Popular expat country surges 128% in travellers to South Africa
Stats SA figures show 4 983 New Zealand tourists visited South Africa in August 2026, with 99.9% travelling for holiday purposes.
South Africa welcomed a massive influx of travellers from New Zealand in August 2026, with overnight tourist arrivals surging by 128.6% year-on-year.
According to Statistics South Africa’s latest International Tourism report, overnight arrivals from the Pacific destination jumped from 2 180 visitors in August 2025 to 4 983 in August 2026, with 99.9% travelling specifically for holiday purposes.
Overseas travel boom contrasts with Asian market slump
The sudden jump in New Zealand arrivals helped propel total overseas tourist movements to 203 376, contributing to South Africa crossing the one million overnight visitor threshold for the month (1 005 286).
While European powerhouses like France expanded by 14.1% to 12 492 visitors, the New Zealans surge stands out against severe double-digit contractions across Asia, where Indian (-22.5%) and Chinese (-20.0%) arrivals dropped sharply.
Expat ties and commercial investments add to New Zealand-South Africa ties
Aviation handled the bulk of this long-distance influx, with 4 893 Kiwi visitors arriving by air – predominantly through OR Tambo International Airport (3 948) and Cape Town International Airport (908). This travel surge aligns with deepening personal and commercial connections between the two nations.
Beyond an established diaspora of over 95 000 South Africans living in New Zealand, business ties are also expanding.
Hollywoodbets founder Owen Heffer recently acquired the historic 132-hectare Fayette Park thoroughbred stud in South Waikato, aiming to establish an international bloodstock hub targeting South African racing tracks.