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Batsmen Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls are sick and have missed New Zealand's first training session since arriving in Sydney for the third Test.

New Zealand hope rest will prove best for captain Kane Williamson, who failed to train on New Year's Day because of flu-like symptoms.

Williamson and teammate Henry Nicholls both arrived at the SCG for the visitors' first training session since losing the trans-Tasman series in Melbourne.

However, both batsmen were then sent back to the hotel and told to skip the optional session.

Williamson and Nicholls aren't considered in doubt for the third Test, which begins in Sydney on Friday, but the sickness is far from ideal preparation for the series finale.

"They're fine, just not feeling really good," NZ bowling coach Shane Jurgensen told reporters.

"I'm sure they'll be back training tomorrow. They're pretty tough ... it's been a big two Tests and it's a good opportunity for them to have a day off."

Williamson has endured a frustrating series, logging scores of 34, 14, nine and zero as his captaincy was critiqued by predecessor Brendon McCullum and other pundits.

Jurgensen suggested the enforced break from the nets could be the perfect tonic for the talented right-hander, who currently sits third on the International Cricket Council's Test batting charts.

"I'm sure Kane would have struggled to go home. He loves batting doesn't he? But when you've had a couple of tough losses in Australia it's always good to get a bit of extra time away whenever you can," Jurgensen said.

"It's not always the best to keep working hard and working hard. It's a good option to take a bit of time out, reflect and have a big last Test to finish off the tour."

Tim Southee and Neil Wagner have bowled 115.2 and 99.4 overs respectively in the series, shouldering an immense workload as pace colleagues Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson both suffered injuries.

Southee and Wagner both didn't bowl on Wednesday, as was the case with Australia quicks Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson.

Both fast bowlers are expected to play the third Test, especially given the immense void left by Boult.

"I'm surprised he's not here bowling today to get the cobwebs out, he loves bowling," Jurgensen joked of workhorse Wagner.

"We need to look long term, we've got a lot of cricket coming up this summer, but at the same time every Test for New Zealand is worth so much.

"I'm sure the guys will be pumped for a really good performance."