South Africa remains firmly on the radar for Kiwi travellers, with new data from South African Tourism showing the number of New Zealanders flying to the country continues to grow at pace, now 42% ahead of pre-pandemic levels.
There were 23,324 Kiwi arrivals in 2025, up 15.8% year-on-year. South African Tourism coo Ismail Dockrat says this growth has continued into 2026, with New Zealand visitor demand for South Africa continuing to show strong momentum. Increased air connectivity is said to be helping to drive the growth. “The launch of Qantas’ Auckland-Perth service, which provides onward connectivity to Johannesburg, is a strong vote of confidence in the market and will help support continued growth, while making it easier for Kiwi travellers to access South Africa and experience the destination’s combination of wildlife, culture, scenery and value,” says Dockrat.
. . . Indaba
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, which recently wrapped up in Durban, was this year themed Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy.
Built for Bigger Dreams JOIN TODAY The event showcased the best of Africa’s destination brands with delegates, including a Kiwi contingent. “It was fantastic to have New Zealand buyers on the ground at this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, reflecting growing trade interest and confidence in South Africa as a destination for New Zealand travellers,” says Dockrat.
South African Tourism’s chief convention bureau officer, Corne Koch, says Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 has demonstrated the power of this platform to connect Africa to the world. “This year’s show reflects both the scale of global interest in Africa’s tourism offering and the confidence in South Africa’s ability to host world-class trade platforms.” See more on South Africa HERE.
