The Blues and the Crusaders will kick off next year's Super Rugby competition at Eden Park.
The first round will begin on Friday, February 24th.
The opening round of action also includes derby clashes between the Bulls and the Sharks at Loftus in Pretoria, and between leading Australian teams, the Waratahs and defending champions the Reds, at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
In other first-round clashes, the Brumbies host the Force in Canberra whilst the Chiefs host the Highlanders in Hamilton, the Stormers are at home against the Hurricanes in Cape Town and the Lions host the Cheetahs in Johannesburg.
The Rebels have a first round bye.
