The 2004 New Zealand rugby league season was the 97th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the fifth season of the Bartercard Cup competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. The Mt Albert Lions won the Cup by defeating the Marist Richmond Brothers 40-20 in the Grand Final.
The New Zealand Kiwis played Australia at North Harbour Stadium as part of the Tri-Nations tournament. The match was drawn 16-all. New Zealand finished third in the tournament, after failing to win in Great Britain. Earlier in the year New Zealand had lost the ANZAC Test 37-10 in Newcastle. New Zealand were coached by Daniel Anderson and for the Tri-Nations included; Vinnie and Louis Anderson, Roy Asotasi, Jason and Nathan Cayless, Alex Chan, Joe Galuvao, Dene Halatau, Shontayne Hape, David Kidwell, Wairangi Koopu, Ali Lauiti'iti, Thomas Leuluai, Francis Meli, Robbie Paul, Tony Puletua, Paul Rauhihi, Logan Swann, Motu Tony, Clinton Toopi, Matt Utai, Nigel Vagana, Lesley Vainikolo, Brent Webb, Paul Whatuira, captain , Jamahl Lolesi, Henry Fa'afili and Sonny Bill Williams. Sione Faumuina, Tevita Latu, Stephen Kearney and Jerry Seuseu played in the ANZAC Test but did not tour at the end of the year.