11 Dec 2024
Sparkling South Africa
From safaris to scenic wonders, winery tours to cultural deep dives, South Africa boasts a dazzling array of experiences. Now you can hop from Ōtautahi Christchurch to Jo’burg via Sydney, making this Southern Hemisphere gem an easy destination for your next global expedition! Check out our 10 ZA must-do’s.
South Africa, ZA, Mzansi, the Rainbow Nation
Whatever you call it, it’s one incredibly colourful country. With 9 provinces, 11 national languages, 40 game reserves and countless activities, a holiday here is brimming with possibilities.
(Did we mention the favourable exchange rate? Yes, your money goes further here!)
Getting to South Africa from Christchurch is easier than ever, with Qantas now flying an Airbus A380 from Sydney direct to Johannesburg, combined with seamless connections from Christchurch.* After you’ve explored the thriving metropolis of Jo’burg, you can connect to a Qantas codeshare flight operated by Airlink, taking you further into the vibrant heart of South Africa.
There’s so much to explore it would be impossible to cover it all, so we’ve put together 10 must-dos to get you started.
10 things to see and do in South Africa
1. Go on safari
Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is simply life changing. From the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and cape buffalo, to an endless variety of inspiring wildlife, a safari through one of South Africa’s 40 different game reserves will leave you astounded. With options catering to every budget from basic to bling, a South African safari is a mighty must-do.
2. Travel through time
See the history books come to life in South Africa. Discover the Sterkfontein Caves where human life originated or cycle the streets of Soweto where Nelson Mandela fought for equality and human rights. With a past that stretches back for millennia, there’s so much to learn as you travel around this diverse country.
3. Discover oceanic wonders
Much of South Africa is coastal, so over and above the land “Big Five”, you can also discover the Marine “Big Five” – cape fur seals, whales, great white sharks, African penguins and dolphins. Take a whale watching tour, go cage diving or catch “The Greatest Shoal on Earth”, when millions of sardines swim along the south coast pursued by thousands of dolphins.
4. Top the table
South Africa boasts breathtaking scenery as far as the eye can see, but taking the cake has to be Table Mountain in Cape Town – often lauded to be the world’s most beautiful city. Explore this epic landmark by hiking to the top or jump on the cable car and be rewarded with magnificent views in every direction.
-
Safari
-
Cycling the streets of Soweto
-
Oceanic wonders
-
Table Mountain
5. Explore the rainbow nation
Immerse yourself in South Africa’s rich diversity of cultures. With 12 recognised languages and a colourful array of ethnic groups, it’s the perfect place to open your eyes and hearts to other ways of life. Visit a Zulu village in Kwa Zulu-Natal, learn Malay cooking in Cape Town, or experience the rich storytelling of the San people under the starlit skies of the Kalahari.
6. Get your boots dirty
Have a hankering for adventure? South Africa is the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies and outdoor lovers alike. Take a scenic hike, bungy off the world’s tallest bridge, go bakkie skiing, try your luck at deep sea fishing, discover kloofing, or check out hundreds of other exciting activities across the country.
7. Taste divine wines
South Africa is renowned for its worldclass wines, particularly its Chenin Blanc and Pinotage – not to mention boasting some of the most beautiful winelands on the planet. Explore the famous Franschhoek Valley from the Franschhoek Wine Tram, the world’s only wine tram! No designated driver required.
8. Eat cheap (but well!)
South Africa’s food scene is second to none. In 2024, Time Out ranked Johannesburg as the world’s #2 city in the world for food while Conde Nast Traveller voted Cape Town #1 – and the best part, is everyone can dine like a king! The favourable exchange rate means NZD$1 buys more than ZAR10.5, so dining out costs about a third of what it does in New Zealand.
9. Give back
One of the best parts of travel is leaving a positive impact, and there are so many ways to do this as you travel through South Africa. Many game lodges put some of their tourism proceeds into conservation and community projects, so simply visiting can make a difference. Want to get more hands on? Try a philanthropic educational excursion by Uthando (love) South Africa or help the game keepers protect rhinos from poachers at the Rhulani Safari Lodge.
10. Come back again
There’s always more to discover in South Africa, with nine provinces across the country each offering something unique. There are always new adventures to try, new cultures to explore, more wildlife to marvel at, and endless food and wine to enjoy – but ultimately, it’s the warm and welcoming people of South Africa that will keep you coming back.
Getting there from Christchurch
Qantas is now flying an Airbus A380 from Sydney direct to Johannesburg, with seamless connections from Christchurch.* The largest passenger jet in the world, the Airbus A380 lets you relax and unwind in spacious, modern interiors, designed with your comfort in mind. Choose from First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class or Economy Class, and enjoy food and beverage, inflight entertainment and 30kg baggage with every fare.^
Once in Johannesburg you can connect to a Qantas codeshare flight operated by Airlink, connecting Kiwi travellers to the vibrant beauty of South Africa.
*Please note, the Airbus A380 aircraft operates from Sydney to Johannesburg and Johannesburg to Sydney. Connecting flights between Christchurch and Sydney will be operated by a different aircraft.
^Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flights. Inflight entertainment varies by route and aircraft.
-
Zulu village
-
Wine tram
-
Qantas A380
-
Adrenaline junkies
