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
$
139,005
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
Charlotte Chalman
House of Travel Invercargill
Travel -it broadens our views, creates lasting memories and allows you to take a break from your ordinary.
During my career, I have hit some ultimate highs- being the only New Zealand finalist in the prestigious Avis Travel Scholarship in 2019, winning the CLIA Rising Star award in 2020, being a finalist for the House of Travel Rookie of the Year in 2020 (not awarded to anyone due to COVID), multiple internal sales awards and of course getting to see some amazing countries through travel adventures.
In recent years, I have taken to much more off the beaten track travel, exploring Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and China and a epic three-week safari through Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.
Although I did sneak in a wee three-week coach trip in Europe as well-we all need some creature comforts!
I have loved travelling with my family and seeing my teenage girls' minds blown by the experiences they have in different countries- different ways of living, different foods, different cultures, amazing sites (and sights!) and really seeing what is important to other people outside of NZ.
I now work from home but venture into the office regularly to see clients (by appointment only). I do love a good face to face catch up!
I would love to hear what adventures you have planned, whether close to home or somewhere in the weird and wonderful, and love helping pull things together to give you your Best Holiday Ever. Give me a call or send me an email to get started on your journey. I look forward to meeting you!
Charlotte
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
Vicky Baker
House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD
I can’t wait to meet you and help turn your travel dreams into reality!
Originally from South Africa I have over 20 years experience working in New
Zealand, South Africa and the UK, I genuinely love arranging holidays. I have a
particular passion for Asia as a destination and extensive knowledge of
family-friendly travel options. Let’s create an unforgettable journey together!
Vicky
Courtney Cameron
House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing
As your personal holiday builder I am here to take the stress out of your next holiday. Be it a family trip over the Tasman or romantic getaway to one of the sun soaked Pacific Islands, or maybe a bucket list destination trip.
I have had 10 years in the travel industry -made up mostly of being an International Flight Attendant. I have been lucky enough to travel to many places and experience many cultures. But there is always somewhere new to go!
I want to take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on the excitement of the trip. I am highly organized and like to ensure everything has been thought of and accounted for. Communicating clearly along the way with you so you feel confident and reassured.
Courtney
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