BJ Watling is getting out while he's on top.

The Blackcaps wicketkeeper will retire after the World Test Cchampionship final next month, and will miss New Zealand's list of contracted men's cricketers on Friday.

He's outlined why.

“I know the standards required to keep going at this game at this level. To be honest it’s tougher now, with a little family at home, things are busy. I know it’s time now that I look into other things, it’s a bit hard to put all of that focus into just cricket.”

Blackcaps seamer Tim Southee is describing the retiring Watling as the perfect teammate.

Southee has been a major beneficiary of Watling's work behind the stumps.

“He’d do anything for this team. He’s a man of few words but I think his actions, actions that you guys have seen, everyone’s seen over a long period of time sum up what BJ is all about.”

A particularly fond memory that he leaves Kiwi cricket fans with was his 124 batting alongside Brendon McCullum against India in the 2013/14 season. McCullum famously went on to score 302* but it was Watling's effort in support that many fans remember.

His eight test centuries at an average of 38 from 73 tests, and national record of 257 dismissals behind the stumps, rank him as world-class.