With their backs to the wall, the Blackcaps are putting a six-year home unbeaten run on the line when the second against England begins at the Basin Reserve on Friday.
As part of arguably the strongest era of NZ men's cricket, the Blackcaps haven't been beaten in a home test series since 2017, when South Africa closed out a 1-0 win.
In that time, West Indies, England, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have all been swept aside in a run of 10 straight series without defeat.
But a 267-run defeat at Mt Maunganui's Bay Oval last week has put that record in jeopardy, as the Blackcaps now must come from behind to level the scores at 1-1 in Wellington.
But with the Bay Oval defeat coming under lights, captain Tim Southee is banking on home conditions and the more familiar red ball to help the Blackcaps turn their fortunes around.
"It probably goes back a bit further than that," said Southee. "We've played some good cricket in our conditions - and also in other parts of the world - for a long period of time.
"We know these conditions reasonably well, and having won a few series here and a lot of games in that time, I guess that's where home advantage comes into it.
"We've played some pretty good cricket in these conditions."
The Blackcaps have history of reversing a 1-0 scoreline as well, after doing the same against Bangladesh - who coincidentally also won at Bay Oval - at the start of 2022.
Helping New Zealand's cause will be the fact that their opponents England, led by Kiwi coach Brendon McCullum, won't look to settle for a draw in order to close out the series.
Under McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, England only play with positive intent, winning 10 of 11 test matches since combining in the middle of last year.
The duo's attacking mantra is yet to result in a draw, and all signs point to more of the same at the Basin Reserve.
That mentality could also play right into New Zealand's hands. The Blackcaps boast an exceptional record at the Basin Reserve, winning seven of their last 10 tests in the capital.
England meanwhile, won't alter their game plan in any way, and take no notice of New Zealand's strength on their own soil.
"I didn't realise that was the case, but it proves they're a hard team to beat at home," said captain Ben Stokes.
"Obviously it would be great to leave here with a 2-0 series win. I don't think we're going into this game looking to achieve that. What we will be going into achieve is trying to play the exact same cricket we have done over the last 10-12 months.
"If New Zealand are better than us this week, we'll be able to say that. But we'll be going out there trying to operate in the same way as we did in that first game."
The Blackcaps are currently on a winless run of seven tests, with five losses and two draws in that time.
But Southee and co. will hope to end their recent woes on a ground that's been a recent stronghold of Kiwi cricket over the coming days.
