The South African team arrived in New Zealand from Australia where they had played a five-match Test series, losing all five matches.

Reserve wicket-keeper Edward van der Merwe and the uncapped Stephen Steyn returned to South Africa in February and did not take part in the New Zealand leg of the tour.

[a][2] Wicket-keeper Jock Cameron captained the South African team, with all-rounder Denys Morkel as his deputy.

Jack Siedle had originally been selected as vice-captain for both kegs of the tour but withdrew as his wife was expecting a child.

After arriving in New Zealand, the South African's played a three-day first-class fixture against Auckland.