Flight time
The flight from Auckland to South Africa takes roughly 20 hours with a stopover. It's a bit of a haul but that will immediately be forgotten when you see your first baby elephant or herd of zebra.
Wildlife, wine and wonder
South Africa is a country that dazzles with diversity – from wild savannahs to edgy cityscapes to the turquoise coastline and white sands of your dreams.
Watch elephants, giraffes and rhinos roam at sunrise in Kruger National Park, feel the sea breeze on your face at Cape Point, or hike Table Mountain for panoramic views that will leave you utterly speechless.
In Cape Town, colourful neighbourhoods, harbourside precincts and buzzing food markets are brimming with life, while Johannesburg hums with creativity and a bold, artistic spirit.
Food and wine lovers are in for a treat – sip award-winning vintages in the Cape Winelands, feast on fiery Durban curries, discover Cape Malay flavours in Bo-Kaap, and tuck into sizzling braai (barbecue) wherever you go.
Up for adventure? South Africa has it in spades – cage-diving with great whites, hiking, kayaking with penguins, river rafting, cycling and so much more.
Get chatting with our South African specialists – your adventure of a lifetime is calling!
Best time to go
The best time to visit South Africa depends on where you're headed: May to September is ideal for safaris, spring and autumn shine in Cape Town, and Durban’s coast offers warm, beach-perfect weather year-round.
Time difference
South Africa is 10-11 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving here so there's a bit of an adjustment to be made.
African Holidays 6
Explore Around the World by Luxury Train
Vancouver to Singapore
Around the World by Luxury Train
60 Days
Luxury Rail Travel
Sightseeing
from
$
199,000
Per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Botswana Wild Parks Accommodated Safari
Africa
Botswana Wild Parks Accommodated Safari
13 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
7220
per person share twin +US$300 local payment. Flights are additional
Explore Botswana Wildside Camping Safari
Africa
Botswana Wildside Camping Safari
13 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
4535
per person share twin +US$300 local payment. Flights are additional
Explore South Africa & eSwatini Rainbow Route Safari
Africa
South Africa & eSwatini Rainbow Route Safari
16 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
6545
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Namibia & Botswana Southern Circle Accommodated Safari with Sunway Safaris
Africa
Namibia & Botswana Southern Circle Accommodated Safari with Sunway Safaris
20 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
8335
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Mozambique & Kruger Beach and Bush Safari with Sunway Safaris
Africa
Mozambique & Kruger Beach and Bush Safari with Sunway Safaris
13 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
5350
per person share twin +ZAR$2000 local payment. Flights are additional
Explore Adventure South Africa
Adventure South Africa
Get ready for an incredible adventure from the tropical beauty of Mauritius to the spectacular shores of South Africa. Discover the volcanic landscapes of Réunion, experience the vibrant culture of Maputo and explore the wildlife-rich coast around Richards Bay before continuing to Durban and Gqeberha. Your journey finishes in beautiful Cape Town, with plenty of unforgettable scenery, fascinating destinations and amazing experiences along the way. It’s a wonderful way to discover the diverse beauty of the Indian Ocean and southern Africa in one unforgettable escape.
12 Night Luxury Cruise
from
$
17,049
per person twin share Oceanview Suite (Platinum)
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Hapag Lloyd
Departs 20 Jun 2027
Explore 2028 Cape to Cape Grand Expedition Cruise
2028 Cape to Cape Grand Expedition Cruise
Set sail on Seabourn’s ultra-luxury Cape to Cape World Cruise, an immersive 120 night odyssey visiting the globe’s most compelling places — from the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and remote Easter Island to the ice fields of Antarctica and the storied shores of South Africa. Experience diverse cultures, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and hidden gems found off the beaten path, while savouring the refined comfort, impeccable service, and elegant atmosphere of your luxurious ship.
Adventure awaits both ashore and onboard. Join expert-led Zodiac tours, hikes, and nature walks. Onboard, enjoy world-class dining, daily briefings, fireside chats, and educational talks, plus signature experiences like the Polar Plunge and Caviar on the Ice. It’s an unforgettable journey of discovery, indulgence, and adventure.
120 Night Expedition Package
from
$
142,979
per person share twin
Ocean View Suite
Ocean View Suite
Cruising with
Seabourn
Departs 7 Jan 2028
Explore Cape Town to Mauritius
Cape Town to Mauritius
Discover the best of Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean on one unforgettable voyage. Sail from Cape Town along South Africa’s spectacular coastline, calling into Hermanus, Mossel Bay, Gqeberha, Durban and Richards Bay, where wildlife, coastal scenery and local culture all come into play.
From there, venture further afield to the remote islands of Madagascar and Mayotte, before wrapping up in the tropical paradise of Port Louis. With rich traditions, diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes at every turn, this journey is a brilliant way to swap the everyday for a true once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventure.
17 Night Luxury Cruise
from
$
20,109
per person twin share Outside Cabin (Silver)
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Hapag Lloyd
Departs 15 Nov 2026
Explore Secrets of Egypt & the Nile
Secrets of Egypt & the Nile
Glide along the legendary Nile River, where ancient temples rise from the desert and timeless landscapes unfold around every bend. From the grandeur of Luxor to the tranquil beauty of Aswan, this journey offers an intimate look into Egypt’s rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring spirit.
11-Night River Cruise & Tour Package
from
$
10,955
per person share twin
French Balcony
Flights Additional
French Balcony
Flights Additional
Cruising with
AmaWaterways
Departs 5 Dec 2026
Meet our South Africa specialists
Darryl Sandri
House of Travel Timaru
Darryl has a vast travel knowledge of the world with Europe & Africa continents being personal favourites.
He's been selling both leisure and corporate bookings for 18 years and is well equipped to handle all requirements for personal and business travel.
Darryl
Josephine Perera
House of Travel Masterton
Having been with House of Travel for 13 years I really enjoy how even after all this time every day is different. I can still find new destinations to learn about and expand on my knowledge through travel I have booked. Hearing about how my client’s travels went and what they experienced is always a highlight!
I encourage clients to keep in touch throughout their trip as I love receiving a photo now and then to see where their adventures are taking them. To me it's not just a holiday or a travel experience we are booking, it's memories we are helping create that will last you a lifetime.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain.
So don't wait, get in touch to plan your next big adventure today!
Angela Malone
House of Travel Albany
The best holiday experience is a blend of organised activity along with a sense of discovery.
Bespoke holidays are my specialty.
Exploring off the beaten track destinations where you feel like a local yet welcomed as a guest creates treasured memories.
Angela
Sarah Martelli
House of Travel Rotorua
My love for travel began early - at 19, I left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I've never looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my heart!)
I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and knew I'd found my dream career. Even know, I still smile every day coming to work - I truly LOVE what I do.
I did step away from the travel industry for a few years to raise my family, but the pull of travel was simply too strong. Coming back confirmed what I already knew: there is nothing else I would rather be doing. No two days are ever the same, and helping to create someone's dream holiday is a true privilege.
Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy. I specialize in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I'm especially passionate about tours and cruising. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a multi-generational family holiday, a tailor-made Europe itinerary or a cruising holiday, I'll work with you to create a trip that fits within your budget and needs.
I pride myself on attention to detail and prompt turnaround times with my work. I believe I also go above and beyond for my clients - many now see me more as a friend, because we've built such strong relationships. Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, I'm here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from start to finish.
I'm known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I'll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be.
I live on our dairy farm in Reporoa with my Husband Mathew and our three young children, who go to school in Rotorua. We are a busy sporting family, so I understand the #mumlife juggle and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday, either as a family or for a lush couples' getaway!
Some of our favourite family trips have been around Vietnam and to the theme parks on the Gold Coast, and next on our list with the kids Hawaii. For my husband and I, our favourite recent couples getaway trips were to Bali and Malaysia - beachfront cocktails, yes please! Next on our wish list is the Maldives, I have been there 20 years ago so I think it’s time we went back!
Don't just dream about it - lets start planning. Get in touch today and let me turn your travel dreams into your next boarding pass.
Sarah
- Top Retail Consultant Finalist 2024
- Silver Sales Award 2025
- Gold Sales Award 2026
Follow me on my socials!
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