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
$
15,339
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 World Cruise with MSC
World Cruise with MSC
Imagine exploring the world on an incredible 119-night World Cruise, visiting 45 destinations across 21 countries. From the historic cities of the Mediterranean to the colourful coastlines of South America, across the Pacific and through Australia and Asia before returning to Europe, every stop brings something new to discover. Enjoy vibrant cities, remote islands and spectacular scenery, with 9 overnight stays giving you more time to soak up each destination. Plus, 15 included excursions offer wonderful opportunities to experience local culture and uncover hidden gems along the way. It’s an extraordinary journey filled with unforgettable moments and memories to last a lifetime.
MSC Voyagers Club members enjoy an exclusive 5% discount on their booking. Book within the first month of sales, by 12 November, and earn triple Voyagers Club points on your World Cruise, credited to your account before departure. That means you can enjoy valuable membership privileges and extra benefits even sooner! Terms and Conditions apply*
119 Night Cruise onboard MSC Magnifica
Genoa to Genoa
05 Jan - 04 May 29
From $34,919 per person share twin Interior Stateroom
119 Nights World Cruise
from
$
34,919
per person share twin Interior Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
MSC Cruises
Departs 5 Jan 2029
Explore Madagascar Marvels
Madagascar Marvels
Trade the everyday for an extraordinary journey through southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
From the dramatic coastline of Cape Town and the shores of Port Elizabeth and Durban, to the tropical beauty of Mayotte, Madagascar and Mauritius, this voyage blends rich culture, stunning scenery and indulgent island escape.
Ready to unwind in style? Contact your local House of Travel consultant today.
15 Night Luxury Cruise
from
$
26,099
per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Regent Seven Seas
Departs 1 Feb 2027
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.
Season of More: Save & Upgrade - Save up to $4,000 on your river cruise, plus a complimentary stateroom upgrade on 2026, 2027, and 2028 departures. Experience more with AmaWaterways on the rivers of Europe, Asia, South America and Egypt Terms & Conditions apply*
11-Night River Cruise & Tour Package
from
$
11,739
per person share twin
French Balcony
Flights Additional
French Balcony
Flights Additional
Cruising with
AmaWaterways
Departs 17 Apr 2027
Meet our South Africa specialists
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
Kathie Maddox
House of Travel Albany
Travelling is my passion and I love planning holidays where I can create the most magical experiences and memories to last a lifetime. I love to share my knowledge of travel and can’t wait to help you plan your exciting new adventure away wherever that may be….
Kathie
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
Carmel Layton
House of Travel Nelson
Hi, I’m Carmel Layton. Travel has been a huge part of my life from my first trip overseas as a 6 year old to travelling independently in my twenties and I have travelled to over 72 countries around the world, it has always been a key ingredient in my life.
I am an experienced and passionate travel professional with over 15 years in the industry. From a short South Pacific getaway to a trip around the globe, I look forward to helping you realise your travel dreams.
Carmel
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