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Former NZ Test batsman Gary Stead has signed on to coach the Black Caps for the next three years.

New Zealand Cricket has handed Gary Stead a new three-year deal that will give the Black Caps coach the chance to avenge last year's World Cup final defeat.

The contract extension will keep Stead in charge of New Zealand's Test, ODI and T20 sides through to the end of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

The Kiwis infamously lost the final of the 50-over World Cup to England on countback at Lord's last year.

NZC chief executive David White said Stead's results - including that tournament and a fine Test run - spoke for itself.

"What was immediately clear was that Gary had overseen a particularly successful chapter in New Zealand cricket history, during which time his team had been very strong in the Test and ODI formats," White said.

White said Stead was the only candidate they had interviewed.

Except for a whitewash in Australia last summer, New Zealand hasn't lost a Test series in more than two years.

Stead has overseen home triumphs against India (2-0 this year), England (1-0 last year), Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, a 2-1 away triumph over Pakistan and a 1-1 result in Sri Lanka.

That run has New Zealand second in the ICC Test Rankings behind Australia, giving them a shot at a Lord's redemption when the Test Championship - currently scheduled for next June - is played there.

"I didn't have to think for too long (about taking the job)," Stead said.

"I think this group of players is growing as a team. There's an exciting schedule ahead of us and I know everyone is feeling very optimistic about our chances in all three formats."

The West Indies and Pakistan are expected Test visitors to New Zealand, with Australia and Bangladesh scheduled for tours of the shorter form of the game.

Stead is a former Test batsman for New Zealand and coach of the international women's side, the White Ferns.

The 48-year-old said the Black Caps were undertaking "a global search" for a batting coach after Peter Fulton's departure from that role to coach in domestic cricket.