Get ready Kiwi cricket fans, 'The Mace' is coming to a town near you.
New Zealand Cricket has announced a week-long, nationwide tour for the Blackcaps and the prized trophy from their ICC World Test Championship final victory over India last month.
The tour will begin on July 26 in Whangarei, before making its way down to Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill.
Fans will have the opportunity to be photographed with the unique trophy, collect player autographs, and take home a Blackcaps team poster.
NZC chief executive David White says although parades and other celebration ideas had initially been ruled out because of managed isolation requirements and the fact some players had remained in the UK, public demand had forced them to re-evaluate.
"It’s quickly become apparent that Kiwis want an opportunity to be part of, and to share in this historic achievement," says White.
"We've been inundated with requests to do something so that New Zealanders can join in with the team and share the moment.
"At first, we thought the time-out in managed isolation and the length of time since the win would dampen enthusiasm for a public celebration, but we have been persuaded to think again."
Blackcaps players and staff are scheduled to leave MIQ on Saturday.
The tour will involve selected Blackcaps players and support staff assembling at each of the cities on the route, starting with a small group including Tim Southee at his home town of Whangarei.
The tour won't include a handful of players who have remained in England to play county cricket, including Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, and Colin de Grandhomme.
Also involved will be Will Sommerville, Jeet Raval and Todd Astle – all of whom were involved in the WTC campaign, despite not being in England for the final. That trio will receive their winners medals retrospectively.
Exact venues for each of the cities are still a work in progress and will be made public as soon as possible.
"We've tried to cover as much of the country as possible in a week to give the maximum number of people the chance to participate," White adds.
"I know some regions will be disappointed to miss out but I can assure them there'll be further opportunities as we head towards our home international summer and that we'll make a point of including as much of the country as realistically possible."
