Sam Allardyce has said that West Ham United are "looking forward" to preparing for the 2014-15 Premier League season with a tour of New Zealand.

The Hammers are in New Zealand as part of the Football United Tour, which will also feature Newcastle United as well as sides from the A-League.

Speaking at a press conference, the manager said: "It's fantastic for us to travel and experience this part of the world. We're all really looking forward to it and our pre-season is going to be enhanced not just by us taking a tour but also from a cultural point of view.

"We're all very much looking forward to seeing the sights of New Zealand, as well as playing football here and promoting West Ham and the Barclays Premier League worldwide.

"It's about us growing the brand by being here in the flesh in New Zealand and spending a lot of time with the fans. We've scheduled a lot of community events, photo and signing sessions and it's important to show that side of things when you come out to a place like this."

West Ham will play Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix during the visit.