Gatland will have uninterrupted player access for almost a fortnight before tackling the All Blacks in Cardiff on November 7.

It is among the key points in a new five-year participation agreement signed earlier this week between the Welsh Rugby Union and Regional Rugby Wales.

Gatland said: “From a coaching point of view, the fact that we now have the full 13-day period to prepare for the (autumn) series will make a vital contribution to how we approach the campaign.

“We will be able to make sure players are right back up to international pace and primed for the task ahead in those first few days.

“We will then be able to concentrate on the finer points of preparation without rushing our way through anything. The difference it will make to us is immeasurable.”

Both the New Zealand fixture and a November 28 appointment with Australia are already confirmed Millennium Stadium sell-outs.

Some 250,000 tickets have already been sold for the quartet of autumn fixtures - Wales also face Argentina and Samoa - and Gatland is relishing the challenge.

“This four-match series will represent the best collective opposition I have faced in my rugby career, as a player or as a coach,” he added.

“We are facing two of the top three teams in the world.

“If that wasn’t enough, we face Argentina - ranked sixth in the world, two places above Wales - and Samoa, who are one of the most exciting teams in world rugby.

“There is nothing like testing yourself against the very best opposition the world can offer on home turf in front of sell-out crowds.”