Wellington: John Wright has announced he will quit as NZ cricket coach in August after next month's tour to the West Indies, saying the time is right for other opportunities. No immediate replacement was announced.

In a move White described as "disappointing", he said Wright will to leave the Black Caps after the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

"John has been an outstanding servant for cricket in New Zealand over a long time and it is disappointing to lose someone of his calibre," White said in a statement.

We were keen to see him continue his head coach role, however understand and respect his decision to look for another challenge.

A gritty former opening batsman and one-time India coach, Wright took over a Black Caps outfit in disarray and guided them to the semi-finals of last year's World Cup, as well as a rare Test win over Australia in Hobart.

The statement gave no reason for Wright's departure, although he has reportedly had a tense relationship with Australian John Buchanan, who was appointed NZC's director of cricket in April last year.