Christchurch will stage New Zealand's only Rugby League World Cup match on home soil, as the Kiwis face the Cook Islands in Pool A before a sell-out crowd.
New Zealand head into the contest after a narrow, two-point loss to Australia in Sydney.
Coach Stacey Jones said his side had found positives despite the result.
"Obviously, we were disappointed in the result," the Kiwis coach said.
"There was lots of stuff that we liked, but there were moments that hurt us. We take the lessons from it and build on it for this week."
The Cook Islands also lost their opening match, going down 40-12 to Fiji in Newcastle.
The Kiwis are strong favourites, having beaten the Cook Islands convincingly in previous meetings; their most recent encounter, 13 years ago, ended in a 50-0 shutout.
Jones said New Zealand respected their opponents and praised their passion and pride.
"We watched the Cook Islands play on the weekend and they play with a lot of passion and pride," Jones said.
"They're a proud nation and we're really close to them. We got to rub shoulders with them the other day, but it's a Test match."
Jones said the team had enjoyed its week in Christchurch and valued the welcome from local supporters.
"A privilege for the Kiwis to come here and play in a sell-out crowd. We only get one game in the World Cup in New Zealand and it's in Christchurch."
"The people here have been so accommodating to us. The vibe around the city is pretty good, pretty electric."