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New South Wales, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and more

Our Latest Sydney Deals

Our best Sydney and NSW packages right now, created by our travel experts to offer you incredible holidays at serious value.

Sydney Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Sydney a popular destination for Kiwi travellers?

Sydney is popular with Kiwi travellers for its iconic landmarks, beaches, food scene and major events. Plus short flight times to Sydney and iconic year‑round experiences that suit both short breaks and longer holidays.

 

How long is the flight from New Zealand to Sydney?

The flight time from Auckland to Sydney takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, with regular services also available from Wellington and Christchurch.

 

How many days do you need for a Sydney holiday?

A 3 to 5-day Sydney holiday is ideal for city highlights and nearby beaches, while 7 days or more allows time for coastal walks, day trips and neighbourhood exploration.

 

What is the best time of year to visit Sydney?

Sydney is a year‑round destination, but September to May is especially popular thanks to warm weather, festivals, beach conditions and major sporting events.

 

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.

Do Kiwis need a visa to travel to Sydney?

No, New Zealand passport holders do not need to apply for a visa. We always recommend staying up to date on government websites for any changes, or information about non-New Zealand passport holders.

 

Is Sydney expensive for Kiwi travellers?

Sydney can suit a range of budgets, with free attractions, public transport options and varied accommodation, alongside competitive flights from New Zealand.

 

What should I pack for a Sydney holiday?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, light layers, sun protection and a light jacket, as Sydney’s weather can change between mornings and evenings.

 

Where to stay in Sydney?

There are plenty of amazing places to stay in Sydney, 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 laidback vibe, check out the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley - both stunning destinations with cosy accommodation options.

 

What are the things to do in Sydney?

There is no shortage of things to do in Sydney, with so much on offer right at your doorstep. If you're planning a holiday in Sydney, explore our Sydney and 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 and the Hunter Valley wine 

 

Do I need travel insurance for Sydney?

Absolutely, we highly recommend 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?

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, as well as via digital wallets.

What are the must‑do attractions in Sydney?

Top attractions include the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Luna Park, coastal walks, harbour cruises and historic areas like The Rocks.

 

Is Sydney easy to get around without a car?

Yes, Sydney has extensive trains, buses, ferries and light rail, making it easy to explore the city and key attractions without hiring a car. Though hiring a car is a great option if you want to venture further. 

 

Can you do day trips from Sydney?

Yes, Sydney is a great base for day trips to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley wineries, Central Coast, and Southern Highlands.

 

How can I get around in Sydney?

Sydney is well connected with public transport systems 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?

Sydney is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from major department stores to unique local markets. In the CBD, find Myer and David Jones, along with popular high‑street brands, while Pitt Street Mall and Westfield Sydney offer a wide mix of fashion and dining. The historic Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a must for luxury boutiques. On weekends, explore The Rocks Markets and Paddington Markets for unique finds. Hot tip: Paddy’s Markets, near Chinatown and Darling Harbour, is ideal for bargain shopping and souvenirs.

 

What are some family-friendly activities in Sydney?

Sydney is a fantastic family holiday destination with plenty of activities for all ages. Visit Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Luna Park. Venture further, to 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 and 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.

Meet our Sydney and NSW specialists

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David Williams

David Williams

House of Travel Christchurch City

In the 28 years of owning House of Travel Christchurch City, I have successfully developed a passionate and award-winning team of travel specialists. Our holiday specialists can take you to the destinations that you have dreamed of and let you know inside information that will enrich your travel experience.  The highly experienced business travel division will exceed your expectations leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless travel experience every time. We also have a fantastic HOT Events team that can take care of your conference, team building or any event requirement you might have from a planned dinner event to incentive or recognition programme.

From my beginnings in customer sales and service, travelling to over 60 countries, my primary focus is overseeing all divisions, and growing our every popular Sporting Events Programmes.  A highlight is delivering a highly successful games campaigns with our New Zealand Olympic Travel team.  This includes all New Zealand Team Athlete Travel to providing a family and friends programme as well as a world class corporate offering for sponsors.

I am however most proud of the team for us being awarded three top awards at the National Travel Industry Awards - Best Retail Travel Agency in New Zealand, Best Travel Consultant in New Zealand, Best Groups Team in New Zealand.

Great holidays are made better together with the House of Travel Christchurch City team.

David
Sarah Newton

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
Chloe McKellar

Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

Hi all - please note that I am on maternity leave until September 2026  :)

Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also founded my love for all different types of foods.

After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.

I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner, do we!

I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods, and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)

Chloe

Melissa Topp

Melissa Topp

House of Travel Christchurch City

Travel really is my passion and I perhaps love organising it just as much as the actual travelling. Being able to open up options for people they had no idea they could accomplish is truly exciting. I love the scope of what we can accomplish as a travel agent; our systems, knowledge and relationships with the right people all add up to being able to organise a truly memorable trip. I’ve done it all from tours, safaris, ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, self-drives, rail journeys, family travel specialising in all things Disney and I love to share my knowledge to help you achieve the trip of your lifetime.

Outside of the office I like to spend my time skiing, horse riding, tramping, scuba diving, getting outside on our lifestyle block with my two little girls or enjoying a glass of pinot with a side order of chocolate mousse.


Years in the Industry: over 20

No. of countries visited: 50+

Favourite place to visit: Niue, no wait Cuba, hmm no maybe it’s Egypt….. Or Italy….

Next place on the list to visit: Disneyworld

·       “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo


Why I love travel?

Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.


My travel tips:

  • Pack your patient pants; Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Your trip is much too short to stress. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be another one.. ATM out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and explore. I know it can be hard sometimes, but just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.
  • Focus on value over deals. It’s so easy to not look past the initial $ signs when organising your trip but how much extra will there be in added costs once you are at your destination, lost time or enjoyment is that initial saving really going to cost you once you are there.
  • Wake Up Early To Avoid Crowds. Rise before sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding large tourist crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to the softer light and often providing great opportunities to interact with locals getting ready for their day. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; scammers and criminals sleep in…


My top 5 favourite destinations:

  • Rio De Janeiro – Such an incredibly vibrant city. Imagine, having dinner in a local favela, no other tourists in sight and locals from ages 1-99 all together, laughing, dancing to the live music, everyone talking to everyone. A local group of young people came down the street performing the traditional capoeira martial art/dance and everyone heads outside to watch and cheer them on. It is always the people that make the place and Brazil’s people are very bit as colourful as this amazing city.
  • Europe River cruise – A true holiday. Pull up each day in a different location, right in the heart of things, wander off the boat and go for it. Return when you feel like it to every luxury you could want, top class food and drink and every room has a front row view. No crowds, most ships have under 200 passengers and a great option for both first time travellers and more experienced as you tend to visit many of the smaller and often less visited towns.
  • Rocky Mountaineer train journey – Starting in Banff, which really feels like the Queenstown of Canada and ending in Vancouver, a stunning city just a few minutes’ drive and from the beautiful redwood forests this train journey is must do travel experience. Seeing the spectacular scenery of the Rockies from the comfort of your warmed up spacious leather seat, the mountains are not just to either side but also above you through the glass roof of the train.
  • Borneo – Here you can combine stunningly beautiful beach resorts with a visit to the jungle; see the Proboscis monkeys, baby turtles being released into the ocean and one of the only places in the world to see Orangutans in their native habitat. One of the least explored areas on the planet with many adventures to be had but you don’t need to skimp on luxury.
  • East Africa Safari – It is a strangely exciting experience to be told not to wander too far from your tent at night because wild animals are really all around you. From elephants wandering through our camp one evening, to hearing bison grazing in the grass around us while sleeping, Africa really is as wild as you hope it will be. So many travel experiences these days are replicas – shows put together for your enjoyment. Africa definitely is not; it could not get much more real. Seeing orphaned baby elephants playing football with each other, wandering over to you reaching out their trunk so smell you as you stand behind only a rope fence watching their antics is just one of the incredible experiences on offer in this amazing location.

What’s in my suitcase?

  • A dog bed. I kid you not. These days I’m travelling with two little ones in tow and as strange as this sounds it’s a life saver on long haul flights-pair it with one of those big inflatable pillows that go where your legs usually do and you have a comfortable bed for the little ones to curl up in.
  • A dirty laundry bag. One easy spot to place all the worn things and easy to take to the laundry with you while travelling or dump in the machine when home.
  • Earplugs. I need a good nights sleep be ready to do everything I have planned for the next day on my holiday and you just never know what noises you might want to shut out while travelling.


Melissa 

Best. Holidays. Ever!

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