South Africa will be looking to strengthen their position as the world's number one Test side when they take on New Zealand in a two-match series in January, building on their victory over Australia.

This according to captain Graeme Smith, who arrived back in his home country on Wednesday after winning the three-game series 1-0, with a 309-run victory in Perth securing the top ranking for the foreseeable future.

The Proteas will next host the Black Caps, who are coming off a 1-1 series draw against Sri Lanka but an otherwise poor year, when the Kiwis arrive at the end of December. The first Test will be played from 2 December in Cape Town.

Smith said of being top of the world: "We are enjoying the opportunity to be here. We have worked hard to be here and we knew that Australia would be the big stepping stone for us holding onto number one (ranking).

"We have given ourselves the opportunity for our home summer to create a bit of a gap between us and the other teams. It is an opportunity to build something really special. The motivation for us will be to beat New Zealand first up.

"Having players that are able to perform around the world is a key factor and our understanding of how to be successful away from home.

"When you go to another country you have to figure out how do we win here, how do we deal with the pressures of performing in front of someone else's media and crowds and handing everything that comes with that."

Proteas coach Gary Kirsten was hesitant to compare the current side with those of the past, but conceded that his players had enjoyed a wonderful year of Test cricket, topped by the victory Down Under.

Kirsten said: "It is a very special achievement for the Proteas and South African cricket. I don't think that what this team has achieved, over a long period, should be taken lightly.

"It has been nothing short of remarkable. We have played 10 test matches this year, nine away from home, and won series in England and Australia.

"But it is always difficult to compare (different eras). In terms of this team's achievements there is no doubt that they are up there but I think that the players would be reluctant to compare with different eras."