The All Blacks are to play an extra test this year to help raise money to rebuild Christchurch.
The rugby union says the venue and opponent are yet to be confirmed.
The date has tentatively been set for Friday 22 July - eight days before New Zealand's opening Tri-Nations match against South Africa in Wellington.
Coach Graham Henry told Morning Report the idea came from both the players and the union.
He says they want to support the people of Christchurch, and with six weeks between the end of the Super Rugby playoffs and the first Tri Nations test they were also keen for another match.
The opponents can not be the Wallabies or the Springboks as they are playing each other around the likely date of the extra game.
Crusaders to play in London
Meanwhile, the Crusaders have confirmed they will play their Super Rugby match against the Sharks at Twickenham in London on 27 March.
The match will be the first Super Rugby fixture played outside the SANZAR countries of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
Damage to AMI Stadium caused by February's devastating earthquake in Christchurch has stopped the Crusaders playing there for the forseeable future.
Their last two home games were played at Nelson's Trafalgar Park. Both matches were sellouts.
Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach says their round eight match against the Bulls on 9 April will be in Timaru, as they try to find a balance between playing in their region and trying to consolidate their financial situation.
The Crusaders hope the big expatriate New Zealand, Australian and South African communities in London will support the 27 March match.
A percentage of every ticket sold will go to the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.