New Zealand has been fully restored as an international rugby league destination with Christchurch's AAMI Stadium confirmed to stage the Anzac Test on May 6 next year.

It will be the first time in 13 years that the early-season international against Australia has been played in New Zealand and it will also end a five-year wait since Christchurch last staged a rugby league Test.

"We're excited that our world champion Kiwis will have the chance to play an Anzac Test in front of their home crowd," said New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Jim Doyle.

"We're also thrilled to be able to take international rugby league back to the South Island.

"In the space of a little more than six months, the Kiwis will now play five Tests at home while we're also staging England's match against Papua New Guinea in this year's Four Nations."

The last time the Kiwis played in Christchurch was against Great Britain in the 2006 Tri Nations.

The only previous time the Anzac Test has been played in New Zealand was the 1998 encounter at North Harbour Stadium when the Kiwis won 22-16, the only time they have prevailed in the traditional encounter since it was introduced in 1997.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP