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 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
$
133,689
per person share twin
Ocean View Suite
Ocean View Suite
Cruising with
Seabourn
Departs 7 Jan 2028
LIMITED CABINS
Explore Queen Victoria's World Sector 2027 - Sydney to Southampton
Queen Victoria's World Sector 2027 - Sydney to Southampton
Sail onboard the elegant Queen Victoria, where old-world sophistication meets modern luxury. Depart from the iconic harbour of Sydney and visit captivating ports across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. With plenty of overnight stays, enjoy the perfect opportunity to experience lively nightlife and discover each destination’s unique atmosphere.
Cunard staterooms are among the most spacious at sea with Penhaligon toiletries, twice-daily turndown service and sparkling wine on arrival. Princess and Queens Suites offer additional benefits including a personal butler. A host of activities are available onboard including open-air pools and gym facilities and the daily programme will have live music, theatre performances, guest speaker events and the famous signature Afternoon Tea and Gala Evenings.
65 Night Cruise
from
$
21,829
per person share twin
Deluxe Inside Stateroom
Flights are additional
Deluxe Inside Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Cunard Cruises
Departs 24 Feb 2027
Meet our South Africa specialists
Lesley Masters
House of Travel Lower Hutt
Why book with me?
Because your holiday deserves more - it deserves care, tailored advice, and personal attention every step of the way.
With over 20 years of experience as a travel consultant, I specialise in designing trips that fit your needs perfectly, whether it's a fun family escape to the Gold Coast or a complex, multi-country adventure across the globe. I'm here to handle the details, solve the unexpected and make sure your travel experience is seamless from start to finish.
Travel isn't just my job - it's my lifelong passion. Since catching the travel bug at age 12 on a trip to England, I've explored around 35 countries, discovering the joys of rail journeys, river and ocean cruises, guided tours and solo travel. This hands-on experience means I can give you first-hand tips and recommendations.
My favourite destinations include Italy, England and Niue, but truly, I've fallen in love with almost everywhere I have explored. Next on my list? Japan, Samoa and Sri Lanka - always planning, always exploring, so I can share the very best with you.
I feel privileged to work in such an exciting, dynamic industry, and I'd love to help to plan your next unforgettable holiday. Let me take care of everything - so all you have to do is enjoy.
Lesley
Kyla Strahl
House of Travel Christchurch City
Kyla spent over 6 years crewing on luxury super yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Baltic, Adriatic, Caribbean, Pacific and North Seas; along with several Atlantic Ocean crossings. Moving to more adventure land travel Kyla has experienced India, South America and South Africa as a part of the whopping 57 countries she has explored!
"Whether it be cruising, OE's or travelling with a young family my first-hand knowledge will certainly be an asset when planning your winter break, European adventure, or once in a life time dream holiday!"
Years in the industry: 7
No. of countries visited: 57
Favourite place to visit: Italy
Next place on the list to visit: Plantation Island
"Life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better." - Simon Raven
Why I love travel:
Travelling takes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to experience new things that we otherwise wouldn't in our normal day to day lives. It enriches your life from meeting new people from all walks of life, trying new food from different corners of the world, and humbles you to appreciate the small things in life.
My travel tips:
- Always have travel insurance
- Wake up early - whether it be to see the sunrise, or to skip a queue, or get a coffee at the local café.
- Make a list of the things you want to experience and pre book as much as you can.
- Stay local with everything easily accessible on foot.
My top 5 favourite destinations:
- Italy - rolling hills and crystal blue waters, stunning villages and cathedrals, amazing food and wine.
- South Africa - rich cultural experiences, amazing wildlife on safari, breath-taking landscapes.
- Croatia - stunning beaches and unbelievable landscapes from the islands in the Adriatic to the Krka National Park.
- Mexico - amazing food, fascinating Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and fabulous architecture from ancient temples to the colonial cathedrals.
- Canada - my birth land! The people, the rich forests, lakes, mountains and wildlife.
What's in my suitcase:
- First Aid kit as you can never be too prepared.
- Travel Diary - make an effort to write down the highlights of your day, you will look back in appreciation.
- Sarong or thin, long scarf - will come in handy as a towel or to cover your shoulders when need be.
- Small change of local currency - whether it be to buy a bottle of water or a quick snack or to leave a tip.
Kyla
Tracie Thome
House of Travel Hamilton East
My travel career started in South Africa in the early 1990s and I have been involved in many different aspects of the travel industry since then. I thoroughly enjoy the diversity travel offers, especially learning about new and exciting destinations. I am very people focused and thrive on planning the perfect holiday experiences for my clients.
Tracie
David Williams
House of Travel Christchurch City
In the 28 years of owning House of Travel Christchurch City, I have successfully developed a passionate and award-winning team of travel specialists. Our holiday specialists can take you to the destinations that you have dreamed of and let you know inside information that will enrich your travel experience. The highly experienced business travel division will exceed your expectations leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless travel experience every time. We also have a fantastic HOT Events team that can take care of your conference, team building or any event requirement you might have from a planned dinner event to incentive or recognition programme.
From my beginnings in customer sales and service, travelling to over 60 countries, my primary focus is overseeing all divisions, and growing our every popular Sporting Events Programmes. A highlight is delivering a highly successful games campaigns with our New Zealand Olympic Travel team. This includes all New Zealand Team Athlete Travel to providing a family and friends programme as well as a world class corporate offering for sponsors.
I am however most proud of the team for us being awarded three top awards at the National Travel Industry Awards - Best Retail Travel Agency in New Zealand, Best Travel Consultant in New Zealand, Best Groups Team in New Zealand.
Great holidays are made better together with the House of Travel Christchurch City team.
David
Our Africa travel blogs
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