Banks (25) is one of 10 new Highlanders named in the squad for next year and has signed a two-year deal with Jamie Joseph's men.
The Tasman man spent one year with the Hurricanes but did not fancy a return to the capital next season.
''It come down to going back up there or coming down here. I didn't fancy sitting there watching Beaudy [Beauden Barrett] from the stands. So I thought, why not come down here when I can challenge Lima [Sopoaga] and Hayden [Parker] for a starting spot?'' Banks said.
''That's what I want to do. I want to get a few more starts. I learnt a lot last year with the Hurricanes and want to play more games.''
Banks said the presence of Tasman team-mates Joe Wheeler and Shane Christie and their enthusiasm for the Highlanders was also a reason why he committed to the franchise.
''They really loved it and were always telling me what a great place it is. I have never really been here. I've been to Dunedin three times in my life and that would be for about six days in total. But I'm from the West Coast and the weather over there is pretty similar to Dunedin.''
The first five-eighth, who wants to play at No 10 and not fullback, said his main area to work on for next season was being stronger in the contact area, which was a huge part of Super rugby.
He weighed 94kg at present but was keen to add a kilogram or two.
''In Super rugby, guys are just bigger and faster. It is something I will be focusing on in pre-season, trying to put on a bit of weight. That extra size makes a big difference. I'm a little bit taller than most first fives so need to be heavier.''
It has been a rapid rise for the Reefton product. In 2012, he scored a record 131 points for Buller, after not making the Tasman side.
In 2013, he initially did not make the Tasman team, but a couple of games into the season, he got his chance and has never looked back.
''It's been all a bit surreal, to be honest. Two years ago, I did not think I would be where I am now. I have been able to understand it a bit more this year. But it has all been a bit crazy the way it has happened.
''It's great. I'm like a little boy around Christmas time.''
Banks played in Russia for a season and said that had a big impact on his future.
''I did not really want to play rugby over there and that made me want to come back here and give it a crack. Then, when I didn't initially make the Tasman squad last year, that was a real wake-up call for me. When I did get my chance, I had to take it. I learnt a lot of lessons about myself during that time.''
Banks and his Tasman team-mates are coming off a big year. The Makos just came up short against Taranaki in the ITM Cup final in New Plymouth last week.
''They deserved to win but we've had a good year. They simply just played better than us.''
