High Commission of South Africa in Wellington, New Zealand; address Midlands Chambers Level 11, 45 Johnston Street, 6011, Wellington; phone +6448158484.…
Head of mission: H.E. Mr. Johnny Sexwale, High Commissioner (as of 2026)
South Africa offers a diverse and vibrant cultural experience, making it an appealing destination for some New Zealand travelers. With around 200,000 New Zealanders traveling internationally each year, a portion may find South Africa an intriguing option worth exploring.
South Africa presents a different safety landscape for tourists compared to New Zealand. According to the Global Peace Index, South Africa is ranked 125th out of 160 countries, significantly lower than New Zealand's 4th place. In terms of crime statistics, the murder rate in South Africa is notably high at 41.9 per 100,000 people, compared to New Zealand's low rate of 2.6. For female murders, the rates are 9.5 in South Africa versus 1.1 in New Zealand. The Global Organized Crime Index also highlights concerns, with South Africa scoring higher in various crime categories. For instance, mafia groups and crime networks are rated 7.0 in South Africa compared to 4.5 and 3.5 in New Zealand, respectively. State crime in South Africa is rated at 7.5, while New Zealand scores only 1.5. Overall, while South Africa has much to offer tourists, it is essential to remain aware of safety concerns and take necessary precautions.