The Silver Ferns head into camp in Blenheim on Wednesday as they prepare for the three test series against Australia, which starts in Christchurch next week.
The Silver Ferns have not played a test match since beating Australia in the final of the world championships in Jamaica last July, while Australia have chalked up win over England and South Africa and come to New Zealand after a series of "friendlies" against England.
New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken is confident though that the last few weeks of the National Bank Cup has given the players an adequate buildup.
The Silver Ferns will play the New Zealand A team twice in Blenheim this weekend while Australia will also play the New Zealand A team before the first test.
While Victoria Edward and defender Joline Henry are the only newcomers to the world-champion Silver Ferns side, Australia have undergone big changes, including appointing a new coach, Norma Plummer.
Former captain Kathryn Harby-Williams and experienced midcourters Nicole Richardson and Rebecca Saunders have all retired, and Eloise Southby will miss the series through injury.
