The two-time Rugby World Cup winning captain picked up the award at a ceremony at the Langham hotel in Auckland last night.
He told Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB this morning that it was tough to compare what he did with the other nominees, sexual violence campaigner Louise Nicholas and businessman and environmentalist Rob Fenwick.
"Louise and Rob, what they've done is pretty cool. I said last night 'I've only been a rugby player'. I must say it's pretty humbling."
"It makes you pretty proud to be a Kiwi when you hear the stories [of others' achievements] ... it's pretty inspiring."
The annual awards honour the contribution made by passionate Kiwis in all sectors of society.
Last year's top accolade went to businessman Sir Stephen Tindall, founder of The Warehouse.
McCaw played a record 148 tests for the All Blacks, 111 of them as captain.
He looked dapper in a black tuxedo and was relaxed with fiancee Gemma Flynn and his parents, Donald and Margaret.
Flynn told the Herald it was once again a celebration of McCaw's hard work.
"It's very well deserved. I just think it's a great evening to celebrate all Kiwis in general."
The chief awards judge, Cameron Bennett, said all three nominees were "exceptional Kiwis" who epitomised what it was to be a great New Zealander.
All showed leadership, courage, humility, honour and respect, he said.
Lydia Ko was named Young New Zealander of the Year. She beat fellow finalists Sean Kelly, a young, internationally known fashion designer, and neuroscientist Malvinder Singh-Bains.
The Local Hero of the Year award went to Selwyn Cook, who owns 14 Z petrol stations in the Waikato that he uses to provide work opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Senior New Zealander of the Year honour was awarded to John Russell, principal of Naenae College in Wellington, for his work with students and mentoring the country's secondary school principals.
Other awards ranged from arts and science achievements to innovative ways to teach music. Helping people with disabilities play sports, technical innovation and achievements in health and agriculture were recognised too.
McCaw's latest achievement follows a memorable past few months for the former All Black.
After the Rugby World Cup win in Britain, he announced his retirement from professional rugby before being appointed a member of the Order of New Zealand - the country's highest royal award - in the New Year Honours.
Last month, he announced his engagement to Flynn.
McCaw - who was also shortlisted with former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen for the Herald's New Zealander of the Year awards - is now embarking on a new career, working as a pilot for Christchurch Helicopters.
