The West Indies cricket team are in New Zealand to play two Test matches with an improved New Zealand side.

The first Test series between New Zealand and West Indies was held in 1951-52 in New Zealand. The West Indies were led by J. D. C. Goddard and the New Zealand team captain was B. Sutcliffe.

It was a two Test series and the Windies won the series 1-0 and the other test was drawn.

Since then 47 Tests have been played between the two countries. Up to 1996, New Zealand won only the 1979-80 series in New Zealand when they were led by G. P. Howarth. They won the three Test series 1-0, but surprisingly the West Indies team was led by C. H. Lloyd.

Altogether, out of the 47 Tests, New Zealand have won 15 Tests, West Indies have won 13 Tests and the balance 19 Tests were drawn.
45 Test centuries have been scored by West Indies which includes 7 double centuries. The highest score by a West Indies batsman was the 258 runs scored by S. M. Nurse in 1968-69. New Zealand batsmen have scored 35 Test centuries which includes four double centuries. Former Test opener G. M. Turner's 259 runs in 1971-72 remains as the highest score for New Zealand and for the series.