The Wales first five Dan Biggar says they have a "fabulous chance" of beating the All Blacks on their three-Test tour here in June.
Wales’ first-five Dan Biggar kicks a penalty in the win over England. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
But he says Wales must "play out of our skins" to do so.
Wales hammered Italy 67-14 to finish second in the 2016 Six Nations behind Grand Slam winners England.
"You can have your red-tinted glasses on as much as possible, but I think overall England were the best side in the tournament," said Biggar.
The 26-year-old is now looking forward to facing the All Blacks, who will be without retired Test stars Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.
He told BBC Wales, "I think the gap is closing and I think we've got a fabulous chance in the summer of picking up a scalp, albeit against the world champions in their own back yard.
"They are a fantastic team - we would have to play out of our skins to pick up a result.
"But if we go down there thinking 'we've got no chance' we may as well not bother going."
Wales have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953 and Biggar says it will be interesting to see how New Zealand respond in their first Tests since beating Australia in the 2015 World Cup final at Twickenham.
"They've lost a lot of experience and a lot of good players, but as always with New Zealand, they unearth some absolute beauties.
"It's the toughest challenge in world rugby and for us to go there, we have to be absolutely on the money for everything we do."
However, Biggar says he and his team-mates are aware "New Zealand aren't going to allow us as much time and space" as Italy did.
He admitted it was painful to accept Eddie Jones' side were the best team in the tournament.
"It wasn't a success, finishing second," said Biggar.
"We set ourselves standards a lot higher than that and unless we win it, it will be deemed as a failure.
"It was a tough 40 minutes against England, which really cost us the championship and overall I think we played some good rugby."
Wales coach Warren Gatland has highlighted their attempts to change their style of play.
Biggar accepts it did not always come to fruition as they drew with Ireland and beat Scotland and France before losing to England.
"It's difficult really, because we've got such a set-in-stone sort of pattern in which we play," said Biggar.
Wales play the All Blacks at Eden Park on June 11th, in Wellington on June 18th and in Dunedin on June 25th.
-BBC
