"I've always loved the Basin (Reserve in Wellington) because of its atmosphere," said Hart. "It's a true cricket ground and for Test matches they always have big crowds."

Hart made his debut in New Zealand's loss to Pakistan in May before playing against West Indies in the Caribbean, after the retirement of first-choice keeper Adam Parore earlier this year thrust the 28-year-old Northern Districts captain into the international limelight.

His first Test was against Pakistan in Lahore, where New Zealand were hammered by an innings and 324 runs, before the rest of the tour was cancelled after a bomb outside their Karachi hotel killed 14 people.

Hart then excelled in the West Indies, scoring 129 runs in four innings, including a career-best 57 not out, en route to averaging 64.5 in New Zealand's first series win in the Caribbean.

"That was a really special time for me," he said. "I seemed to be on a huge high and while it was hard work mentally in the Windies, it was also hugely exciting."

Hart also said he was pleased to have finally taken over the gloves after being down the national pecking order behind Parore, Tony Blain and Lee Germon in the last decade.

"You always grow into a job and you learn a lot early on," he said. "I don't look over my shoulder at who could shove me out because that's not a good mindset to be in.

"I've just got to concentrate on doing my job to the best of my ability."

Hart's Northern Districts team mate Scott Styris, who scored a century and a half-century on debut in Grenada is also due to make his first Test appearance at home.