Big news! Air New Zealand is launching direct flights from Brisbane (BNE) to Queenstown (ZQN) from 22 June 2026, and you can already book them.
This is seriously good for both Aussies and Kiwis: for Queenslanders, your ski holiday just got way easier (no more annoying Auckland connections), and for us in Queenstown and Wanaka, it means more friendly faces arriving straight from Brisbane…plus a chance for a trip to warmer weather in Winter.
Why this new route is a big deal
The biggest win is the time and money you save. The Brisbane to Queenstown direct flight takes about three hours and thirty minutes, which makes the whole trip feel effortless compared to connecting through another airport.
You avoid the Auckland detour. Travellers from Brisbane used to fly into Auckland and then board a second flight to Queenstown. Skipping that connection removes both the extra cost and the hassle, and means you arrive fresher and ready to start your holiday sooner.
The schedule is genuinely convenient. Air New Zealand flies this route on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, which works well for long weekends, full ski weeks and winter school holidays.
The aircraft itself is comfortable. The route is operated by the A320neo, one of Air New Zealand’s newer and more efficient planes. It is a smooth and reliable way to get across the Tasman and into the mountains without any fuss.
What Days and Times Does Air New Zealand Fly Brisbane to Queenstown
Here’s the schedule, as announced:
| Route | Days | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane – Queenstown | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:55 AM (Brisbane time) |
| Queenstown – Brisbane | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9:05 AM (Queenstown time) |
That means if you leave Brisbane at 11:55 AM, with a 3.5 hr flight, you arrive in Queenstown around 5:25 PM NZ time.
Flying from Queenstown to Brisbane direct, you’ll depart at 9.05am, fly for 3.5 hours and arrive at 10.35am Queensland time – barely late for work!
The best way to spend a long weekend in Queenstown (Fri–Mon)
Okay, picture this: you take Friday off, hop on that flight from Brisbane, and boom – you’re in Queenstown for an epic winter weekend.
A long weekend from Brisbane is now completely realistic with the new direct flights. Depart Friday late morning and arrive in Queenstown late‑afternoon. Your driver will meet you at the airport, and if you need ski gear, we can organise a private fitting at your accommodation. After settling in, head into town for a casual lakeside dinner to kick off the trip.
Saturday and Sunday are full ski days. Choose between Cardrona, The Remarkables, or Coronet Peak depending on your group’s preference. Your driver takes care of all transfers, so you can focus on skiing and enjoying the mountains. Evenings are perfect for relaxing at your accommodation or exploring Queenstown’s bars and restaurants.
If you’re up to it on Sunday after the slopes, enjoy a Walter Peak BBQ cruise (super relaxing and scenic).
Monday is an early start, to check in for your 9.05am flight. It doesn’t feel like it, but this is an international flight, so give yourself time! You can grab coffee and breakfast at the airport.
What to do on a 5-night Queenstown trip (3 days ski + more)
If you can stretch your trip to five nights, here’s a plan that fits perfectly into a week and keeps you in the same private residence the whole time.
Pro tip: A few days before you fly, order your groceries from one of the supermarkets in Frankton (New World, Woolworths, Pak ’n Save all have click & collect). Choose a pick-up slot about 1 hour after your arrival, giving you time to get through customs and baggage claim.
Landing around 5.25pm on Friday evening from Brisbane, you’re met at the airport by your driver. If you’re hiring ski gear, we can arrange a fitting at your accommodation so you’re ready for the slopes first thing. After settling in, head into town for dinner…the night is young, right? 8pm is only 6pm back home.
Saturday and Sunday are full ski days. Hit Cardrona, The Remarkables, or Coronet Peak, depending on your group’s preference. Your driver will handle all the transfers, leaving you free to focus on skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying the mountain scene. Evenings can be spent relaxing at your residence or exploring Queenstown’s lakeside bars and restaurants.
Monday is a mix of activity and downtime. Spend the morning on the slopes for a half-day snow session, then head back into town for shopping. Later, ride the Skyline Gondola for spectacular views of the lake and mountains, and some fun Luge runs. There’s also the option of a jet boat ride for those chasing a bit more adventure.
Tuesday is all about Milford Sound, with a Milford Sound day trip. A classic option is the drive + cruise + fly combination. It gives you the full Fiordland experience while keeping the overall day length manageable. The scenery is unforgettable: waterfalls, wildlife, and the dramatic fjords that make this one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
If you’d rather stay closer to Queenstown, you could swap this for a local experience like a half day tour of Arrowtown, with a Gibbston Valley wine tour and a stop for bungee jumping (or just watching the bungee jumping).
On Wednesday, it’s time to fly home on the 9.05am flight.
Five nights gives you a compact but complete winter experience, with skiing/snowboarding, Queenstown relaxation & adventure, and a taste of Fiordland all in one trip.
The best way to spend 7 nights in Queenstown, Wanaka and the Splendid South
With a full week, you have time to experience Queenstown at its best, ski and visit some other highlights of New Zealand’s South Island.
Here are two fun 7-night itineraries, depending on how much of the South Island you want to see.
Option A: Queenstown + Te Anau
Arrive Friday.
Ski for 3 days (Sat–Mon).
Do Walter Peak BBQ cruise.
Take a trip to Milford Sound (drive + cruise).
Stay 2 nights in Te Anau, to soak in the majestic beauty of Fiordland and the relaxed vibes of Te Anau.
Return to Queenstown for your final night.
Fly out the next Friday morning.
Option B: Queenstown + Wanaka (Self-Drive), with a Milford Sound day trip too
Arrive Friday, pick up a rental car.
Ski for 3 days (Sat–Mon).
Day 4: Drive to Te Anau, do Milford Sound cruise + stay a night in Te Anau.
Day 5: Drive from Te Anau to Arrowtown to Wanaka. This takes approximately 3.5 hours plus stops. Arrowtown is and ideal lunch stop. You can then either travel over the Crown Range, or if you’ve booked a bungee jump take the Kawarau Gorge route, do your jump and then explore the ‘old town’ part of Cromwell on your way to Wanaka.
Stay a night in Wanaka and enjoy the incredible views and relaxed Aprés feeling in this very cool Alpine town.
Day 6: Hike the Roys Peak Track, drive to The Blue Pools, then head back to Queenstown.
Day 7: Morning flight back to Brisbane.
Why This New Route Makes the Trip So Much Easier (and Better)
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Direct flights = fewer hassles
You don’t need to connect via Auckland, which saved time and (often) money in the past. -
Perfect timing for ski season
The seasonal service runs 22 June – 23 October 2026, which aligns with winter in Queenstown. -
Great for both Aussies and Kiwis
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Queenslanders get more easy access to a top ski destination.
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Kiwis (especially from the Southern Lakes region) can fly north to Brisbane for a sunny escape.
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Good capacity
Air NZ is putting over 17,000 seats on this route for the season
Ready to make your Queenstown winter getaway a reality? Whether it’s a long weekend, five nights, or a full week exploring the mountains and Fiordland, we can help plan every detail so your trip runs smoothly. Get in touch with us today, and let’s start putting together your perfect Queenstown adventure.