Hammett (44) was in Dunedin over the weekend as part of his role as assistant coach of the Tasman team.
During the weekend, he spent time with Highlanders head coach Tony Brown and others as planning is under way for the 2017 season.
Hammett said his planning for the move south was well under way and it was one of excitement.
``We're super excited about it. We can't wait. The wife [Tash] is on the lookout for houses. She is from Te Anau originally, so it will be good to come back to the deep South,'' he said.
``It was great to have a catch-up with Brownie and some of the management this morning. It was just to see what is going on. It is a busy time of year for coaches in regards to a planning perspective.
Hammett said he would just concentrate on his role with the forwards at Tasman for the remainder of the Mitre 10 Cup season and would try to have a few catch-ups during the season with Brown and co.
Hammett said he was an admirer of the Highlanders and he was keen to help wherever he could and in any capacity.
``I really like the culture and the work ethic and I like what it stands for. I hope I can add something that is pretty good.
``It is like anything - you've got to prove yourself first. And you have got to become part of the team and part of the community.''
Hammett is fully aware of the task he is faced with in joining the Highlanders.
``That is a massive responsibility in Super rugby. You don't get away with it. It does not matter what Super rugby team you are in in New Zealand rugby, the standard is so high.''
He is likely to come to Dunedin some time in November.
Last season, Hammett coached the Sunwolves, the new Japanese outfit. The former All Black hooker was only appointed a few weeks before the season started but he said it was an enjoyable and, for him, a successful season.
``It helped me to coach - no doubt about that. You've got to coach without people understanding you. It challenges your presenting skills and what you have to get across.''
The side only won one game and drew one but the former Hurricanes coach felt the season went better than expected.
``You look at the beginning of the year. People were saying `will they get within 50 or 60?' and most people were saying `no'. But then they had three or four games within a few points and a win and draw. They were a lot more successful than I thought they would be at the beginning but obviously, the next challenge is to go on.''
Hammett said spending time overseas - he also coached at Cardiff for a year - made him realise the strength of New Zealand rugby.
``It is the intensity and the nature in which we train. When the game went professional, budget-wise we are nowhere near the other nations. It would suggest it would go down but our winning percentage has gone up.
``When you live in NZ you forget it is born in our DNA. It is not until you head overseas that you realise that it really is.
``You go get the NZ cricket team and NZ soccer team and get them to play touch - they all will know how to play and be very skilful. That is a massive advantage.
``It is our biggest game and that has its advantages. There are challenges but they [players] are role models and if you do it right, kids want to keep playing the game and it just keeps rolling on.''
