Canterbury jockey Racha Cuneen is counting down the days until he heads to the Gold Coast to further his career.

Cuneen has announced he will leave New Zealand after the Wingatui meeting on May 26 and link up with a former Kiwi, Bruce Hill, who trains at Bundall.

The 25-year-old plans to test out the Gold Coast for five or six months before deciding whether or not to make it his permanent home. Between times he will keep in touch with his New Zealand contacts and may return for the New Zealand Cup meeting in November.

It was at last year's New Zealand Cup meeting that Cuneen rode his first Group One winner, La Diosa, in the New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. A couple of months later he enjoyed further Group One success on Signify in the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham.

Cuneen has ridden 115 winners, including seven at Group or Listed level, and he is keen to add Australian success to his tally.

"I just want to get over there, ride as much work as I can, work hard and see what I can pick up," he said. "It only takes one good horse to get you going and get your name out there."