Smith has started the past two games for the teams, after coming off the bench for the first seven matches to replace All Black Jimmy Cowan.
"I haven't been frustrated [starting on the bench]. It's just great to be in the environment. I've got a few runs off the bench and to be able to go to Africa was pretty amazing," he said.
"I'm taking everything as it comes in my first year. Just really appreciative of everything I've got here."
Smith, who plays his provincial rugby for Manawatu, has not let the side down when starting in the past couple of matches, helping in the team's wins over the Rebels and Crusaders.
Beating the Crusaders last Saturday night was a feeling which would not come along too often.
"It was probably one of those unique feelings that you can ever have. To play against those guys and come away with a win was pretty special.
"We had a lot of support up there, and that really helped us out. I suppose you hear it more when you are looking for it."
Smith (22) came to the Highlanders squad after an impressive campaign with the New Zealand Maori last year.
"I was in the Blues wider training squad last year so that gave me a bit of a sniff. Then I made Zealand Maori and got lucky there too. Piri Weepu made the All Blacks and there were not many Maori halfbacks around.
"Then [Chris] Smylie fell down and that gave me the opportunity to get in there."
New Zealand Maori was coached by Jamie Joseph, and he liked what he saw in Smith and signed him up for the Highlanders.
"He's an awesome coach. You always want to play hard for him. You know where you stand with him."
Smith is not finding the jump up in intensity too hard at Super 15 level although everything was a lot faster and more physical.
"But I've had a good pre-season put into me and I've never had one of those before. You're fulltime so I'm in better condition."
Smith was likely to be back on to the bench this Friday night against the Blues, with Cowan back into the starting spot, and he said getting the right result was more about the team than one individual.
"I think it is pretty obvious out there that everyone is committed for each other. I do not think we are one of those teams where one guy is just trying to do his thing. It is all 22 of us trying to get one guy over the line.
"When we score or win a game, everyone is happy for us. The unique thing for our team is we all want to work for each other."
Smith is also a vital member of the team because of his hairdressing skills.
The first year out of school he started a hairdresser's apprenticeship. He did two years but has had to put it on hold because of rugby commitments.
"I've had to put it on backburner for a while. But I do about three-quarters of the guys' hair here.
"They are all right; a couple of them are a bit shabby, but they don't mind it. Once they realise I can cut people's hair then they find it handy that someone on the team can cut your hair.
"If they buy me a beer then I'm happy."
Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith prepares to catch the ball at training at Logan Park yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh
