New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen said he will step down from the post after next year's World Cup in Japan.

"We're here to establish if I'm staying or going, so I'm going," he said at the outset of a news conference in New Zealand on Friday morning local time, the live stream of which was available on the internet.

Hansen, 59, has been head coach for the All Blacks since after the 2011 World Cup. He had earlier been involved with the national team for eight years as an assistant coach to Graham Henry.

"After being involved in the All Blacks for 16 years, I feel it's right for the team for me to stand down," he said in a statement released by the team.

"I think change after the Rugby World Cup will bring a new outlook for the team and it'll be time for someone else to enhance the legacy of the All Blacks."