The 32-year-old is part of Wales head coach Steve Tandy's coaching team throughout the Quilter Nations Series on an interim basis.
The Welsh side host the All Blacks following their first win at home in more than two years after a last-minute penalty from Jarrod Evans sealed a narrow victory over Japan.
Yet there were many critics following the performance from Tandy's side. Patchell hopes this week's test against Scott Robertson's side will be an opportunity to continue the national team's development under a new coaching team.
"It's an exciting week. The opportunity to play the All Blacks - we've got them in the Nations Cup next year, but you don't play them regularly.
"We are aware of the physical threat. The quality of their athlete is diverse.
"You have to be on your mettle across the board. Opportunity for us to take another step forward.
"Opportunity for us to push our game on.
"Test match rugby is called a test for a reason. You've got to enjoy the fact we have dug ourselves out of a hole.
"There's an element of relief from previous campaigns. The players got themselves out of a sticky situation - really calm and disciplined."
With one of Wales' biggest areas of concern has been the aerial battle during the first two games of the Autumn, Patchell does feel for players of the international game with more of a focus on tactical kicking.
"The game is becoming more and more difficult the deeper you go into the phase count.
"I don't think it is going to go anywhere anytime soon. It's there to stay for the foreseeable.
"You've got to be brave to be in the backfield. It's a very exposed place.
"World rugby made a decision they want more of a contest in the air but the unintended consequence is there are more scrums.
"Argentina went after NZ in the air and that's how they got their win.
"Everyone has to pay attention to it both sides of the ball not only in the air but the crumbs after it."
Both nations will name their teams on Thursday ahead of kick-off on Saturday at 3.10pm in Cardiff.