Alby Mathewson will join Ulster on a one-year deal in July.
Mathewson, 34, was much-loved at Munster, having extended a short-term contract to cover the World Cup period, but the Reds had to let him go in December.
Ulster needed to sign a scrum-half with experience as John Cooney has broken into the Ireland set-up. Dave Shanahan and Johnny Stewart will provide back-up.
The scrum-half, who won five caps with the All Blacks in a career that also included stints with the Hurricanes, Blues and Western Force, returned home to Australia after his stint with Munster.
"We are delighted that a player of Alby's quality is set to join the squad," Ulster head coach Dan McFarland said.
"His leadership skills and extensive experience will be a valuable addition to our squad, especially for our younger scrum-halves as they progress.
“We look forward to giving him a warm welcome as he makes Ulster his new team”.
