Flying from Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Melbourne: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne is 3 hours 35 minutes.
Wellington International Airport is located in Wellington. Based in the UTC+11 timezone, Melbourne is two hours behind Wellington.
Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the most traveled route, with 16 weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from WLG to MEL is with Qantas at 15:35. Go for the first departure operated by Air New Zealand at 06:00 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your WLG to Melbourne flight.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
You can book a direct Wellington International Airport to Melbourne ticket. Begin your trip at WLG and touch down at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
Take to the skies with Qantas. This well-known carrier offers direct flights from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne.
The journey from central Wellington to WLG takes around 1 hour 20 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near WLG. Whether you're catching an early flight from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of all flights leaving Wellington International Airport, 72.62% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Melbourne
R 2,434 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Wellington International Airport to Melbourne flight. A return flight ticket right now is R 6,250. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares may change.
Lock in cheap flights from WLG to Melbourne by booking five months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
September is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on Wellington International Airport to Melbourne tickets. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from WLG to Melbourne by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is roughly 24 kilometres. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 40 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne. Book one of these accommodation options near MEL instead:
Pick up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car and discover Melbourne and beyond with your own set of wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast and Sixt are leading providers you can book with here.
Lock in the best deal by booking your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from WLG to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Once your flight from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne has arrived, you can reach the city centre in about 50 minutes by car. Central Melbourne is roughly 56 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV).
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 2 hours 5 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to stay just a short drive from AVV. Shift into relaxation gear at Corio Bay Motel after your WLG to Melbourne flight.
Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire make picking up an Avalon Airport rental car simple. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get the pick of the lot. Securing your ride from AVV three weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Step off your flight from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne and go straight to your hotel or start discovering the city right away. Central Melbourne is around 19 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and usually takes 25 minutes to reach driving.
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes if you use public transport.
Enjoy a more relaxed start to your trip by checking in to a hotel near MEB after your WLG to Melbourne flight. Recover from a day of travel or just take a moment to find your footing in a new place at:
Put yourself in the driver's seat of the next leg of your trip by picking up an Essendon Airport rental car. East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar are reliable rental providers.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne is always a good idea. As well as better prices, you might find it easier to get the make and model you prefer at MEB.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Before scheduling your flights from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Melbourne offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while low season brings cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
The warmest month in Melbourne is January, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your Wellington International Airport to Melbourne flight ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
Look for cheap tickets from WLG to Melbourne in July if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF) on average.
More about Melbourne
Once you've booked your flight from Wellington International Airport to Melbourne, choose a hotel that combines comfort with a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Melbourne:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are must-do's during your Melbourne adventure.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many places in Australia waiting to be discovered after you've seen Melbourne. Around 467 kilometres away to the north-east, top sights here include Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
If you're eager to discover another well-known destination in Australia, consider Launceston, roughly 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience are the start of reasons to visit.