Former New Zealand batsman Peter Fulton has stepped down as the national team's batting coach in order to become the head coach of the Canterbury men's team.

Fulton, who had replaced Craig McMillan, took up the job with New Zealand after the 2019 World Cup last year. His assignments with the team included a tour of Sri Lanka and Australia and a visit by England last year before a home series against India in early 2020.

While calling it an "honour to get back involved with the national team", Fulton looked forward to pursuing his ambitions to be a head coach.

"The Canterbury role appealed to me in terms of my aspirations to be a head coach and further my development in the game. The chance to spend more time at home with my young family and coach my home province were also motivating factors in applying for the job."

NZC High Performance General Manager Bryan Stronach wished Fulton well for his new role with Canterbury, the domestic side he represented during his playing days. "Pete's a respected figure who has contributed a lot to the Black Caps set-up and built strong relationships in his time with the team. With the Black Caps entering a winter period at home we'll take some time to consider our options in terms of a replacement for Pete."

Fulton begins his new role from August 1, having also managed the Under-19 side earlier in his coaching career.