New Zealand soldiers are adding to their presence in South Korea, patrolling the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea as part of the United Nations Command, along with soldiers from other countries including the United States and Australia.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has already sent 41 soldiers to the 12-man force and extended its deployment until September 2026.

Six of the soldiers will join the UN honour guard, while the others will join the security battalion set up in the demilitarized zone.

New Zealand troops will work alongside those from South Korea, the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.

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"Significantly increasing the size of our presence in South Korea reflects the importance New Zealand places on collective security efforts that contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly on the Korean Peninsula, and to the international rules-based system," Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment would help maintain peace and stability in the region.

"This deployment provides a fantastic opportunity for our New Zealand Defence Force personnel to put their skills, leadership and experience to use in a multinational environment," she said.

Last month, the New Zealand government expanded the Defence Force's deployment to Africa and the Middle East, including supporting UN efforts along the disputed border between Israel and Arab countries.