He has galvanised his players into competing consistently against the world's best and helped reassure the public that cricket justifies its tag as "The Summer Game".
McCullum's record of nine wins from 24 tests (37.50 per cent) makes him New Zealand's most successful test captain by win percentage. Geoff Howarth had 11 from 30 (36.67 per cent) and Stephen Fleming 28 from 80 (35 per cent).
In 2014, New Zealand won five tests, including three away, making it their most successful calendar year.
At the end of the England tour, McCullum surmised what his future might hold, given his fragile back is put through a painkiller-supplemented regime to prepare for each game.
"We've scaled some heights that hadn't been done before by our country and we're starting to build a soul to how we play," he said.
"I'm lucky enough to be in a position of leadership to give guys the freedom to play that brand. I've enjoyed the last two years. The body's a bit sore but we'll see what happens."
Next month's Australian tour presents an opportunity to crown his test career, followed by a home summer encore.
Victory would also provide an inspirational yardstick for other countries competing against Australia, India and England - the Big Three.
New Zealand's last series in 2011 brought victory in Hobart. It came as a shock, given the theme of inconsistency surrounding it.
Such frailties have reduced with the maturity of players such as Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, Tim Southee and Trent Boult (who debuted in Hobart).
Their talent is supplemented by the experience of Ross Taylor, the promise of Tom Latham, Mark Craig, Jimmy Neesham and Matt Henry, and the resurgence of Doug Bracewell and Martin Guptill.
Injury permitting, the only selection conundrum in Australia is whether to start Henry or Bracewell as the third pace bowler.
Australia's post-Ashes re-build offers a chance to seize on potential vulnerability. This is McCullum's chance to attack and succeed in arguably cricket's toughest away environment.
Highlighting the challenge, New Zealand have won three tests out of 28 in Australia - Brisbane and Perth in 1985 and Hobart in 2011 - and one series - 1985.
Compounding the intrigue, the 34-year-old has struggled with the bat in Australia. In 12 innings, he averages 22.90 with a top score of 84 not out, achieved batting at No7 in New Zealand's 2008 Adelaide demise.
Compare that to a career average of 38.76 which amplifies to 57.50 in the past two years.
In addition, he has never played a test in Perth, which could suit his game with the pitch's renowned pace and carry.
To put McCullum's longevity in context, only four of cricket's 2801 test players - Allan Border, Alastair Cook, Mark Waugh and Sunil Gavaskar - have played more than 100 consecutive tests at any stage of their careers (153, 119 and counting, 107 and 106 respectively).
He can boost that quantity by continuing to deliver leadership and run-scoring quality for his team.
