuttle bus from Queenstown to the resort.

Go bungy jumping

The AJ Hackett Bungy is one of Queenstown's top attractions. It's the first bungee in the world and is a 43-meter jump from the bridge down into the Kawarau Gorge.