Flight time
Sydney is just a quick 3.5-hour flight from Auckland, making it a convenient destination for a city break or a longer holiday.
Sun, sand and a splash of adventure
Golden beaches, dazzling turquoise waters, and lush rainforest trails, Sydney effortlessly blends natural beauty with city excitement. With one of the world’s most iconic skylines set against a stunning coastal backdrop, this Aussie favourite is buzzing with endless possibilities.
From fun-filled family days to unforgettable nights out with your best mates, Sydney delivers the perfect escape for every type of traveller. Spot wildlife, catch some waves, savour the freshest seafood, or dance the night away in vibrant urban hotspots.
Connect with our Sydney travel specialists and let’s find your perfect adventure.
Best time to go
The ideal times to visit Sydney are September to November and March to May. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Time difference
Sydney is 2 hours behind New Zealand, so there’s a slight time difference to keep in mind when planning your activities.
Our favourite things to do in Sydney
From Ballet to Broadway
A night at the Sydney Opera House is nothing short of magical.
Explore beyond the city
Escape from the rat race and immerse yourself in the beautiful surrounding region.
Experience Sydney like never before
This experience is one not to be missed!
Admire the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Sydney’s museums and galleries are full of fascinating stories, from stunning classical and contemporary art to Aboriginal artefacts and cool scientific specimens
From coffee to cocktails at Barangaroo
Just four minutes from Wynyard Station, Barangaroo is Sydney’s ultimate food lover's paradise!
Best. Coastal Walk. Ever!
The Aussie dream. Think surf, sunshine, Bondi beach and summertime brunch.
Family ferry-tale.
Do what the locals do and travel on the harbour highway.
Hit the gas and head for the coast
Escape the hustle of a city as happening as Sydney with a coastal roadie.
LIMITED SEATS
Explore Disney's THE LION KING - Sydney
Sydney
Disney's THE LION KING - Sydney
3 Nights
A reserve ticket
from
$
639
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - The Phantom of the Opera
Sydney
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - The Phantom of the Opera
3 Nights
A reserve ticket
from
$
1129
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore 4 Day Byron Bay Ride, Rest and Refresh
Byron Bay
4 Day Byron Bay Ride, Rest and Refresh
3 Nights
Sightseeing
Car Hire
from
$
1299
per person share twin. Flights are additional
2027 ON SALE NOW
SAVE UP TO $1600 PER COUPLE
Explore Indian Pacific Rail 2027 - Perth to Sydney
Australia
Indian Pacific Rail 2027 - Perth to Sydney
4 Nights
Rail travel
Sightseeing
from
$
4129
per person share twin. Flights, pre & post accommodation are additional
2027 ON SALE NOW
SAVE UP TO $1370 PER COUPLE
Explore Indian Pacific Rail 2027 - Sydney to Perth
Australia
Indian Pacific Rail 2027 - Sydney to Perth
3 Nights
Rail travel
Sightseeing
from
$
3439
per person share twin. Flights and pre/post accommodation required is additional
Explore 5 Day Sydney City, Oyster Farm to Vine Escape
New South Wales
5 Day Sydney City, Oyster Farm to Vine Escape
4 Nights
Rental car
Sightseeing
from
$
1299
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore 5 Day Sydney to Port Stephens - Quad Biking & Koala Sanctuary Adventure
New South Wales
5 Day Sydney to Port Stephens - Quad Biking & Koala Sanctuary Adventure
4 Nights
Car Hire
Sightseeing
from
$
1149
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore 7 Day Bondi to the Bush South Coast Escape
Sydney
7 Day Bondi to the Bush South Coast Escape
6 Nights
Rental car
Sightseeing
from
$
2459
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore 6 Day New South Wales Mountains, Wine & Wildlife
New South Wales
6 Day New South Wales Mountains, Wine & Wildlife
5 Nights
Car Hire
Sightseeing
from
$
1599
per person share twin
Explore 5 Day Sydney Streets to Blue Mountains Peaks
New South Wales
5 Day Sydney Streets to Blue Mountains Peaks
4 Nights
Car Hire
Sightseeing
from
$
1069
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Cruising to New South Wales 3
SELLING FAST!
Explore Getaways with Carnival Cruises
Getaways with Carnival Cruises
Fun-Filled Trans-Tasman Escapes!
Set off on a 2027 Carnival cruise between Auckland and Sydney and enjoy an easy Trans-Tasman escape. Cruise days are filled with lively entertainment, laid-back relaxation, and Carnival’s signature fun atmosphere, making this a bright, breezy way to travel between two great cities.
21 May 27 – SYDNEY TO AUCKLAND GETAWAY - 4 nights
Onboard Carnival Adventure
Sydney | 3 Fun Days at Sea | Auckland
Interior Rooms from NZD $635 pp twin share
Balcony Rooms from NZD 885 pp twin share
Single Rooms from NZD $1165 pp sole occupancy
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing
29 Jul 27 – AUCKLAND TO SYDNEY GETAWAY - 4 nights
Onboard Carnival Adventure
Auckland | 3 Fun Days at Sea | Sydney
Interior Rooms from NZD $619 pp twin share
Balcony Rooms from NZD $885 pp twin share
Single Rooms from NZD $1165 pp sole occupancy
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing
4 Night 2027 Sailings
from
$
635
per person share twin
Interior cabin
Flights Additional
Interior cabin
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Carnival Cruise Line
Departs 21 May 2027
Explore Carnival Queensland Cruises 2026
Carnival Queensland Cruises 2026
Sail to the best of Queensland with flexible departures. Discover Willis Island’s remote beauty, explore reef and rainforest in Cairns, and unwind in Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays. A perfect mix of nature, adventure, and coastal charm.
4-Night Airlie Beach
Carnival Encounter
Based on departure 30 Mar - 03 Apr 26
From $729 pp share twin Inside Stateroom
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
6-night Willis Island, Airlie Beach & Cairns
Carnival Encounter
Based on departure 05 Sep - 11 Sep 26
From $1005 pp share twin Interior Stateroom
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
7-night Willis Island, Airlie Beach & more
Carnival Encounter
Based on departure 20 Mar - 27 Mar 26
From $1149 pp share twin Inside Stateroom
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
9-Night Moreton Island, Willis Island, Cairns & Airlie Beach
Carnival Adventure
Based on departure 10 Aug - 19 Aug 26
From $1215 pp share twin Interior Stateroom
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
10-Night Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Willis Island & Moreton Island
Carnival Splendor
Based on departure 20 May 26 - 30 May 26
From $1349 pp share twin Interior Guarantee Stateroom*
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
4-night to 10 -night sailings
Onboard Carnival
from
$
729
per person share twin
Inside Guarantee Stateroom
Flights are additional
Inside Guarantee Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Carnival Cruise Line
Departs 30 Mar 2026
Explore Set Sail with the Wiggly Friends
Set Sail with the Wiggly Friends
Royal Caribbean is proudly partnering with The Wiggles! Create lasting memories on your next family cruise. Royal Caribbean has proudly teamed up with much loved family brand, The Wiggles, as their Exclusive Cruise Holiday Partner. Set sail on one of six exclusive Wiggly sailings from Sydney on Anthem of the Seas® or Brisbane onboard Voyager of the Seas®.
Anthem of the Seas®, 7 night Queensland cruise
Sydney | Airlie Beach| Sydney
Departing 06 Feb 2026 from Sydney
Click here to view current pricing and availability
Anthem of the Seas®, 9 night South Pacific cruise
Sydney | Port Vila, Vanuatu | Mystery Island, Vanuatu | Noumea, New Caledonia | Sydney
Departing 13 Mar 2026 from Sydney
Click here to view current pricing and availability
Voyager of the Seas®, 7 night South Pacific cruise
Brisbane | Noumea, New Caledonia | Mystery Island Vanuatu | Brisbane
Departing 30 Jan 2026 from Brisbane
Click here to view current pricing and availability
Voyager of the Seas®, 7 night South Pacific cruise
Brisbane | Noumea, New Caledonia | Mystery Island Vanuatu | Brisbane
Departing 27 Feb 2026 from Brisbane
Click here to view current pricing and availability
Voyager of the Seas®, 9 night South Pacific cruise
Brisbane | Luganville, Vanuatu | Port Vila, Vanuatu | Mystery Island Vanuatu | Noumea, New Caledonia | Brisbane
Departing 28 Mar 2026 from Brisbane
Click here to view current pricing and availability
Hangout with Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn. Enjoy live performances in the main theatre, Wiggly dance parties, story time and more!
Cruising from Sydney & Brisbane
Book Early
Cruising with
Royal Caribbean
Departs 28 Mar 2026
Our Sydney travel blogs
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Monica Nichol
House of Travel Palmerston North: The Square
I grew up dreaming about traveling the world and was fortunate to make some of those dreams come true!
Traveling gets me super excited, so if you are wanting to make your travel dreams become a reality, what are you waiting for?
Come in and see me!
Monica
Anna O'Dell-Smith
House of Travel Ferrymead
Having travelled extensively I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the rich culture of any country I am fortunate enough to visit. Travel is my passion and I love helping clients create an unforgettable experience that is uniquely their own.
I genuinely believe that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. I enjoy being part of each and every journey. No day is the same in the life of a travel consultant and I relish the challenge that this represents. I am flattered by the number of clients who have come back to me time and time again.
Having travelled to nearly 50 countries, my bucket list is still never ending. I have backpacked my way through the world in my youth as well as enjoying five star luxury in more recent times. I have definitely felt richer from each and every experience. Travel is a way of life, I love what I do and that passion and enthusiasm always translates into the work I put into my clients plans.
Anna
Sarah Newton
House of Travel Albany
Life is a collection of moments and memories.
Both planning your travel and the journey itself should be enjoyable. I find joy in working with travellers to build holidays that are perfect for them.
Sarah
Jason McKay
House of Travel Nelson
As the proud Owner Operator of House of Travel Nelson, I lead a small but passionate team dedicated to taking care of all your travel needs.
I primarily work on the Orbit World Travel side of our business, specialising in business and group travel. But as a traveller myself, I love chatting with customers and the team about their upcoming adventures — there’s nothing better than sharing in the excitement of a great trip!
Travel has played a huge role in my life. From years of family holidays to the Gold Coast and Fiji, where the kids spent hours in the pool or on the playground, to unforgettable highlights like Disneyland (they were 10 and 12 — the perfect age!), followed by a relaxing week in Mexico. These days, with older kids, we’re seeking more adventure. Our recent trip to Vietnam was a standout — from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful beauty of Hoi An's lanterns and Halong Bay. If you haven’t been, it’s a must!
Next on my list? Europe. While I’ve done a couple of quick trips
in the past, I’m keen to take the time to explore the diverse cultures and rich
history of the places I’ve spent years helping others discover.
Whether your trip is big or small, come in and see us at House of Travel Nelson — we’ll make sure it’s your best one yet.
Best. Holidays. Ever!
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FAQS
What is the best time of year to visit Sydney ?
Sydney is a great destination year-round and there’s always something going on in Sydney. As one of the world’s top cities to visit, Sydney has a vibrant buzz year-round with its endless list of high profile events, iconic landmarks, popular beaches and stunning harbour.
What are the things to do in Sydney?
There is no shortage of things to do in Sydney, with so much to offer right on your doorstep. If you're planning a holiday in Sydney & NSW, explore our Sydney & surrounds travel guide crafted with help from our Sydney experts to make the most of your trip. Take a stroll along Circular Quay and soak up the atmosphere. Circular Quay has some of the city’s best restaurants. Only a 10 minute stroll from the Sydney Town Hall, Darling Harbour is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious harbourside meal or experience the energetic nightlife. Sydney's must-see spots include the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the Royal Botanic Garden. In NSW, explore the Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley wine
How to find the best holiday package to Sydney & NSW?
We've got that covered for you! Visit our Sydney & NSW deals section on our website or sign up to get the hottest deals sent straight to your email.
Where to stay in Sydney & NSW?
There are so many amazing places to stay in Sydney & NSW, depending on what you like. If you want to be close to the action, the CBD has plenty of hotels and apartments near the main attractions. If you love the beach, you can't go wrong with Bondi or Manly, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. For a more laid-back vibe, why not check out the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley? They are both stunning destinations with cosy accommodation options.
What should I pack for my trip to Sydney?
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm weather, especially if visiting during summer. Include swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for beach days. If visiting during winter (June to August), pack a warm jacket and layers for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the city and natural parks.
Do I need travel insurance for Sydney?
Absolutely, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to Sydney. We provide a range of travel insurance options suitable for travel to Australia. Find more information here.
Can I use New Zealand dollars in Sydney & NSW?
No, you will need to exchange your New Zealand dollars (NZD) for Australian dollars (AUD). Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus. Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Do I need to hire a car to get around in Sydney?
We recommend hiring a car can be useful for exploring regional NSW, such as the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, and coastal areas.
How can I get around in Sydney?
Sydney has extensive public transport system, including trains, buses, and ferries. The Opal card is a convenient payment method for all public transport. For shorter stays, rideshare services like Uber and taxis are also available.
Where to shop in Sydney?
As an absolute shopper’s paradise, there are seemingly endless options in Sydney whatever you’re looking for, from the CBD’s colossal department stores, Myer and David Jones to high street favourites such as Topshop and Zara. Visit Pitt Street Mall for high-street and designer stores, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) for luxury boutiques in a historic setting, and Westfield Sydney for a wide range of brands and dining options. For unique finds, explore The Rocks Markets and Paddington Markets on weekends. HOT TIP! Paddy's Market, which sells an eclectic mix of food, cheap clothes and even cheaper souvenirs (kangaroo scrotum anyone?) sits conveniently close to Chinatown and Darling Harbour, both of which are walkable.
What are some family-friendly activities in Sydney & NSW?
Sydney & NSW are fantastic family holiday destinations with plenty of activities for all ages. In Sydney, visit Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and Luna Park. Explore the Blue Mountains for outdoor adventures like bushwalking and scenic railway rides. Enjoy beach days at Bondi or Manly, and discover the interactive museums and parks throughout the city and region. For a fantastic family day out hop on the ferry to visit the zoo and Watsons Bay. Enjoy classic fish & chips at Doyles by the harbour, or head to the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel for their own delicious take on this seaside favourite, paired with a tempting cocktail menu.
