Aaron Smith is preparing for a farewell to Dunedin and Highlanders ...

The halfback debuted in 2011 when the franchise still called Carisbrook home - he heads to Japan after the World Cup.

Smith plays his last game at home for the Highlanders on Friday against the Reds, with their play-off hopes in the balance.

He says the region feels like home to a boy from Manawatu.

SUPER RUGBY COVERAGE WITH ENZED SAFETY BLACKWOODS. TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS