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 8
Lock in 2026 price
Explore Walking South Africa – Accommodated Safari
Africa
Walking South Africa – Accommodated Safari
13 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
4620
per person share twin. Flights are additional
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
Lock in 2026 price
Explore Windhoek to Victoria Falls ‘Elephant Track’ – Classic Safari
Africa
Windhoek to Victoria Falls ‘Elephant Track’ – Classic Safari
14 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
7695
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Lock in 2026 price
Explore Botswana Wild Parks Accommodated Safari
Africa
Botswana Wild Parks Accommodated Safari
13 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
6580
per person share twin +US$300 local payment. Flights are additional
Lock in 2026 price
Explore Botswana Wildside Camping Safari
Africa
Botswana Wildside Camping Safari
13 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
3995
per person share twin +US$300 local payment. Flights are additional
Lock in 2026 price
Explore South Africa & eSwatini Rainbow Route Safari
Africa
South Africa & eSwatini Rainbow Route Safari
16 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
5635
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Lock in 2026 price
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
$
7520
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Lock in 2026 price
Explore Zimbabwe & Botswana Game Tracker Safari with Sunway Safaris
Africa
Zimbabwe & Botswana Game Tracker Safari with Sunway Safaris
15 Nights
Sightseeing
Safari
from
$
5995
per person share twin +USD$300 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
$
134,225
per person share twin
Ocean View Suite
Ocean View Suite
Cruising with
Seabourn
Departs 7 Jan 2028
Meet our South Africa specialists
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
Lisa Glassey
House of Travel Johnsonville
I've been in the industry for over 25 years and love creating amazing holidays from Tours, Cruising, Luxury holidays through to Expeditions.
My aim is to turn the ordinary into extraordinary where clients have wonderful memories for years to come.
?Lisa
Janine Taylor
House of Travel New Plymouth
With years of travel under my belt and time spent living in London, I bring real-world knowledge to every itinerary I create. I’m passionate about helping people see the world with ease and confidence.
Janine
Vanessa Allan
House of Travel Christchurch City
Born and raised in Durban, South Africa; Vanessa has been in the travel industry for 24 years and has proudly called herself a kiwi for the past 5 years. Starting her career in planning holidays for clients, Vanessa quickly found her passion is with business travel - working in this fast past division of travel drives her every day.
"I love building strong relationships with my clients. I thrive on a good challenge and love to sink my teeth into a big group. Attention to detail and customer satisfaction is paramount to me. I like to think outside the box providing my clients with the best possible solutions to their travel needs."
When away from the desk, family time is important for Vanessa. Along with her husband she loves to watch and support their teenage son in his sporting endeavors. When off the side-lines she enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially outdoors and finding new and interesting places to dine.
When Vanessa travels, she loves to experience new cultures, food and wine throughout the world.
Favourite place to visit: London
Next place on the list to visit: Italy
Vanessa
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