Sydney shopping days are seriously tempting, so leave extra room in your suitcase because Paddington and Pitt Street make it very hard not to come home with a whole new wardrobe.
Bondi lunches have a habit of turning into sunset cocktails, so don’t over-plan your afternoons.
Staying central around the CBD or Surry Hills makes getting between shopping, beaches and nightlife much easier.
Sydney’s best restaurants book out quickly on weekends, especially for groups, so lock in dinner reservations early.
The Manly ferry is one of the best cheap things to do in Sydney and easily has some of the best harbour views in the city.
If your ideal weekend away includes designer shopping, rooftop cocktails, long brunches and leaving to fly back home with an entire new wardrobe, Sydney might just be the perfect girls' trip.
Just a short flight from New Zealand, Sydney is one of those cities that makes even a quick weekend feel exciting. One minute you’re ordering coffee in Surry Hills, the next you’re carrying far too many shopping bags through Pitt Street, wondering how you’re going to fit everything into your suitcase.
Whether you’re planning a birthday trip, sister trip, best-friends getaway, or simply an excuse to escape for a few days, here’s exactly how to spend the ultimate girls' weekend in Sydney.
Stay central, areas like the CBD, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour make getting around much easier. Bring comfortable shoes, as Sydney shopping days turn into 20,000-step days very quickly. Pack an extra bag if you plan on shopping seriously (so worth it!)
Sydney’s brunch scene is elite, so leave room in the itinerary for coffees & delicious brunches. If you can, fly in early Friday morning to maximise the weekend.
After checking into your hotel, spend your afternoon wandering around Circular Quay and Pitt Street before easing into the weekend with cocktails overlooking the city skyline. Then head into Surry Hills for dinner, where you might just want to bar hop for a little while.
Pitt Street Mall - Sydney’s ultimate shopping destination, packed with designer boutiques, international fashion brands, beauty stores, luxury labels and multi-level department stores, you could easily spend an entire afternoon getting lost in.
Queen Victoria Building – A beautiful heritage shopping spot home to brands like Coach, Oroton, Mimco and Country Road, alongside hidden cafes and luxury boutiques.
The Strand Arcade – An iconic Sydney arcade filled with Australian designer brands including Aje, Scanlan Theodore, Camilla and Marc and Sass & Bide.
Shell House – One of Sydney’s most beautiful rooftop bars, perfect for sunset cocktails, city views and starting the night in style.
Nour – Stylish Middle Eastern dining with delicious cuisine.
The Winery – A dreamy wine bar that you won’t want to leave!
If you’re booking cheap flights to Sydney from Auckland or looking at flights from Wellington to Sydney, arriving early Friday morning gives you almost a full extra day in the city.
Start your morning slowly with coffee and breakfast before fitting in one last harbour walk or final shopping stop before heading home. If you have time, catch the Manly ferry for some of the best views in the city before making your way back to the airport.
Manly Ferry – Easily one of the prettiest ways to experience Sydney Harbour, with incredible water views the entire trip before arriving at one of Sydney’s most loved beach suburbs.
The Rocks – Perfect for slow Sunday wandering, filled with historic laneways, weekend markets, cosy cafes and some of the best harbour views in the city.
Darling Harbour – A great spot for waterfront brunches, cocktails and one last relaxed stroll before heading to the airport.
Lox In A Box – A Bondi favourite known for fresh bagels, great coffee and the perfect quick breakfast before a beach walk.
Paramount Coffee Project – One of Sydney’s best coffee spots tucked inside Surry Hills, loved for its specialty coffee, brunch menu and cool warehouse-style space.
Room Ten – A tiny hole-in-the-wall cafe in Potts Point serving incredible coffee, simple breakfast plates and classic Sydney cafe energy.
Book a later afternoon or evening flight home if you can, Sydney is one of those cities where you’ll always want a few extra hours.
One of the best things about planning a Sydney weekend away is how easy it is to get there from New Zealand. With regular Air New Zealand flights to Sydney and direct routes from across the country, it’s never been easier to swap your normal routine for harbour views, shopping bags and rooftop cocktails.
Whether you’re searching for Air New Zealand flights from Auckland to Sydney, booking cheap flights Wellington to Sydney or looking at cheap flights from Christchurch to Sydney, Air New Zealand makes travelling across the Tasman feel simple and stress-free.
With short flight times and regular departures, Sydney is one of the easiest and most exciting girls weekend escapes for Kiwi travellers.
Shopping, cocktails, beach walks and a little bit of luxury, Sydney might just be the ultimate girls trip destination. It’s fun, stylish and somehow always leaves you wanting to book another trip back before you’ve even gone home. Honestly? The hardest part will be fitting everything into your suitcase on the flight home so make sure you book a fare with checked luggage included. Book your girls trip with Air New Zealand through Mix & Match NZ today!
Get inspired with what to see and do once booking your flights