They took four flights from their home in Phoenix, Arizona, to be at tonight's test between the All Blacks and Springboks at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Mr and Mrs Carter had never before been to New Zealand or watched their favourite sports stars live.
"This is the first time we've been to a sporting match outside the US," Mrs Carter said.
Originally from Brazil, she began watching rugby in an effort to understand why her husband regularly got up in the middle of the night to watch All Blacks games on television.
It did not take long before she was hooked on the sport and ordering All Blacks beanies, scarves and jerseys.
Mr Carter, a sports lawyer, said to convert a Brazilian soccer fan was a feat in itself, although he had no doubt the All Blacks deserved special attention.
As a youngster he played a bit of rugby "very badly" and years later sat down to watch a game and learn more about the sport.
Four World Cups later, he remains a staunch All Blacks fan.
"We were up every night at 1am watching the matches last year, and during the last five minutes of the final, while you guys were biting your nails, I was too. The All Blacks are a big part of our lives," he said.
If unable to watch games on television, Mr and Mrs Carter turned to the internet to keep updated.
They could not wait until the next Rugby World Cup to see the All Blacks play live, so decided to support the team in person sooner, against a worthy foe - the Springboks.
Mr Carter especially admired Dan Carter's surname and kicking style, but it was more difficult for Mrs Carter to choose a favourite.
The Sonny Bill Williams shirt-ripping incident had not gone unnoticed, and Mrs Carter had long admired captain Richie McCaw.
But it was halfback Piri Weepu she had the kindest words for yesterday.
"He was able to carry the team during the World Cup; his kicks were perfect. I was so thankful for him," she said.
A public appearance by a number of players in Dunedin yesterday enabled Mrs Carter to meet Weepu and take a photograph.
She vowed to return to New Zealand to meet McCaw, and to watch the All Blacks play again.
Mr and Mrs Carter were due to leave Dunedin tomorrow, ending their week-long whirlwind visit.
