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
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
"Vanessa realised I was stressed trying to get to London for the birth of a grandchild at a time when turmoil in the Middle East had made my arrangements redundant . She calmly stepped in, found an alternative flight that was budget friendly, arranged a hotel & seat selection and communicated clearly… basically saving the day."
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Alan"Glen has planned trips for me before and he always gets back to me in a timely manner and advises me on my options."
Penny
Laura Simpson
House of Travel Taupo
When I first started in the travel industry, I didn’t even have a passport! Fast forward a few months, and that had all changed – I hit the ground running on my first overseas adventure, and I haven’t stopped since. Whether it’s getting immersed in the local culture, or ticking off bucket list moments, travel has a unique magic that stays with you forever.
I love using my own travel experience to bring that personal, unique touch to your dream holiday, making a seamless experience from the planning stages right through to your return home. From navigating the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong to exploring the USA on a road trip, there’s a world out there just waiting to be discovered.
Let’s have a chat, and make your travel dreams a reality!
Laura
Jasmine Camplin
House of Travel Timaru
I have been in the Travel Industry since 2014 and have worked in various roles in the industry since then including an Online Call Center, Airline and in Corporate. I am now here at House of Travel Timaru putting all my knowledge to good use helping YOU create your dream Holiday.
I have been lucky enough to have travelled to Rarotonga, Samoa and Australia (Gold Coast & Sydney) and have a vast knowledge of all of these fun places with my most favorite place being Rarotonga!
I thrive off Customer Satisfaction, seeing my customers walk out the door with their documents in hand and smiles on their faces excited to embark on their adventure fills me with immense joy. I cannot wait to help you plan and book your holiday!
Jasmine
Sarah Henderson
House of Travel Christchurch City
Sarah's passion for her career and professional manner is reflected in her efficiency when taking care of your business travel arrangements. It is no surprise that Sarah is consistently recognised as one of the Top 10 Consultants for the House of Travel Group in New Zealand, including being one of the legends in the Hall of Fame!
"I love making travel simple for my client's. I know exactly where they like to sit on each aircraft type; their favourite hotels to stay and all the nitty gritty details to make travel less stressful."
Having recently celebrated working at House of Travel Christchurch City for 20 years, Sarah has extensive experience for all travel scenarios and is committed to finding the best possible solution for all her clients - even when issues are beyond her control.
When not at her desk, Sarah loves competing in the weekly pub quiz and on the weekends you will find her planting more roses in her 150-year-old Homestead garden.
Favourite place to visit: Disneyland
Next place to visit: Paris and someday, Russia
Sarah
Charissa Vincent
House of Travel Mount Maunganui
|
My name is Charissa (you say it Sha-ree-sa) ?? and I LOVE travel.
|
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.
