The White Ferns have been embarrassed by a slick South African unit, swept 3-0 in a one-day series on home soil.
Playing for pride, after two heavy ODI defeats in Auckland, New Zealand were overpowered, out-thought and out-played by a confident touring side.
South Africa's six-wicket victory in Hamilton was an indication of their dominance across the three games.
Needing just 150 runs for a series sweep, South Africa cruised home, reaching their target with 12.4 overs to spare.
The result was set up by an outstanding performance from legspinner Sune Luus, who ploughed through the White Ferns batting line-up to claim 6/45 from 10 overs.
Sent in to bat on the same wicket where the Indian and NZ men combined for almost 400 runs over 40 overs on Wednesday, the White Ferns could only limp to 149 in 38.1 overs.
Two early wickets had the home side teetering at 24/2, until star batters Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine added 59 for the third wicket, seemingly steering NZ to a competitive total.
But after Devine fell for a brisk 24, the wheels fell off the White Ferns, with only Bates (59) scoring better.
New Zealand lost their last five wickets for 15 runs, including three stumpings for wicketkeeper Trisha Chetty.
In reply, South Africa were clinical, denying any early wickets, with only Amelia Kerr (1/31) troubling the tourists.
The sides now shift to the T20 format, with New Zealand's bowling stocks reinforced by the return of quick Lea Tahuhu.
The first of five matches takes place at Mount Maunganui on Sunday, just a few weeks out from the start of the T20 World Cup next month in Australia.
