Former test opener turned commentator Craig Cumming believes one of the biggest challenges for the Black Caps will be dealing with the hype.
Cumming does not have an official role in the World Cup but has a hotline to the team through his close association with Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson.
''I've spent a lot of time talking to them at different stages during the last month,'' Cumming said.
''I think Brendon's mantra has very much been it is the time of your life and to make sure you enjoy yourself and stay very level.
''It will be harder to do that during the Cricket World Cup and he will need to be strong in emphasising that. But Brendon is pretty level-headed and pretty positive and I think that is a great way to be able to lead the side.''
The Blacks Caps have had a terrific 12 months, and just about everybody who has ever held a bat is talking up New Zealand's chances. That brings pressure - pressure the team is a little unfamiliar with.
''They are playing the best cricket we've seen from a New Zealand side. They have the most depth and the most balance. They have the most world-class players they've ever had in their squad.
''They've got guys who can perform in different conditions. When you add that all up, it should equal a good performance but it also makes you nervous because now our expectations are probably higher than they've ever been.
''They've always been a bit of a smoky or the dark horse whereas now we're actually talking about them as a genuine chance of winning a World Cup.''
Cumming believes New Zealand's toughest competition will come from Australia and South Africa and he has not written off India despite some concerns about the quality of its bowling attack.
Sri Lanka was another team more than capable of upsetting some of the more highly rated teams despite losing its recent series with New Zealand 4-2, Cumming said.
England had a very good bowling attack and potentially shaped as a surprise package.
