The former second row played 55 Tests within 133 games for the All Blacks between 1957 and 1971.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and his wife Verna had told local media on Saturday that he was seriously ill.
"This is a sad day for New Zealand rugby and for New Zealand," said the country's Prime Minister Bill English.
"I have had the privilege of getting to know Sir Colin. He was not only a great All Black but also a genuinely good New Zealand bloke.
