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New Zealand jockey Michael McNab is to return home from Queensland to continue his career.

McNab, who guided Melody Belle to success in the G1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes at Awapuni last year, has been riding in Queensland since June.

While sitting inside the top 20 on the Brisbane metropolitan jockeys' premiership, McNab has decided to return to New Zealand for "family reasons".

He has slated the Counties meeting on December 5 will be his first race day back in New Zealand.

"I've found Brisbane really good and while it hasn't been a raging success, I feel my riding has improved going up against Ryan Maloney, Jeff Lloyd, Jimmy Orman and Jim Byrne," McNab said.

"I have a goal to win another Group One race back home.

"Hopefully I can establish myself again and I'd love to chase a premiership, maybe next season.

"I'm absolutely fizzing to get back riding at home and can't wait to catch up with my mates in the jockeys' room."

Despite not finishing last season in New Zealand, McNab rode a career-best 51 winners including seven at stakes level.

Among the highlights were Magic Chai's G2 Wellington Cup win at Trentham, Savvy Coup's G3 Eulogy Stakes success at Awapuni and Melt's G3 Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie.