The Black Caps will return to Mount Maunganui in the New Year, with two internationals against Sri Lanka scheduled for early January.

New Zealand's national cricket side return to the Bay of Plenty for a one-day clash on January 5, followed by a T20 fixture two days later on January 7.

Action from the Black Caps' visit to Mount Maunganui last October, where they faced South Africa. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

A total of three ANZ Series on home soil were announced yesterday, with Australia and Pakistan also set to visit these shores throughout January and February.

The Bay Oval matches will be the first internationals to be hosted in the region since the visit of South Africa in October last year.

Fitness permitting, Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum is set to enter the world record books this summer by becoming the first cricketer to play 100 consecutive Tests since his debut.

And it was the Dunedin-born batsman that had some kind words to say about the Blake Park venue on his team's last visit.

'Grounds like this, getting these opportunities, is a sign of the times,” he said

'You only have to look out and see how beautiful the ground is and how amazing the region is.

'If you look at our team, you'll see people from this area, so it's a pretty strong region.

'For those guys to have the opportunity to play here, and for youngsters of this region to have the opportunity to see their heroes, makes it real for them. That can only be good for the game.”

Elsewhere, the trio of inbound tours will take in venues in Hamilton, Napier, Dunedin and Nelson, as well as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said the schedule covered a good geographical spread, providing an opportunity for all Black Caps fans to see their team in action for the first time since the World Cup.

'On the back of the CWC we've taken a regional approach to the allocation of international venues,” says David, 'working closely with local and regional councils as well as with our major and district associations and venue authorities.

'I've been delighted with the contribution made, and enthusiasm shown, by all stakeholders and the result has been a very positive one for cricket fans in this country.”