Smith returned home from the All Black tour on Monday night and was feeling the comforts of home yesterday, getting ready for a bit of rest and relaxation.
The new Highlanders co-captain has had a fantastic year - setting a record for the number of tries in the Rugby Championship, having a standout season for the underperforming Highlanders, and nominated for the player of the year in both the New Zealand Rugby and the IRB rugby awards.
But Smith (27) said he did not play the game for individual honours.
''I do think rugby is a real team game and it is not about individual accomplishments. It is great to get them but I would swap all of that to have some more successes with the Highlanders,'' he said.
''It is a real privilege to get nominated for these awards and get some recognition. But I always think it is a team game. Sure you score some tries and that but it is mostly done, when you are on the wing or at fullback, by the good work of the guys inside you.
''I think for a lot of the tries I have just been in the right place at the right time ... Probably through the year when things start going your way you start getting a bit of confidence and that helps you play better.
''But I have been lucky this year. I have had a good run with injury. You look at some people like Colin Slade who has had terrible luck with injury. Just been in the wrong place and the wrong time. But I did not get any injuries this year and, touch wood, I hope that may continue.''
Smith played more than 2300 minutes during the season for the All Blacks and the Highlanders - the busiest rugby player in the country this season - and through it all was excellent in every way.
He moved to centre for the All Blacks in their last five tests, with regular No 13 Conrad Smith taking a break.
''Playing centre was a massive challenge. I managed to have a good talk to Conrad before he went on his break and what he thought on many things.
''I found fullback and wing were pretty similar when you are working together in a back three. But centre is different; defensively it is a lot different. You do not have as much time as at wing or fullback. But I think I will be a lot better for the games I played.''
Smith will now have a break with family and friends and get his bearings before heading back to the Highlanders at the end of January.
But you will not hear him complaining about the rigours of professional sport - the endless training sessions and plane trips.
He is living the dream of any New Zealand male.
''When I first came out of high school I did all those labouring jobs and had a bit of taste of a few different things. But after digging holes for a day you see how hard some people have it and the tough jobs they have for a living.
''It makes you realise you are pretty privileged. You are doing something that you love doing and getting very well paid for it. Sure there are always ups and downs in everything you do, but there are not too many downs in what we do.''
