Over the last decades, New Zealand has expended considerable research effort on the mitigation of GHGs. Owing in part to its unique emissions profile – with the majority of emissions a result of agricultural production – there has been considerable focus, science investment and priority given to mitigation over adaptation. The aim of this research is to determine the extent of the ‘adaptation deficit’, to identify and evaluate what we know, do not know, and need to know about adapting to climate change impacts and implications in New Zealand: where it is occurring, by whom, to what stressors, by what means and with what effect. We discuss the systematic mixed methods review methodology being used to synthesize and critically appraise the adaptation evidence base according to clearly defined, transparent and replicable criteria. Results of the review reveal significant gaps in our understanding, particularly for decision-making and adaptation planning, at local- and regional-government scales. We conclude that without national-level guidance or policy, adaptation research and practice in New Zealand may continue to be implemented in piecemeal fashion through sector- or industry-specific research; subsumed under other concerns (such as flooding); or overlooked by a greater emphasis on mitigation and reducing emissions, particularly from the agricultural sector. Results of the study contributes to an emerging literature tracking on-the-ground adaptation processes and outcomes, and helps inform future research and policy agendas for addressing key knowledge gaps.