De Villiers suffered an elbow injury while playing in the Caribbean Premier League and will be out of action for about six weeks.
Fast bowler Morne Morkel was also ruled out, for between four and six weeks, because of a bulging disk in his back.
But fellow fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander were both included in a 15-man squad announced on Tuesday after missing most of the 2015/16 season because of injury.
The Tests against New Zealand start in Durban on August 19 and Centurion on August 27.
It will be the first time since his debut in 2004 that De Villiers has missed a Test match because of injury.
South Africa's one-day captain, he was appointed as Test captain midway through the England series following the resignation of Hashim Amla, initially on an interim basis for the remaining two Tests. He was later confirmed as full-time Test captain.
Du Plessis is South Africa's regular Twenty20 captain and has also led the side in three one-day internationals.
Faf du Plessis (captain), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
