The All Blacks kicked off their international season with a 23-13 win over France in the first Test at Eden Park.
New Zealand was ahead 17-10 at halftime.
Aaron Cruden had a mixed night with his boot, but managed to slot 13 points for the All Blacks as they held off the combative French side.
Cruden slotted three penalties and two conversions but missed three other penalty shots.
Aaron Smith and Sam Cane scored tries late in the first half that proved the difference.
It's the first time the two sides had met since the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup final at the same venue in 2011.
The second match of the three-Test series is in Christchurch next weekend.
