It will bring together some of the most talented riders in the world for the multi-stage, mainly downhill event that is the fastest growing form of mountain bike racing.
Graves was looking forward to starting his title defence in Rotorua in March.
"It's going to be great racing so close to home, instead of the usual lug over to Europe for the start of the season," he said, as he took a welcome holiday break.
"Tonnes of family and friends will be at the race too ... can't wait."
Graves and Yeti teammate Richie Rude, from the US, were also hoping to race at the Giant 2W Gravity Enduro in February.
"At this stage, we're planning to come over," Graves added. "I was supposed to race at the 2006 World Mountain Bike Champs in Rotorua but got injured a couple of weeks before."
Although he couldn't ride he still made it over to cheer on a big Australian team and is looking forward to finally riding the Whakarewarewa Forest network.
"I've only heard good things about your trails," he continued with his trademark enthusiasm. "Pretty much everyone I ride with at home here has been there ... they can't say enough good things about what's there."
Neil Gellatly is race director of the 2W Gravity Enduro and the EWS round and he is very excited about the prospect of the upcoming race season.
"Our Giant 2W events over the last two years have proven the popularity of gravity enduro style racing," Gellatly said. "To have the very best of the best racers here over summer, like Jared, in preparation for Crankworx and the EWS in March is just fantastic for both Rotorua and New Zealand."
The Giant 2W Gravity Enduro at the 2014 festival sold out a month before race day. Entries for next year's race are open at www.2W.co.nz and are selling fast.
