Hardie (26) notched the mark in the Highlanders' win over the Force in Perth last week.
Now, he gets to celebrate the half-century by running out on his home turf against the Chiefs in Invercargill tonight.
Hardie has been with the Highlanders since 2010, becoming part of the furniture around the franchise, although he admits it has been something of a long road to get to 50 games.
''It has been in my sights for a couple of years but just took a while to get there. It was a proud moment,'' Hardie said.
''It was a great week to have it with Bender [centurion Ben Smith]. And it was great to get the win.''
Hardie has had his fair share of injuries. From turf toe to strained knees and dislocated ankles, he has missed 41 games since making his debut.
But life in the professional age and the demands of his position meant injuries were just a fact of life.
''I have had some bad luck in the last three or four years. But one thing I have learnt about that is doing your rehab and coming back as a stronger player.
''It is hard at the start - a couple of weeks, you can't do much - but you've just got to get into it and rebuilding and get back into it. I've never thought about wanting to end my rugby career. I'm only 26 at the moment so I can keep going.''
''It is a pretty good job to be in. Sometimes, in pre-season, when things get a bit tough, you just remember you are doing something you love.''
Hardie, who has played 65 games for Southland, said the fun off the field was a big reason he had stayed with the Highlanders.
''There's been plenty of highs and lows over the years but one thing that has always been the same is the boys. Just from day one, the culture has been great down here. I've made some good mates.''
Hardie's future is up in the air, and with Scottish connections, there is talk of him moving north.
He said nothing had been decided and he was looking no further ahead than the end of this season.
His focus tonight will be very much on the need to win the breakdown battle and keep the influence of his opposite, Sam Cane, to a minimum.
Cane has been one of the stand-out players this year in the competition. If the Highlanders are to have any success tonight, his influence must be negated.
The Highlanders can clinch a playoff berth if they win tonight and other results go their way.
The Chiefs appear to have a weakened team, but they never lack tenacity and will be ripe for revenge after losing to the Highlanders earlier this season despite dominating everywhere but the scoreboard.
They might miss captain Liam Messam, but everyone who has come in to replace an injured player this year for the Chiefs has stood up.
The Highlanders must put the squeeze on the visitors and look to make the most of any opportunities that came along.
The weather is forecast to be fine tonight after some brief morning rain.
• Highlanders assistant coach Scott McLeod has been named the head coach for the New Zealand Barbarians side.
McLeod will take the reins of the side and will be assisted by Auckland coach Paul Feeney and Hawkes Bay coach Crag Philpott.
The side will be managed by Crusaders manager Angus Gardiner.
The Barbarians will play New Zealand Maori in Auckland on July 18 at Eden Park.