Discover Sydney

Australia's biggest city doesn't do subtle, and that's precisely its charm. Sydney is a harbour-hugging, beach-loving, culture-packed metropolis where world-class dining sits alongside golden sand, where sandstone cliffs meet sparkling blue water, and where you can surf in the morning and catch an opera after dinner.

Sydney is just the beginning. As the gateway to New South Wales, journey beyond the city to a state packed with natural wonders - forested mountains, pristine coastline, wine country and outback national parks.

About our flights to Sydney

Air New Zealand flies non-stop to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

From November 2026*, Air New Zealand will also start non-stop flights from Auckland to Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) three times per week, giving you more choice for your plans in Sydney and Greater NSW. The flight time is around 3 hours and 35 minutes.

You can choose the way you fly on all our flights to Australia.

Five sensational Sydney and NSW experiences

1. Be mesmerised by the lights at Vivid Sydney

For 23 nights each May and June, Sydney becomes the world's largest outdoor light art gallery. Vivid Sydney transforms iconic landmarks with spectacular 3D light projections. Watch the Sydney Opera House sails come alive with colour, wander through interactive installations and discover hidden laneways glowing with creativity.

2. Stand on top of a cable car

West of Sydney in the Blue Mountains, Beyond Skyway (part of Scenic World) lets you stand on the roof of a cable car suspended 270 metres above a rainforest valley. You'll harness up and step onto the roof as it hovers mid-air, with nothing between you and the vast wilderness as you watch the changing colours of the Jamison Valley as day turns to dusk.

3. Dine in the water at Hawkesbury River

On the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney, Sydney Oyster Farm Tours offers an experience unlike any other – you hop off the boat into the river wearing chest-high waders, settle at your own in-water table and taste oysters freshly shucked and harvested from the nearby oyster leases.

4. Spot kangaroos at Pebbly Beach

At Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park, eastern grey kangaroos have made the shoreline their home. Arrive early morning or late afternoon to share the pristine sand with these surprisingly relaxed locals.

5. Ride the largest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere

North of Sydney at Port Stephens, Sand Dune Adventures offers an exclusive 'Cultural Quad Bike Riding' experience like no other. As you navigate the sandy peaks, your guides share stories about Country and their connection to this land.

Other things to see and do in Sydney

Sydney's character is defined by its harbour. Take the ferry to Manly for the commute-with-a-view that locals never tire of, or ride to Watsons Bay for lunch overlooking the city skyline.

The beaches of Sydney truly deserve their reputation. Bondi is the most famous, but venture beyond to discover Bronte with its ocean pool, Gordon's Bay for snorkelling, or Narrabeen's calm lagoon. The Bondi to Coogee Walk strings together beaches, ocean pools and clifftop views in one spectacular six-kilometre trail. More about Sydney's beaches.

The Bondi to Coogee Walk strings together beaches, ocean pools and clifftop views in one spectacular six-kilometre coastal trail.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales showcases Australian and international art with its stunning Sydney Modern addition. The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia champions bold contemporary work, and the Sydney Opera House hosts world-class performances almost nightly.

For Sydney's creative pulse, head to the inner suburbs. Surry Hills serves excellent coffee and boutiques, Newtown buzzes with vintage shops and live music, while Carriageworks in Redfern hosts everything from experimental theatre to farmers' markets. See our Sydney interactive map.

Amazing places to eat and drink

Sydney's dining scene reflects the spectacular diversity of its people. Italian and Greek, Thai and Vietnamese, Middle Eastern and Chinese – every cuisine is served authentically.

Greek dining is flourishing. Aambra in Rose Bay transforms a 120-year-old heritage church into a stunning Levantine restaurant, while Olympus Dining offers taverna-style dining in Redfern.

Chinese restaurants have made their mark. Grandfathers in the CBD serves inventive Cantonese cuisine, while the new Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay is seafood heaven.

Inner-city gems include Bessie's in Surry Hills, Mister Grotto and South End in Newtown, Lottie in Redfern, Vin-Cenzo's in Darlinghurst and Young's Palace in Potts Point. More about Sydney's food scene.

Blue Mountains escape

Just two hours by train from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer cool temperatures, eucalyptus forests, dramatic canyons and waterfalls tumbling over sandstone cliffs.

Base yourself in Katoomba for accessibility, Leura for charming cafes or Blackheath for bushwalking. Beyond the Skyway experience, Scenic World offers the world's steepest passenger railway. Tackle the National Pass walk to Wentworth Falls or explore the Valley of the Waters.

Hunter Valley wine country

In Australia's oldest wine region, 150 cellar doors await among rolling vineyards famous for semillon and shiraz.

The 10-kilometre Hunter Valley Cycleway makes exploring wonderfully straightforward – rent bikes and pedal between cellar doors. Book accommodation in Pokolbin or stay in Lovedale. Take a look beyond Sydney.

The NSW Coast: north and south

Head south along the Grand Pacific Drive to discover beaches and national parks. Stop at Kiama's famous blowhole, then continue to Jervis Bay where Hyams Beach claims some of the whitest sand in the world. Between June and November, spot migrating humpback whales.

Drive north to Port Stephens, then continue to Byron Bay where surf culture meets alternative living. Hike to Cape Byron Lighthouse at mainland Australia's most easterly point. See our Byron Bay Top 10.

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