But experienced all-rounder Elton Chigumbura warned the tourists would be a far more competitive unit in the one-day series.
Zimbabwe was dispatched by an innings and 301 runs in the one-off test in Napier - a result which would suggest a cakewalk for the Black Caps in the opening one-dayer in Dunedin tomorrow.
But you only need to turn the clock back a few months to realise this series could be a lot closer than many expect.
Malcolm Waller smashed an undefeated 99 from 74 balls to help Zimbabwe overhaul the Black Caps' not insignificant total of 328 for five the last time the two sides met.
And Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor batted magnificently during that series, with scores of 128 not out, 107 and 75.
Taylor (129), Chigumbura (139), Hamilton Masakadza (113), Ray Price (99) and Tatenda Taibu (147) have amassed 627 one-day international appearances between them.
It is certainly not the inexperienced side the test team is, and there are greater expectations as a result.
"Obviously it [the test] was disappointing but this is a different version of the game," Chigumbura said.
"We just need to forget about the test and focus on the one-dayers.
"In test cricket we are still learning and haven't played too many games since we came back. It is a learning curve but when it comes to one-dayers we've played a lot ... and our confidence should be up.
"Hopefully, we'll see a better performance compared to the test match."
Prosper Utseya replaces fellow spinner Graeme Cremer in the squad and is another experienced player, with 137 one-day international appearances.
"He has been a key player in our team. I don't know if the conditions here are going to assist him. But he is quite experienced when it comes to his department, so he'll bring a lot to the team," Chigumbura said.
Yesterday, Zimbabwe split its training session between Forsyth Barr Stadium and the University Oval. Many of the players donned bright red woolly hats and took every available opportunity to slip their hands into their pockets on what was a chilly morning.
