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
$
17,249
per person twin share Oceanview Suite (Platinum)
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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
$
20,345
per person twin share Outside Cabin (Silver)
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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
Jason McKay
House of Travel Nelson
As the proud Owner Operator of House of Travel Nelson, I lead a small but passionate team dedicated to taking care of all your travel needs.
I primarily work on the Orbit World Travel side of our business, specialising in business and group travel. But as a traveller myself, I love chatting with customers and the team about their upcoming adventures — there’s nothing better than sharing in the excitement of a great trip!
Travel has played a huge role in my life. From years of family holidays to the Gold Coast and Fiji, where the kids spent hours in the pool or on the playground, to unforgettable highlights like Disneyland (they were 10 and 12 — the perfect age!), followed by a relaxing week in Mexico. These days, with older kids, we’re seeking more adventure. Our recent trip to Vietnam was a standout — from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful beauty of Hoi An's lanterns and Halong Bay. If you haven’t been, it’s a must!
Next on my list? Europe. While I’ve done a couple of quick trips
in the past, I’m keen to take the time to explore the diverse cultures and rich
history of the places I’ve spent years helping others discover.
Whether your trip is big or small, come in and see us at House of Travel Nelson — we’ll make sure it’s your best one yet.
Kelsey Mackay
House of Travel Hamilton East
Travel has always been more than just getting from A to B for me. I love helping clients create holidays that truly suit them, from relaxing escapes, a seamless getaway or a one-in-a-lifetime adventure. Known for being organised, responsive and honest, I enjoy sharing practical travel knowledge that takes the stress out of planning and leaves clients excited for what's ahead.
Kelsey
Mike (Buzz) Thomson
House of Travel Hobsonville
With over 25 years' experience in the travel industry- both here in New Zealand and internationally- I bring a depth of knowledge and insight that helps turn great ideas into truly unforgettable journeys.
From hidden gems to seamless itineraries, I use my experience every day to design travel that's tailored, thoughtful, and practical.
I'd love to hear about your plans, whether you're just starting to dream or ready to book.
Together, we'll create a well-organised, memorable trip that's perfectly suited to you- so all you need to do is enjoy the journey.
Mike
Stacey Mullinger
House of Travel Northlink (formerly Northlands)
|
With over 30 years
of experience in the travel industry, I’ve built a career focused on creating
exceptional holidays through expert planning, attention to detail, and
in-depth destination knowledge. |
Stacey
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