Flight time
The flight from Auckland to South Korea takes roughly 12 hours nonstop. It's not short but once you get your K-culture fix you'll forget all about it.
K culture, history and everyone’s favourite street food
Since Psy bounced onto our screens with Gangnam Style, the world’s been hooked on Korean culture. From K-dramas and K-pop to K-beauty and street eats, we’re officially obsessed. But a trip to South Korea offers all of that plus centuries of rich tradition and deep history – it’s the best of both worlds.
Wander the buzzing streets of Seoul, where high-tech towers hide hanok villages and secret teahouses. Shop everything from designer labels to quirky underground finds. Head south to Busan for sun-soaked beaches, street markets and seaside museums. Or hop on a slow train through the countryside and discover peaceful temples, UNESCO-listed villages and fields of cherry blossoms in spring.
And then there’s the food. From sizzling bulgogi and pillowy mandu dumplings to sweet-hot tteokbokki and crispy Korean fried chicken, good food – and good times – are never far away.
Chat to our South Korea travel specialists and plan your perfect K-adventure today.
Best time to go
The best time to visit South Korea is from March to May, when mild weather, cherry blossoms, and colourful festivals fill the Land. September to November is also pretty great.
Time difference
South Korea is 3-4 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving here. You won't take long to adjust.
HOT EXCLUSIVE
Explore Japan’s Autumn Radiance
Japan’s Autumn Radiance
Enjoy two nights in Osaka before setting sail on a captivating voyage along Japan’s coastline and into South Korea. Cruise through the Kanmon Strait and explore culturally rich ports including Kanazawa, Aomori, Hakodate and Sokcho, framed by autumn scenery and centuries of history.
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.
14 Night Fly, Stay & Cruise Package
from
$
18,589
per person share twin
Veranda Suite
Veranda Suite
Cruising with
Seabourn
Departs 20 Oct 2026
Explore Asia with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Asia with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Discover the wonders of Asia with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Glide between vibrant capitals, tranquil islands, and stunning natural landscapes aboard your luxurious superyacht. Explore bustling markets, ancient temples, and historic castles, or sail through serene waters like Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay and Japan’s cherry blossom–framed rivers. Every journey blends the region’s rich traditions and diverse cultures with the comfort and service that define The Ritz-Carlton experience.
View Asia 2026/27 Season Sailings
2026 - 2027 Sailings
Natural Beauty & Rich Traditions
Cruising with
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Departs 3 May 2026
Explore Far East with MSC Cruises
Far East with MSC Cruises
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 2026 Sailings
View Asia and Far East 2027 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.
2026/27 Sailings
Unmissable Cruise Deals
Flights are additional
Cruising with
MSC Cruises
Departs 4 May 2026
Meet our Asia specialists
Nicky de Clifford
House of Travel Merivale
Having spent the last 30
years in the Travel Industry I can safely say "I love my job" !!
Getting to put together dream holidays is very rewarding and it's great to see
so many more Kiwis getting out to see this amazing world of ours...
I love to tailor holidays that are uniquely personal to you. Every person has
different needs, wants and "must do's" for their holiday. Nothing is
cookie cutter in the world of travel so being able to put together an itinerary
that is bespoke and personal is rewarding for myself and for you, the
traveller.
My favourite destinations would be Europe (especially France and Italy), South
East Asia (especially Vietnam and Thailand) and of course our Island
neighbours. I have been to Fiji numerous times and every time I just love it.
But there are so many places I have yet to travel to and I look forward to
sharing my travel stories along the way.
I look forward to working with you..
Nicky
Carly Dorrington
House of Travel Papamoa
As a passionate globetrotter, I've explored the corners of the world with my three adventurous children and alongside friends and family, indulging in everything from backpacking escapades to luxurious resort retreats and exhilarating cruises.
My journey through the tapestry of travel experiences has been enriched by my upbringing in England and my time spent living amidst the captivating landscapes of Western Australia. It's these diverse backgrounds that have instilled in me a profound love for travel and a deep understanding of the intricacies of exploring different cultures and landscapes.
My journey through countless destinations has ignited a fervent dedication to curating unforgettable travel experiences, not just for myself, but for fellow wanderlust souls seeking to fulfil their travel dreams. Whether you're yearning for the rugged thrill of backpacking, the tranquil family getaways, the opulence of fancy resorts, or the serene luxury of cruising, I'm here to weave together the perfect itinerary tailored to your desires.
I want to take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on the excitement of your trip. I am highly organised 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.
I would love to help you with your next journey....wherever it may be!
Carly
Taylor Le Breton
House of Travel Invercargill
I‘m an active explorer, food lover, and fitness addict who is always chasing the next adventure! Travel is my way of diving into new cultures, exploring the past, and tasting my way around the world. I’m always curious about how others live, what makes them happy, and I love coming home with stories to tell and memories that stick.
Taylor
Jazmin Pudney
House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing
Travel creates happiness and I love to make people happy! I love all aspects of travel-adventure, food, culture, relaxation and most importantly making life long memories.
I pride myself on my organization skills and I have extensive knowledge of travel world. I love creating clients special holidays and will always ensure they have everything they need to have the best holiday!
Jazmin
Customer holidays snaps
Best. South Korea Holidays. Ever!
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