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South Africa

Wild beauty, bold cities and once-in-a-lifetime moments


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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

Meet our South Africa specialists

Kyla Strahl

Kyla Strahl

House of Travel Christchurch City

Kyla spent over 6 years crewing on luxury super yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Baltic, Adriatic, Caribbean, Pacific and North Seas; along with several Atlantic Ocean crossings. Moving to more adventure land travel Kyla has experienced India, South America and South Africa as a part of the whopping 57 countries she has explored!

"Whether it be cruising, OE's or travelling with a young family my first-hand knowledge will certainly be an asset when planning your winter break, European adventure, or once in a life time dream holiday!" 

Years in the industry:
No. of countries visited: 57 
Favourite place to visit: Italy
Next place on the list to visit: Plantation Island

"Life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better." - Simon Raven


Why I love travel: 

Travelling takes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to experience new things that we otherwise wouldn't in our normal day to day lives. It enriches your life from meeting new people from all walks of life, trying new food from different corners of the world, and humbles you to appreciate the small things in life. 


My travel tips: 

  • Always have travel insurance
  • Wake up early - whether it be to see the sunrise, or to skip a queue, or get a coffee at the local café. 
  • Make a list of the things you want to experience and pre book as much as you can. 
  • Stay local with everything easily accessible on foot. 


My top 5 favourite destinations: 

  • Italy - rolling hills and crystal blue waters, stunning villages and cathedrals, amazing food and wine. 
  • South Africa - rich cultural experiences, amazing wildlife on safari, breath-taking landscapes. 
  • Croatia - stunning beaches and unbelievable landscapes from the islands in the Adriatic to the Krka National Park. 
  • Mexico - amazing food, fascinating Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and fabulous architecture from ancient temples to the colonial cathedrals. 
  • Canada - my birth land! The people, the rich forests, lakes, mountains and wildlife. 


What's in my suitcase: 

  • First Aid kit as you can never be too prepared. 
  • Travel Diary - make an effort to write down the highlights of your day, you will look back in appreciation. 
  • Sarong or thin, long scarf - will come in handy as a towel or to cover your shoulders when need be. 
  • Small change of local currency - whether it be to buy a bottle of water or a quick snack or to leave a tip. 

Kyla

Lisa Glassey

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

Erica Banks

Erica Banks

House of Travel Milford

Originally from the UK and with over 30 years in the Travel Industry I have been lucky enough to travel to many wonderful places in the world - my favourite trips have usually included seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

I love planning trips off the beaten track as well your dream holiday or cruise.  I have been looking after many of my clients for several years and enjoy getting to know them personally to ensure I can find what will suit them best

I am a CLIA Cruise Master and have received the HOT Customer Champion award a couple of times – I appreciate feedback received that clients find me to be “professional and friendly.

Erica

Angela Delany

Angela Delany

House of Travel Taupo

Bula, Bonjour, Talofa, Konnichiwa – and welcome!


From the moment I could dream, I dreamed of travel. At just 17, I set out on that path by diving into my first travel course, and I’ve never looked back. For the first decade, I poured my heart into everything South Pacific – those sparkling waters, warm smiles, and sun-soaked cultures became my world.


Now, my map has expanded far beyond the Pacific, and I’m proud to say I sell the entire world. And what a breathtakingly vast world it is! Over the past 30 years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to explore some of its most magical corners – Samoa, Bali, Vietnam, Hawaii, Italy, and Switzerland are just a few of the places that have left footprints on my soul.

But this journey isn't just about me. It’s about you – your dreams, your adventures, your once-in-a-lifetime moments. I’m here to ignite your excitement, guide your decisions, and help piece together your perfect travel jigsaw. Whether you’re hopping over to Australia, meandering through the Scottish Highlands in a small group, or gliding past alpine peaks on a Swiss rail tour – I’ll be right beside you, making it all seamless.


There’s nothing quite like nabbing that dream tour, then weaving in the best flights, stopovers, and secret gems to create an itinerary that’s more than a trip – it’s an experience. Over the years, I’ve learned something simple but powerful: every place is unique, kindness connects us all, and life’s most precious souvenirs are the memories we make.


So let’s start building yours.


Angela


93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"Kirstin was very understanding with our emergency booking to South Africa when my Mum passed away. She was able to find flights that fitted our needs exactly in a very short time frame."

Lynn and Al

"I threw so many variations of dates at Bea but she worked through all so thoroughly and advised us the best rates and dates always which is what we needed."

Anwen

"We had fairly complex travel arrangements, Rachael sorted it all out quickly and gave us exactly what we needed, I’d rate her 6 out of 5"

Lorraine

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