New Zealand and Australia are to meet in a Trans-Tasman Challenge during Winter Games NZ in September ©Winter Games NZ

The Trans-Tasman Challenge, a three-test series of ice hockey matches between New Zealand and Australia, is to make its return to the calendar at the Winter Games NZ later this year, it has been announced. 

The matches between the New Zealand "Ice Blacks" and Australia's "Mighty Roos" have been arranged in association with the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation (NZIHF) and are due to be staged at Queenstown Resort College on September 5, 6 and 7. 

New Zealand and Australia last met at the 2018 Winter Games NZ with the teams having previously battled it out at the 2009, 2011 and 2017 events. 

New Zealand's
New Zealand's "Ice Blacks" and Australia's "Mighty Roos" are traditional ice hockey rivals at Winter Games NZ ©NZIHF

Each country has won the three-test series twice, with the Ice Blacks winning in 2009 and 2018 and the Mighty Roos in 2011 and 2017.

"We are excited to have the Trans-Tasman Challenge presented by Queenstown Resort College confirmed in the 2019 programme, and we look forward to some great New Zealand versus Australia rivalry in the heart of Queenstown as we join together in celebrating 10 years of excellence," Martin Toomey, chief executive of the Winter Games NZ, said.

The Winter Games NZ is an elite international winter sports event taking place during August and September 2019 in Naseby, Queenstown and Wanaka.

Other events it features include Alpine skiing, curling, cross-country skiing and snowboarding.