From ancient temples to neon-lit cityscapes, stepping into Japan is like stepping into another world. Imagine strolling through emerald-green bamboo forests, exploring vibrant streets alive with gleaming red shrines, and uncovering a treasure trove of kawaii curiosities that’ll have you smiling ear to ear.
Treat your tastebuds to soul-warming bowls of ramen, irresistible street eats, and indulge your inner child at magical spots like Disneyland. From tradition-rich temples to quirky pop culture and flavours you'll be dreaming about long after you've returned, Japan really does have something for every adventurer.
With insider tips from our Japan specialists, we'll help craft the magical moments and hidden gems that make a holiday truly unforgettable. Get ready to sushi-roll your way through the Land of the Rising Sun!
Traveling from Auckland to Japan typically takes around 11 hours on a direct flight. Though it’s a long journey, the allure of Japan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique blend of tradition and modernity make the time in the air well worth it.
The best times to visit Japan are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring is famous for the cherry blossoms (sakura), which bloom across the country, creating breathtaking landscapes. Autumn, on the other hand, offers beautiful fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer tourists. These seasons are perfect for exploring Japan’s temples, gardens, and cultural sites.
Japan is 3 hours behind New Zealand. This small time difference makes it easy to adjust, allowing you to dive right into your Japanese adventure with minimal jet lag.
The Japanese celebrate Sakura with Hanami, literally “flower viewing” celebrations which take place in March and April.
A must-do experience!
Get your sake fix and karaage cravings satisfied at Hoppy Street!
Chase the sunrise on Mt Fuji
Take a trip to Miyajima Island and see the iconic ‘floating’ torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Brave the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo!
Now’s your chance!
For a truly unique experience stay at a Buddhist Temple, or a "shukubo".
Ready for a wild ride?
Shop quirky t-shirts, hidden gems, and unique souvenirs on every corner!
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Beautiful Bali & the Barrier Reef - 18 Night Onboard Seven Seas Navigator®
Singapore to Sydney
05 Jan 26 - 23 Jan 26
From $16,915 per person share twin Deluxe Window Suite Stateroom
Port of calls: Singapore, Singapore | Semarang, Java, Indonesia | Surabaya, Java, Indonesia | Bali, Indonesia | Komodo Island, Indonesia | Darwin, Australia | Cooktown, Australia | Cairns, Australia | Townsville, Australia | Airlie Beach | Brisbane, Australia | Sydney, Nova Scotia
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Kiwi Charm & Aussie Delights - 18 Night Onboard Seven Seas Mariner®
Auckland to Bali, Indonesia
06 Mar 26 - 24 Mar 26
From $17,799 per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite
Port of calls: Auckland, New Zealand | Bay of Islands (Paihia), New Zealand | Sydney, Nova Scotia | Mooloolaba, Australia | Airlie Beach | Cairns, Australia | Darwin, Australia | Komodo Island, Indonesia | Bali, Indonesia
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Down Under Australia - 18 Night Onboard Seven Seas Navigator®
Auckland to Bali, Indonesia
31 Mar 26 - 18 Apr 26
From $10,515 per person share twin Deluxe Window Stateroom
Port of calls: Auckland, New Zealand | Bay of Islands (Paihia), New Zealand | Sydney, Nova Scotia | Melbourne, Australia | Esperance, Australia | Albany, Australia | Busselton, Australia | Perth (Fremantle), Australia | Komodo Island, Indonesia | Bali, Indonesia
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Crossing Horizons - 21 Night Onboard Seven Seas Mariner®
Miami to Honolulu
11 Jan 26 - 01 Feb 26
From $20,605 per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite Stateroom
Port of calls: Miami, Florida | Cartagena, Colombia | Panama Canal, Panama | Puntarenas, Costa Rica | Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala | Acapulco, Mexico | Cabo San Lucas, Mexico | Hilo, Hawaii | Kahului, Maui, Hawaii | Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
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Vibrant Fiji & Polynesian Magic - 16 Night Onboard Seven Seas Navigator®
Auckland to Papeete
06 Feb 26 - 22 Feb 26
From $12, 585 per person share twin Deluxe Window Suite Stateroom
Port of calls: Auckland, New Zealand | Whangarei, New Zealand | Bay of Islands (Paihia), New Zealand | Port Vila, Vanuatu | Lautoka, Fiji | Suva, Fiji Islands | Apia, Western Samoa | Pago Pago, American Samoa | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Raiatea, French Polynesia | Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
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Beauty in Southern Seas - 19 Night Onboard Seven Seas Mariner®
Papeete to Auckland
15 Feb 26 - 06 Mar 26
From $18,055 per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite Stateroom
Port of calls: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia | Moorea, French Polynesia | Huahine, French Polynesia | Pago Pago, American Samoa | Apia, Western Samoa | Suva, Fiji Islands | Lautoka, Fiji | Port Vila, Vanuatu | Noumea, New Caledonia | Auckland, New Zealand
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Spectacular Asia at Night - 16 Night Onboard Seven Seas Mariner®
Bali to Singapore
24 Mar 26 - 09 Apr 26
From $17,445 per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite Stateroom
Port of calls: Bali, Indonesia | CELUKAN BAWANG, INDONESIA | Surabaya, Java, Indonesia | Semarang, Java, Indonesia | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam | Nha Trang, Vietnam | Sihanoukville, Cambodia | Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand | Ko Samui, Thailand | Singapore, Singapore
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Antarctica & The Chilean Fjords - 18 Night Onboard Seven Seas Splendor®
Buenos Aires to Santiago
14 Jan 26 - 01 Feb 26
From $18,945 per person share twin Veranda Suite Stateroom
Port of calls: Buenos Aires, Argentina | Punta del Este, Uruguay | South Orkney Islands, Antarctica | Ushuaia, Argentina | Punta Arenas, Chile | Laguna San Raphael, Chile | Puerto Chacabuco, Chile | Puerto Montt, Chile | Santiago, Chile
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Departs 5 Jan 2026
HOT EXCLUSIVE
AMAZING SAVINGS
Your adventure begins with two nights in Tokyo, perfect for enjoying the city’s famous cherry blossoms before boarding your cruise. Follow Japan’s coastline to ports rich in tradition, artistry, and scenic splendour. Visit Kobe, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima, each offering unique encounters with local culture. With the Kanmon Strait and South Korea adding to the journey, this spring voyage blends beauty, history, and coastal allure.
Experience luxury like never before onboard your intimate Seabourn ship, where a private yacht-like atmosphere meets unparalleled elegance. Each ocean-front suite is thoughtfully appointed, complemented by exquisite dining, captivating entertainment, and a generous selection of premium spirits and fine wines, always available throughout your journey.
Departs 27 Mar 2026
Windstar’s Asia sailings are a world apart from the big cruise lines. They offer something refreshingly different—smaller ships, more time in port, and cool turnarounds in places like Phuket, Bangkok and Vietnam. These aren’t your typical fly-in-fly-out itineraries; they’re thoughtfully crafted journeys that let you see more, stay longer, and go off the beaten path. Available from October 2026 to March 2027, these cruises are ideal for travellers who prefer a more relaxed pace and a deeper connection with the destination.
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details for Windstar Cruise 2026/27 sailings
You’ll be sailing on Windstar’s newest ship, Star Seeker—launching in 2026 and designed with discovery in mind. Its small size means it can access tucked-away ports and harbours the bigger ships can’t, while still offering a high standard of onboard comfort. Expect spacious suites, open-air lounges and a relaxed onboard atmosphere tailored to curious, independent travellers.
Departs 26 Oct 2026
HOT EXCLUSIVE
ONBOARD CREDIT
Delight in the dazzling blend of postmodern culture and ancient tradition in Tokyo with a 3-night hotel stay before joining Diamond Princess® to experience Japan's late spring and early summer beauty on a captivating itinerary.
Enjoy Princess signature features such as Movies Under the Stars & the Lotus Spa, experience new Broadway-style shows, and get the best sleep at sea with the scientifically designed Princess Luxury Bed!
Departs 25 May 2026
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Coral Expeditions’ Hidden Asia by Small Ship Cruises offer a rare opportunity to explore the lesser-known corners of Asia from the comfort of an intimate expedition vessel. Departing from Japan and the Philippines, these cruises take you to secluded islands, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes that larger ships simply can’t reach.
From Japan’s tranquil and scenic islands to the pristine beauty of the Philippine archipelagos, each destination is rich with natural wonders and unique experiences. With Coral Expeditions, you’ll navigate remote coastlines, explore hidden beaches, and connect with local communities, all while enjoying personalized service and expert guidance from your crew.
Whether you're immersing yourself in Japan’s history or diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Philippines, each moment on this journey reveals new adventures and memories to cherish.
Experience the hidden treasures of Asia, far from the crowds, with Coral Expeditions.
Through the Heart of Japan - 14 Nights Onboard Geographer
Tokyo - Fukuoka
18 Oct 25 - 01 Nov 25
Other available dates: 04 Oct 25 & 02 Nov 25
From $18,285 per person share twin
Port of calls: Tokyo, Shimizu Japan, Shingu Japan, Kobe Port to Osaka/ Kyoto Japan, Tokushima Japan, Shodoshiima Japan, Hiroshima & Miyajima Japan, Matsuyama Japan, Karatsu Japan, Tsushima Japan, Jeju South Korea, Sasebo Japan, Aokata & Nakadori - Goto Islands Japan, Fukue - Goto Islands Japan, Fukuoka
Island Trails of the Philippines - 16 Nights Onboard Geographer
Keelung - Manila
03 Dec 25 - 19 Dec 25
From $16,285 per person share twin
Port of calls: Keelung Taiwan, Su'ao Taiwan, Sea day, Claveria Philippines, Palaui Island Philippines, Sea day & Maculabo Island Philippines, Palumbanes Philippines, Biri & La LAguna Eco Park Philippines, Higatan Island, Mambajao & Mantique Island Philippines, Bohol Philippines, Cuatro Islas Philippines, Maripipi Philippines, Tiaco Philippines, Marinduque Philippines, Manila Philippines
Departs 3 Dec 2025
FLY FREE OFFER
Book a Viking Ocean Cruise and you can enjoy either COMPANION FREE FLIGHTS up to AU$2500 per booking or SAVE AU$2500 per booking off your cruise. Available on 2026, 2027 or 2028 Sailings. T&C apply.
Set your sights on the wonders of East Asia, where centuries-old traditions meet futuristic cities. From Tokyo’s neon buzz to the peaceful temples of Taipei, this cruise takes you deep into the heart of the region. Uncover samurai stories in Nagasaki, soak in Beppu’s famous hot springs, and see Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial. With overnight stays in Tokyo and Hong Kong, there’s time to wander, taste and connect. It’s the perfect way to experience the depth and diversity of Japan and beyond—without having to repack once.
Departs 27 Sep 2026
Embark on an unforgettable adventure of Japan with Princess Cruises! Explore the stunning beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of this fascinating country. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Mount Fuji, Princess Cruises offers a variety of itineraries that take you to Japan's most iconic ports, including Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, and more.
View Japan Oct 25 to Nov 25 Sailings
View Japan Feb 26 - Jun 26 Sailings
View Japan Jul 26 - Nov 26 Sailings
Cruising Season from March to November
Flowers, festivals, Fireworks & Foliage
Mar - Sail south for Spring Flowers
Apr - Head north to follow Spring Flowers
May - Celebrate Golden Week
Jun - Sail everywhere throughout Japan
Jul - Relish the height of Summer, cruise everywhere
Aug - Marvel at Kumano Fireworks & Nebuta Festival
Sep - Follow foliage at its finest
Oct - Enjoy the low season of fall foliage
Nov - Cruise in cool crisp air
Enjoy Princess signature features such as Movies Under the Stars & the Lotus Spa, experience new Broadway-style shows, and get the best sleep at sea with the scientifically designed Princess Luxury Bed!
Departs 1 Feb 2026
Land of dawn, daring explorers and age-old paths of both earth and sea. From the Silk Road to the Spice Route, through horizons of unprecedented beauty ranging from deserts landscapes to the highest mountains on the globe. From the shores of Indian Oceans to the Pacific islands, crossroads of ancient cultures and religious blending. Asian wealth is staggering and with MSC Cruises you can fulfill your craving for exploration across its fascinating seas. A cruise to Asia is a journey through millennia-old traditions still strongly intact despite its impressive modernization.
View Asia and Far East 2025 Oct to Dec Sailings
View Asia and Far East 2026 Jan to May Sailings
Buddhist, Hindu or Taoist temples, martial arts like judo and karate, and a pulsating pop culture that has impacted the world with anime, video games and K-pop. A delicious food culture featuring sushi, ramen, sake, and Chinese rolls. A Far East cruise has everything needed for a memorable holiday! And the journey begins right onboard our cruises, where you can savour the local delicacies and tastes, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of the wonders of the Far East with MSC Cruises.
Departs 13 Oct 2025
Set sail on an unforgettable journey to Asia with Holland America Line® and be captivated by natural wonders, ancient traditions, and lively capital cities. Choose from 13-night discovery cruises to immersive 28-night collector cruises.
View Asia Oct 2025 to Apr 2026 Sailings
View Asia Sep 2026 to Dec 2026 Sailings
View Asia Jan 2027 to Apr 2027 Sailings
Enjoy an elegant mid-sized ship, a comfortable stateroom with refined amenities and Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed, 24-hour in-room dining, world-class entertainment and cuisine, including a new first-of-its-kind Global Fresh Fish Program. For leisurely days at sea try your hand at the Pickleball courts that have amazing top-deck views or rejuvenate at Greenhouse Spa & Salon®.
Departs 12 Oct 2025
Set sail on an unforgettable journey to Asia with Oceania Cruises, savour delicious cuisine, learn fascinating histories, and be awed by natural wonders. Cruises start from 10-nights and depart from Japan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore.
View Asia 2025 Sailings
View Asia 2026 Sailings
Step onboard your contemporary and sophisticated small ship and savour The Finest Cuisine at Sea. Enjoy ultimate value with Oceania's Your World Included™ which offers dining at Gourmet Speciality Restaurants, In-Suite Dining, Unlimited Wifi, Gratuities, and more - amenities that are always included.
Departs 8 Oct 2025
MULTIPLE DEPARTURE DATES
EARLYBIRD SAVINGS
On this handcrafted land journey, immerse yourself in the mystical wonders of Japan’s ancient customs and traditions, along with the exhilarating, modern dynamism of this extraordinary Northern Asian nation.
Discover the diverse hues of Japan – making the most of your three-night extended stays in Tokyo and Osaka – and experience the lesser-known parts of this extraordinary ‘Land of the Rising Sun.’ Encounter a vivid contrast of neon lights and bustling streets, including the ‘world’s busiest intersection’ in Japan’s pulsating capital, Tokyo, with Hakone’s geothermal sites backed by iconic Mount Fuji and the ancient temples of old Kyoto. Delve into the life of a sumo wrestler, learning about the history of this legendary sport and engage with a Geisha at an exclusive dinner, experiencing the traditional art of Japanese hospitality. From vibrant entertainment districts to historic castles revered as National Treasures, this curated 10-day land tour allows you to fully experience Japan’s natural and man-made wonders all in one enthralling journey.
Departs 19 May 2026
"Madison was helpful and thorough as she searched for my flights. I feel confident in the arrangements made."
Heather"Michelle is detail oriented, has great ideas to offer, is full of handy pointers/tips and tricks. Michelle is also very prompt in replying to any requests or queries."
Karyn"Jess was great to work with. She quickly provided us with a quote and tailored it to meet our specific needs."
AdrianneAfter achieving my New Zealand Level 5 & 6 Diplomas in Travel and Tourism, I’m excited to have joined the team at House of Travel Rotorua back in December 2022 - not even Covid could derail my dreams of becoming a travel consultant.
My years of studying and my personal experience of travelling to Australia on family holidays has fuelled my passion for creating unforgettable holidays. I spend my days designing holidays within New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific and Asia, and I absolutely love arranging cruise holidays. Working with you to create your perfect getaway is what I enjoy the most, so bring me your dream holiday, and we can build it together! Leave me to focus on the details, so that you can relax and have your best adventure yet!
I have had a lifelong love affair for exploring the world. Raised in a family that prioritised travel, I inherited a passion for all things travel. I have lived in different countries (London, USA, Argentina) and I am fascinated with the rich tapestry of culture, people, religion and food in new places.
My love for travel has taken me to some of the world’s most amazing places!
From Mauritius to Bahamas and all in between, I have been privileged to experience the world and being able to speak and understand 5 languages English, Afrikaans, Dutch, German and Greek) certainly comes in helpful.
I have grown up in South Africa, spending most of my adult life there, being able to show my clients what makes this region so unique is a privilege. Africa was my backyard after all and even after living in NZ for almost 12 years, my heart still beats to the African Drum.
For me, choosing a favourite destination is impossible. But .. Bali has literally captivated my heart, and even though I have been there 20+ times, I still always find new things to uncover. As does the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, these islands just have the “it” factor
I also love ocean cruising, especially Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Cruising offers such a great variety and a chance to see multiple destinations and experiencing iconic landmarks and locations from your hotel on the sea.
I WOULD SAY MY PASSION IS MAKING MY CLIENTS DREAM HOLIDAYS COME TRUE AND I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY EFFICIENT SERVICE AT ALL TIMES.
There is a reason why Belinda was crowned the Top Travel Consultant in New Zealand by the Travel Agents Association of NZ... and it is her commitment to her clients. Belinda's friendly approach puts everyone at ease when planning their trip of a lifetime. She loves finding the perfect cruise for her clients and her knowledge of luxury travel throughout the world is second to none.
"Travel has the power to enrich your life and with over 25 years travel industry experience, I will provide you with the confidence and support to make your travel dreams a reality. Whether it be time out to reconnect with your family or an engaging cultural experience, my first-hand knowledge and expertise will help you along your journey."
Away from the office Belinda loves getting outdoors for a long walk with the family dog, before sitting down and enjoying a Chardonnay with a fine meal.
"Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport" - Anonymous
Why I love travel?
I absolutely love the joy and excitement of discovering new countries and cultures that travel brings. The two years of "no travel" during the pandemic has also taught me that revisiting places I've loved in the past gives me just as much joy! Connecting with people and places is very special and I am reminded of this every day in the job I do.
I love to share my travel and industry experience with my clients so that we can build the best of holidays together!
My travel tips:
My top 5 favourite destinations:
What's in my suitcase?
Belinda
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.
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