The 1977 New Zealand rugby league season was the 70th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand.

New Zealand co-hosted the World Cup with Australia. The Kiwis lost to Great Britain, France and Australia. Matches were played at the Addington Showgrounds and Carlaw Park. New Zealand were coached by Ron Ackland and consisted of captain Tony Coll (c), Fred Ah Kuoi, Warren Collicoat, Ray Baxendale, Olsen Filipaina, Kevin Fisher, Mark Graham, Whare Henry, Whetu Henry, Chris Jordan, Michael O'Donnell, Dane O'Hara, Lyndsay Proctor, Alan Rushton, John Smith, Kurt and Dane Sorensen, John Whittaker and Dennis Williams. Dane Sorensen became the first New Zealander to be selected for the New Zealand national rugby league team while based overseas, when he was picked while playing for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.^[1]

Coached by Bill Sorensen, Auckland famously completed a "grand slam" when they defeated Australia, England and France in the space of 21 days in June. Auckland defeated Australia 19–15 on 1 June, Great Britain 14–10 on 14 June and France 17–0 on 21 June all at Carlaw Park. Auckland were captained by Dennis Williams and included Gary Kemble, Warren Winter, Olsen Filipaina, Chris Jordan, Dave Sorensen, John Smith, John Wilson, Glenn Taylor, Lyndsay Proctor, Kurt Sorensen, Alan McCarthy, Mark Graham, Dave Lepper, Dane O'Hara, Fred Ah Kuoi, Stan Napa, Luther Toloa and Mark Lowe.^[2]

New Zealand also hosted the Pacific Cup. The New Zealand Māori side defended their title, beating Western Australia 35–12 in the final at Carlaw Park. Coached by Tom Newton, the New Zealand Māori squad included Dick Uluave, James Leuluai, Dennis Key, Rick Muru, John Wilson, Josh Liavaa and Ian Bell.^[3] The Pacific Cup was not a financial success and was not held again until 1986.

The Auckland under 21 side toured New South Wales.^[2]

John Smith won the New Zealand Rugby League's player of the year award.^[4]

Auckland were eliminated in Round one of the Amco Cup when they lost 2–23 to a Northern Division side. The match was held at the same time as the Kiwis trial, meaning Auckland was without fourteen of its top players.^[2]

Canterbury also lost 12–20 to Brisbane Easts in Round one.