New Zealand out half Dan Carter will take a six month break at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old says he plans to be part of the All Blacks World cup defence in 2015 and says he needs to be in the best place physically and mentally to do that.

Carter will miss the June test series next year as well as the bulk of the Crusaders Super 15 season.

©INPHO/Photosport/Marty Melville