Discover Western Sydney
Western Sydney is a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, nature and history that stretches from Parramatta and Penrith to Sydney Olympic Park and into the horizon as far as the Blue Mountains.
Flying into Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) brings you closer to Sydney's Western suburbs as well as the stunning explorable wilderness. By car, Penrith is just 25 minutes away, Parramatta 30 minutes, and it's only 60 minutes from the iconic Three Sisters. WSI is undoubtedly the gateway to some of the best that Western Sydney has to offer.
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.
| Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) | Western Sydney International (WSI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Near Sydney CBD (Mascot) | Greater Sydney |
| Non-stop flights from (Air NZ) | Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown | Auckland |
| Flight frequency | Auckland / Wellington / Christchurch: Daily Queenstown: 5 times per week (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun) | 3 times per week from 26 October 2026* (Mon/Wed/Fri) |
| Cabin options¹ | Economy (selected services also offer Premium Economy & Business Premier™) | Economy only |
| Distance to Sydney CBD | Approx. 20-30 minutes | Approx. 60 minutes |
| Lounge service | Available (Air NZ & Partner) | Details to be confirmed² |
| Best for travellers | Visiting Sydney CBD, Eastern suburbs or inner city | Visiting Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Nepean River or Greater NSW |
| Ideal if you... | Need fast access to the CBD or central Sydney | Want to be closer to Western Sydney or are travelling beyond Sydney |
| Airport information | https://www.sydneyairport.com.au | https://www.wsiairport.com.au |
Compare Sydney's two airports
Location
Near Sydney CBD (Mascot)
Greater Sydney
Non-stop flights from (Air NZ)
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown
Auckland
Flight frequency
Auckland / Wellington / Christchurch: Daily
Queenstown: 5 times per week (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun)
3 times per week from 26 October 2026* (Mon/Wed/Fri)
Cabin options¹
Economy
(selected services also offer Premium Economy & Business Premier™)
Economy only
Distance to Sydney CBD
Approx. 20-30 minutes
Approx. 60 minutes
Lounge service
Best for travellers
Visiting Sydney CBD, Eastern suburbs or inner city
Visiting Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Nepean River or Greater NSW
Ideal if you...
Need fast access to the CBD or central Sydney
Want to be closer to Western Sydney or are travelling beyond Sydney
Airport information
* Subject to Government Approvals.
1. Cabin availability varies by route and aircraft. Please check your flight details when booking.
2. Lounge access (including any lounge pass purchase options) at WSI will be confirmed closer to launch.
Planning your trip
Western Sydney International (WSI) is ideal if you're
- Visiting family or friends in Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool, Campbelltown or surrounding Western Sydney suburbs.
- Heading to the Blue Mountains (30 minutes from WSI).
- Planning to explore Western Sydney Parklands, the Hawkesbury region or the Greater Blue Mountains area.
- Collecting a rental car to drive to regional NSW (the airport connects directly to major motorways heading west, north and south).
For the latest transport options, visit the official Western Sydney International (WSI) website.

Things to see and do in Western Sydney
The pulse of Western Sydney
Parramatta is the commercial heart of Western Sydney and considered Sydney's second CBD. Here you will find a vibrant multicultural food and arts scene, plus sports fans can support their team at CommBank Stadium. Parramatta also boasts plenty of natural beauty, thanks to its riverside location. You can even cruise down the Parramatta River to Circular Quay.
Feel the thrill
Penrith is where you will find a mix of history, art and the outdoors in this action-packed Western Sydney suburb. Enjoy a line-up of great eateries, cultural treasures at museums and galleries, and extreme thrills like skydiving, whitewater rafting and wakeboarding. Sports fans can also see rugby league, rugby union or soccer games on at Penrith Stadium.
Adventure for the whole family
Western Sydney offers family fun experiences where you can flex your adventurous spirit at Treetops Adventure with their Tree Ropes Courses. Fly like a superhero with indoor skydiving at iFLY Downunder. Or explore Sydney's largest museum at Powerhouse Parramatta.

Four wonderful experiences from Western Sydney
1. Eat around the world in one suburb
Parramatta's dining scene reflects Western Sydney's extraordinary diversity. Start with Filipino breakfast at Kanto, share Lebanese mezze at Byblos, try South Indian dosa at Amma's, then finish with gelato from Rivareno Gelato at Parramatta Square. It's world travel on a plate.
2. Explore World Heritage listed Parramatta Park
Home to the Burramattagal, Parramatta Park's ancient cultural landscape has provided food, shelter and resources for close to 40,000 years. Today you can explore 85 hectares of lawns and gardens, historic monuments, outdoor event spaces and sporting and leisure facilities.
3. Glide over the Nepean River
The Nepean River offers something for everyone. Paddle through serene waters by kayak with views of the rugged Nepean Gorge, or get your adrenaline fix at Cables Wake Park for wakeboarding and waterskiing with the Blue Mountains as your backdrop. First-timers get expert instruction, experienced riders can tackle the ramps and everyone can refuel at the riverside cafe afterwards.
4. Walk the Three Sisters at sunset
In the Blue Mountains, the Three Sisters rock formation glows golden as the sun drops behind the Jamison Valley. Take the short walk to Echo Point lookout or, for a fuller experience, descend the Giant Stairway – 900 steps that wind past the Three Sisters and down into the ancient rainforest below.

Travelling via Western Sydney International (WSI)
Visit the official Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) website for the latest airport and transport information to plan your arrival.