Cricket World Cup: Kiwi fans excited for the 'greatest game'

Black Caps fans go crazy as a ball is hit over the boundary at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final match between New Zealand and South Africa. Photo / Nick Reed.

A group of men who have been cricket enthusiasts since their schooldays in Hamilton are reuniting to attend the final in Melbourne.

Greg Stewart and his mates from high school cricket days are meeting in Melbourne to watch the game.

Mr Stewart, 34, said most of the group now live and work in Australia, but a couple were making the trip across the Tasman for the game.

"We took a bit of a gamble, we bought our tickets before the tournament hoping New Zealand would make it because we thought they had a pretty good chance," he said.

Mr Stewart was working in mining town Mt Isa and was excited about the final.

The group of mates had been to several big cricket games, including test matches at Lord's in England, but said this would be one of the greatest they'd ever seen.

He said he was pleased that New Zealand was facing Australia in the final and it would be "more satisfying" than facing India.

"I've got a few Australian friends so the opportunity to beat them is always good, and in the home of cricket."

Simon Botherway and three friends bought tickets to the final last year the minute they went on sale, and got "a huge bonus" when the Black Caps qualified for the final.

"We didn't think the Black Caps would make the final, but it's always such a great occasion we wanted to go anyway," Mr Botherway said.

He was leaving Queenstown bound for Melbourne today and said the majority of people in the departure lounge were making the trip to attend the final.

Mr Botherway said Australian sport fans are "fanatic" about their teams, but were always welcoming to New Zealand fans.

He said regardless of the result it was a "massive achievement" for the Black Caps to be playing the final.