Carter helped himself to 27 points on Saturday night, showing he is right back to his best in the vital first five-eighth position.
The All Blacks' key man had been subdued during the Super 14 for the Crusaders but has slotted straight back into test rugby, and was the conductor for the home side as it easily tamed the Welsh on Saturday night.
Carter said his form at test level in the past two weeks could be put down to playing with guys who have been around the traps for a while.
"It certainly helps my game. It was a learning curve in the Super 14 where I'm used to having experienced players around me. I didn't have that this year. But here I'm playing with guys with a lot of experience. Guys like Conrad Smith and Jimmy Cowan have played a few test matches now," Carter said.
"They have taken on a real leadership role while the young guys bring in a lot of excitement and energy to the team."
Carter said the side had come out slowly and the Welsh were fired up.
But the All Black side gained more continuity as the clock ticked past the hour, with Carter scoring two tries, his second an impressive 50m-plus run.
Carter said that try was something different from his usual efforts, where he went over from 5m to 10m out.
All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith was full of praise for Carter, asking what more could be said about Carter, with his running game backed up by good goal-kicking, general kicking and sound defence.
The 28-year-old suffered a slight calf strain during the game, and may be on light duties at first as the side prepares for the second test against Wales in Hamilton next Saturday.
Carter said the 42-9 win was a great way to end test rugby at Carisbrook.
"When I got subbed off I could watch and laugh at all the beer bottles flying around, with the Mexican wave. To have that atmosphere and to be able to put in a good performance is really pleasing. We haven't had great results the last couple of times we've been here so to turn that around was pleasing.
" It's sad in a way to see it go, but a good way to finish."
