New Zealand coach Allan Bunting has stepped down following the nation's failed title defence at the Women's Rugby World Cup.

The six-times world champions were knocked out of the semi-finals by Canada in a major shock in England, their earliest exit since the 2014 tournament in France.

New Zealand Rugby said Bunting had declined to reapply for the position and would now seek a replacement.

Bunting said he looked forward to new opportunities in high performance sport.

"It's been an absolute honour to lead the Black Ferns in this position," Bunting said in a New Zealand Rugby statement.

"To have played a role in the growth of the women's game during this time has been a privilege."

Australian Associated Press