The Black Ferns ended their 2018 campaign with a 30-27 defeat against France in Grenoble on Sunday (NZ time).
The French dominated the match, outscoring New Zealand four tries to three.
They brought their physical style of play and were superior in most areas, especially at scrum-time and on defence.
The result sees the series drawn 1-1, following last week's 14-0 win for the Ferns in Toulon, while ending New Zealand's 17-month unbeaten streak.
France showed they were committed and ready from the first whistle, and it only took six minutes for tighthead prop Julie Duval to score off a driving maul.
Centre Stacey Waaka struck back for the Black Ferns, running a good angle off Krysten Cottrell to level the scores.
France then regained control of the match and took the lead as Maelle Filopon scored a stunning solo try with a dazzling 40m run. But the centre left the field on a stretcher, tackled above the chest in the act of scoring, and Kiwi winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga was sent to the sin-bin as a result.
Less than two minutes later number eight Romane Menager stormed 60m for a solo try to extend France's lead to 19-7.
Black Ferns skipper Fiao'o Faamausili scored just before the break from a lineout maul to leave New Zealand trailing 19-14 at the break.
The French crowd erupted as first-five Caroline Drouin scored France's fourth early in the second half to give the hosts a 10-point lead.
Livewire fullback Selica Winiata reduced the margin to three points, finding her way over the line minutes later.
The Black Ferns tied things up with a penalty goal to Kendra Cocksedge, but another yellow card to midfielder Ruahei Demant gave France a chance to re-take the lead.
Both kickers then traded penalties, and the Black Ferns had a late chance to snatch victory but the French held on for their first win in six attempts.
The Black Ferns last loss was in June last year when they were beaten 29-21 by England in Rotorua.
The result meant there was no winning finish for captain Faamausili and loose-forward Linda Itunu who are both retiring from international rugby.
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