Travelling from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Melbourne: what you need to know
The timezone in Melbourne is UTC+11. The city is two hours behind Nelson, where Nelson Airport is located.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your NSN to Melbourne flight.
You can expect longer lines during popular months like June. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for plane tickets from NSN to Melbourne, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Auckland Airport (AKL)
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
Travelling from central Nelson to NSN takes around 20 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 2 kms (1.00 mile) in 5 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a hotel close to NSN? If you're catching an early flight from Nelson Airport to Melbourne, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
Of the departures from Nelson Airport, 71.22% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Melbourne
The best price we've found for a one-way Nelson Airport to Melbourne flight is £165. The cheapest price for a return flight is £367. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from NSN to Melbourne. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer your departure date, the more it could cost you.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the cheapest price across every month when looking for your Nelson Airport to Melbourne ticket.
You don't need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from NSN to Melbourne.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Nelson Airport to Melbourne by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is around 24 kms (15 miles) from the centre of Melbourne. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 30 minutes.
Travelling by public transport takes about 40 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Nelson Airport to Melbourne. Stay at one of these accommodation options near MEL instead:
Travel at your own pace with a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and discover more of Melbourne and beyond.
Booking your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from NSN to Melbourne can help you get the best possible rate.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Once your flight from Nelson Airport to Melbourne has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Melbourne is roughly 56 kms (35 miles) from Avalon Airport (AVV).
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Corio Bay Motel is one accommodation option within an easy drive of AVV. Unpack your bags here after your NSN to Melbourne flight and then hang the 'Do not disturb' sign for some uninterrupted rest.
The quickest way to reach your destination is with an Avalon Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental or yesaway car hire and be off and running.
Don't pay more than you need to. Booking your ride three weeks before your arrival at AVV can get you a lower rate.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Make tracks for the city centre after your flight from Nelson Airport to Melbourne has landed. Central Melbourne is about 19 kms (12 miles) from Essendon Airport (MEB) and takes roughly 25 minutes to reach by car.
If you go by public transport, the journey time is about 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you don't want to travel to the centre, choose a hotel close to MEB. Make yourself comfy at one of these options after your NSN to Melbourne flight:
Take the guesswork out of the next part of your trip with an Essendon Airport rental car. East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar are some companies you can book with.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Nelson Airport to Melbourne is a good move. Along with better deals, you'll get a better selection of vehicle makes and models at MEB.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Travel to Melbourne during the high season if you like a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Nelson Airport to Melbourne during low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
Lock in a Nelson Airport to Melbourne plane ticket with a departure in January to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 12ºC to 29ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from NSN to Melbourne in July when temperatures average between 4ºC and 13ºC.
More about Melbourne
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Melbourne right here. Explore these hotels after locking in your flight from Nelson Airport to Melbourne:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are essential stops on your Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many places in Australia waiting to be explored after you've experienced Melbourne. Around 290 miles away to the north-east, top sights here include Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
Around 280 miles south-east of Melbourne, Launceston is another essential stop in Australia. Experience major highlights starting with City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience.