The Lions will make perfect opponents for the franchises who have, in the past few years, struggled to fill their time constructively during the June test window.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew says he and the rest of the rugby fraternity are eager to ensure the Lions are given the tough build-up they have asked for.
"The balance for us is that we want as many New Zealanders as possible to have the opportunity to see these games," says Tew.
"We sought applications [to host games] from regions. In the case of Auckland, for example, the application came from a consortium that included Ateed, Auckland Rugby and North Harbour Rugby.
"There's a big difference between 2005 and 2017 and that is in the former, Super Rugby had finished and players were back with their provinces. In 2017, we will be pausing Super Rugby so the players will still be in their Super team environments.
"It will be much more difficult to run a provincial side at that time."
Similar to the last time the Lions came to New Zealand, there will be seven games excluding the tests and Tew says they have received 14 applications to host.
If all five Super Rugby sides are afforded a crack at the Lions, the remaining games will probably be given to invitational sides as it would be unlikely ITM Cup teams could field competitive units.
The clash with New Zealand Maori in 2005 was one of the tour highlights - the home side winning on a memorable night in Hamilton - and the NZRU will be tempted to repeat the fixture.
Tew says an announcement is due in early May - which will reveal details not only about the Lions tour but also test fixtures and venues for 2016 and 2017.
"We'll be taking a two-year view," said Tew. "We won't announce the Lions tour in isolation because there's a significant amount of rugby to be allocated to venues and cities and regions."
As well as the Lions tour, the All Blacks will play a home series against Wales in 2016, the Rugby Championship and extra Bledisloe Cup games.
