The 30-year-old openside flanker, capped 94 times for the All Blacks since his debut in 2001, a record he jointly holds with current fullback Mils Muliaina, follows in the footsteps of first five-eighth Daniel Carter, who last week penned a four-year contract extension with the NZRU.
McCaw, a three-time International Rugby Board player of the year, is New Zealand's most-capped test captain, having led his country in 57 internationals.
He made the announcement at his Christchurch Rugby Football Club today.
"I've always said that as long as I am enjoying playing footy in New Zealand then I will stay, and the fact is I still am, so I'm pleased to confirm that I have re-signed with the NZRU for four more years," McCaw said.
"I still have the hunger and desire to continue to play for the All Blacks and the Crusaders and there are still things I want to achieve as a player."
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said McCaw is an "inspiration both on and off the field" and will provide New Zealand rugby and the All Blacks with a solid foundation from which to approach the next four years.
"Our game faces some real challenges and Richie's broader understanding of these and his commitment to the health of the game generally will be extremely important as we face those challenges."
Tew also noted that McCaw's on-field All Blacks partnership with Carter was "a common denominator in much of the success" that has been achieved over the past seven years, with McCaw and Carter playing 51 tests together for an 88 percent success rate.
McCaw's agent, Warren Alcock, said the contract had similar complexities to the one signed by Carter, who has been given considerable flexibility in that he can take a "sabbatical" from New Zealand rugby.
"It has been important to recognise their differences and ensure this contract reflects those. Having said that, the process of signing two players who are critically important to the All Blacks was made a lot easier by having both negotiations largely working in tandem," Alcock said.
"Ultimately, any contract needs to reflect Richie's standing in the game and I'm confident this contract achieves that."
All Blacks coach Graham Henry hailed McCaw's move, describing him as the most influential player in world rugby right now.
"His on-field impact is immense, he's an outstanding player who leads and inspires others by his actions," Henry said.
"Since taking over the captaincy, Richie has continued to develop as a leader and his personal standards, commitment and direction of others are inspirational to the All Blacks. He is a unique New Zealander."
McCaw's coach at the Crusaders, Todd Blackadder, added: "Richie has a massive influence on the Crusaders and All Blacks so for him to re-commit to these teams is fantastic. He's a great player and an inspirational captain and I can't speak highly enough of him."
McCaw is the latest in group of current and recent All Blacks who have recommitted to New Zealand rugby after this year's World Cup. They include: Carter, Keven Mealamu, Hika Elliot, Tony Woodcock, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Daniel Braid, Liam Messam, Victor Vito, Jimmy Cowan, Alby Mathewson, Colin Slade, Aaron Cruden, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Israel Dagg and Ben Smith.
