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
Anna O'Dell-Smith
House of Travel Ferrymead
Having travelled extensively I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the rich culture of any country I am fortunate enough to visit. Travel is my passion and I love helping clients create an unforgettable experience that is uniquely their own.
I genuinely believe that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. I enjoy being part of each and every journey. No day is the same in the life of a travel consultant and I relish the challenge that this represents. I am flattered by the number of clients who have come back to me time and time again.
Having travelled to nearly 50 countries, my bucket list is still never ending. I have backpacked my way through the world in my youth as well as enjoying five star luxury in more recent times. I have definitely felt richer from each and every experience. Travel is a way of life, I love what I do and that passion and enthusiasm always translates into the work I put into my clients plans.
Anna
Pauline Gooding
House of Travel Te Awamutu
My first big trip was off to Camp America many years ago. As soon as I stepped foot on the first big international plane, the travel bug bit me and I never wanted to stop! Eventually I had to get a "real job" and what better job than as a travel agent.
Since then I've enjoyed sending many more people on their first big exciting trip overseas, on family holidays, honeymoons, reunions, road trips, girls trips and any other reason you can think of for travel!
Pauline
Toni Rendell
House of Travel Rotorua
As a 17 year old, I headed off to Finland on a student exchange for a year, my first ever overseas trip and the start of my passion for travel.
Whether it’s a quick jaunt across the Tasman, an adventure
through Vietnam or a guided coach tour of Europe, I love working with you
to create the perfect holiday.
Having been in the industry for over 30 years, I have an extensive knowledge of airfares, and travel providers, I combine that with the knowledge of my returning customers and the wisdom of the House of Travel collective to craft your travel.
There sure is a lot you need to know and I pride myself on keeping up to date with industry trends and changes. That may be new destinations to visit, beautiful places to stay or changes in travel requirements.
So get in touch and let me help make your travel dreams come true.
Toni
Tracey Ormsby
House of Travel Prestons
Customer holidays snaps
Best. South Korea Holidays. Ever!
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