All Black star Daniel Carter will make the first steps in his rugby comeback for Canterbury's Southbridge club.

And All Black head coach Graham Henry has all-but ruled out any chance of Carter regaining full fitness and sharpness in time to play any role in this year's Tri Nations.

Carter is set to return to New Zealand after his six-month playing sabbatical in the south of France was cut short after just five games for cashed-up Perpignan.

A torn Achilles ended his playing stint, with Carter staying on in the south of France to start his rehab and also complete a host of commitments to Perpignan.

While it is hoped that he will be up to a club rugby return within the next two months, and then playing for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup, it is unlikely that he will play for the All Blacks until at least the season-ending tour of Europe.

"I think that is an outside, a very very outside, hope," Henry said.

"I just think Dan has to make sure he gets himself right. And if he feels he is in good knick and can play at international level he will let us know.

"He is going to play a wee bit of club stuff, is it Southbridge, have I got the right team, and he will play some Air New Zealand Cup and then see how he goes.

"It is a big step, particularly in that position where there is a lot of sharp movement.

"Coming off an Achilles injury I think it (returning in the Tri Nations) would be a huge ask. But nothing is impossible, as Dan has proved in the past.

"If it happens, it will be a real big bonus."

Carter said three weeks ago he believed it would be a tall order to prove his fitness and regain match sharpness in time to play any part in the Tri Nations.

Instead he said he believed it would be better for him to aim at a return for the season-ending tour.