The All Whites have one foot in an intercontinental playoff for a place at next year's football world cup.

New Zealand's thumped the Solomon Islands 6-1 in the first leg of the Oceania final in Albany, thanks to a hat-trick from captain Chris Wood.

Wood said it was a professional performance.

"We've got the result that we were after. Could have had a few more on a different day, but I think the team worked tirelessly and came out on top which is the positive thing what we wanted to do."

Coach Anthony Hudson said he'll make sure they remain focused for the second leg in Honiara on Tuesday.

"Every time you put this shirt on you know it's about putting in a performance, so we will be doing all we can to make sure we're professional."

Hudson said he may rest a few players for the Honiara match, but said if they bring in fresh legs they need to give the same performance as they want to get a result.

The All Whites leave for Honiara on Monday.