The 27-year-old Raval is the only new face in the squad for the tour, which includes two tests in Harare and then two matches against South Africa at King's Park in Durban and then at Centurion.
The left-hander has a first-class career average of 43.85, while last season he averaged 55.71, making three centuries and helping Auckland to the Plunket Shield title.
"Jeet has been impressive in the Plunket Shield for a number of years now and in the past 12 months we've seen his maturity and decision-making continue to improve," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said in a statement.
"He's learnt to adapt to conditions and has performed well for New Zealand A, so we believe he's more than ready to make the step up to the international arena."
With Hesson expecting significant turn on low, slow pitches in Zimbabwe, legspinner Ish Sodhi joins slow bowling allrounder Mitchell Santner and offspinner Mark Craig in the squad.
