His death was announced by New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English in a statement today. Sir Colin was diagnosed with cancer last year and New Zealand Rugby said he died in hospital in his home town of Te Kuiti.
"This is a sad day for New Zealand rugby and for New Zealand," English said in the statement.
"I have had the privilege of getting to know Sir Colin. He was not only a great All Black but also a genuinely good New Zealand bloke.
"He represented what it means to be a New Zealander. He was no-nonsense, reliable, hardworking, warm and very generous with his time."
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said Sir Colin was so much more than a "rugby great".
“He was a quintessential unassuming New Zealander - one of those we feel especially proud of as a nation.
“Colin Meads was legendary and it is fitting that Te Kuiti has a marvellous statue of him," Mr Peters said.
His family issued their own statement through NZR, expressing their thanks for the expressions of sympathy from the local community and from rugby fans worldwide.
"Dad led a full life," his youngest daughter Shelley Mitchell said. "He loved being an All Black and he loved his family dearly. We will miss him terribly."
Sir Colin was renowned for his toughness in a lengthy international playing career that spanned 14 years.
He played 133 games for the All Blacks and even if only 55 of them were tests, that was still a record for the national team.
The rangy lock, nicknamed as 'Pinetree' at an early age, came to epitomise the stereotypical All Blacks forward with his no nonsense attitude but was lauded for his pace and ball handling skills rarely seen in tight forwards of the time.
"I remember when I was younger hearing stories about how he used to shear sheep all day and go running at night," Mr English added.
"I thought I'd give it a go. I quickly learned the Meads legend was built on physical and mental toughness.
"My thoughts are with Sir Colin's wife Lady Verna, and his family and friends at this time."
Sir Colin had five children, one of whom played netball for New Zealand, 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.