The Australasian and South American continents may have the gigantic Pacific Ocean between them but don’t let that stop you from experiencing what the likes of Chile, Argentina, and Peru have to offer. There are several direct flights between the two continents, averaging around 12.5 hours and while it’s a relatively long flight, every second in South America will be worth the journey.

Find out more about the best ways to travel from New Zealand and Australia to South America in this article. We cover the available flight paths, how to spend your time in the destination cities, and inpisre you with the best itineraries for those flying from New Zealand and Australia to South America. 

Flight paths from New Zealand and Australia to South America

There are several direct and indirect routes from New Zealand and Australia to South America from which to choose. Here are the available options for 2025:

Sydney, Australia – Santiago, Chile (Direct) 

Melbourne, Australia – Santiago, Chile (Direct)

Auckland, New Zealand – Santiago, Chile (Direct)

Sydney, Australia – Buenos Aires, Argentina (via Houston, USA)

As you can see, most flights from Australia and New Zealand go to Santiago, the capital of Chile, a diverse destination with so much to see and do from sailing around glaciers and hiking up mountains to wine tasting in valleys and star-gazing in deserts. While Chile is a covetable destination that offers an unforgettable experience of southern South America, visitors from New Zealand and Australia are not limited to this destination. Santiago’s main airport is extremely well-connected, making cities accessible across South America. 

There’s also an indirect flight from Sydney to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Like Chile, the city is a gateway to explore the rest of the country and the rest of South America. 

Arriving in Santiago 

Between its skyrise buildings and cosmopolitan mentality, the capital city is modern yet clings to its strong Chilean culture. This provides a welcome balance for those traveling from New Zealand and Australia to South America who are discovering the continent for the first time. 

After your long flight to Santiago, fitting a rest day into your itinerary to recover and acclimate to your new time zone is highly recommended. Once your energy returns, you’ll be ready to explore this fabulous city. As a sky-high city surrounded by mountains, Santiago is all about the incredible views that are best seen from the Sky Costanera observation deck and the cable car. Back at ground level, take time to wander between city parks and museums like the Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights. 

Santiago de Chile

Arriving in Buenos Aires

Enjoy an easy-going first day in Buenos Aires by dipping into the cafe culture in one of the ‘cafe notables’ followed by a steak and wine dinner, which are delicacies in Argentina. Once you’re feeling refreshed after the long flight, enjoy a city highlights tour that takes you to famous landmarks like the Casa Rosada, Teatro Colon, and the Recoleta Cemetary. Beside seeing its beautiful buildings, one of the best things to do during your stay in Buenos Aires is to explore its characterful neighborhoods including San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta, and Palermo. 

Top Itineraries for traveling from New Zealand and Australia to South America in 2025

Patagonia Explorer: Santiago, Torres del Paine, Chilean Lakes, & El Calafate (3 weeks)

After spending a few exciting days in the bustling Chilean capital of Santiago, head south for three weeks of adventure and relaxation in the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia. Begin with five days of hiking, ice-climbing, and exploring Torres Del Paine, Chile’s most recognized national park, where the entrancing Three Towers mountain peaks and the Grey Glacier await. 

After hiking, cycling, and kayaking in Patagonian paradise, take respite in the Chilean Lakes, a region in the Andean foothills where ancient volcanoes meet vast lakes creating the most scenic landscapes Chile has to offer. While there’s so much to do here from river rafting to volcano climbing, the Chilean Lakes are equally a place of rest. Staying at a luxury lakefront resort, wind back and enjoy spa days, golf days, horseback riding, and much more. 

Finally, cross the border from Chile to experience the Argentinian side of Patagonia in El Calafate. As the hub of adventure in Argentina, it promises a lot of unforgettable adventures. Start with a kayaking tour weaving around icebergs to Perito Moreno Glacier, followed by an afternoon at the Galciarium. 

Next, dare to conquer Mount Fitz Roy, Argentina’s most famous mountain peak, on a trail suited to your hiking skillset. After a few active days, finish your Patagonia exploration visiting a traditional Argentinian ranch in the Andes foothills to find out what Gaucho life is all about.

Chilean Lake District

Peaks and capitals: Santiago, El Calafate, & Buenos Aires (2 weeks)

This itinerary from Australia to South America provides the best of both worlds: a glimpse into city life and the natural highlights of Chile and Argentina. While Santiago and Buenos Aires are similarly modern and developed cities, they offer incomparable experiences that make them equally worth visiting. 

Start with a stint in Santiago spending your days absorbing the cosmopolitan vibe of this skyrise city as you bounce between its parks, musuems, and viewpoints. Take a day or two in between to sip on a couple of Cabernet Sauvignons in the wine valleys surrounding Santiago.

Next, drive across the border to El Calafate in Argentinian Patagonia where you will spend the next week discovering the bountiful beautiful the nearby national parks have to offer. See the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier on a guided boat tour, reach the peaks of Mount Fitz Roy on a challenging hike, and cycle around Lago Argentino on a scenic bike ride. 

Balance busy days exploring with quiet moments to reconnect with yourself by relaxing at a traditional Gaucho ranch or wandering the Patagonian plains on an easy-going horseback ride. Having spent a week amongst the quiet Patagonian peaks, you’ll be ready for the fervent streets of Buenos Aires. 

Perito Moreno Glacier - El Calafate

Perito Moreno Glacier – Los Glaciares National Park

Indigenous South America: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and The Amazon

Discover South America through the eyes of its indigenous Incas and the Amazonians communities on an inspiring journey through their ancient lands in Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and the Amazon Jungle. 

Fly direct from Santiago to Cusco where you will spend the next few days exploring the ancient inca capital’s unique sense of history through its architecture, food, and people. Next, board the train to Machu Picchu where you will be presented with cinematic scenes of the Andes foothills before reaching your destination. Stay overnight at the base of Machu Picchu and get up at the break of dawn to watch sunrise over the citadel before an exploring it with an expert guide.

After having made it to one of the most remarkable Wonders of the World, it’s time to take respite in the Sacred Valley, a serene valley on the route back to Cusco where upscale retreats offer oasis-like gardens, Inca-inspired spas, and excursions to explore its Incan roots.

Finally, tap into your wild side on an riverboat cruise through the Amazon. The luxury cruise featuring fine dining, private balconies, and five-star service offers the perfect escape after daytime excursions that take you deep into the jungle. 

Panormaic view of Machu Picchu, misty and moody dark scene

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu

Best of the East: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, and the Amazon

On this epic adventure across Argentina and Brazil, you’ll get to experience the best of what eastern South America has to offer. From booming cities to remote jungles, and a couple of Wonders of the World, the destinations of this itinerary are nothing short of extraordinary. 

The trip begins by exploring the charming streets of Buenos Aires where European and South American cultures intertwine. After cheering on the local team at an infamous city football match and dancing tango in the streets of San Telmo, it’s time to fly to the Argentina-Brazil border carved by one of Earth’s largest waterfall system, the mighty Iguazu Falls. Spend a few days here admiring the falls from land, river, and sky on a hike, boat trip, and helicopter ride over the ridge. 

Afterward, continue north to the bright and boisterous city of Rio de Janeiro where you go shopping in Ipanema, sunbathing on Copacabana, and dancing samba with a caiprinha in the local bars. Of course, you’ll also have the opportunity to admire the Wonder of the World ‘Christ the Redeemer’ as you stand at his feet on Corcovado Mountain.

Finally, head to an eco-lodge deep into the Brazilian jungle to spend a week discovering the beauty of the Amazon’s incomparable biodiversity. Accompanied by a native guide, you’ll get the chance to hike, kayak, fish, birdwatch, meet local communities and much more, meeting the rainforest’s animal and insect residents as you go. 

Rio de Janeiro

Create your own Australia to South America Itinerary

Although the adventures are endless, flights from New Zealand or Australia to South America are limited. To secure your spot on on a flight from New Zealand or Australia to South America in 2025, talk to our TLA experts who will not only get you the best deals, but will also create a bespoke Australia to South America itinerary featuring your must-visit destinations. Find out more by by contacting us here or call toll-free at +1 855 217 9045, or direct on +51 84 656 421.

 

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