Holland played tests in New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, the United States, Scotland and Wales in his breakthrough first year in the All Blacks, after which he spent time with family in the Netherlands before a relaxing holiday in the Cook Islands.
Never, though, has he gone to the ultimate destination for an All Black.
Holland has not played in South Africa and would dearly love to be part of the Greatest Rivalry tour later this year.
"It’s hard not to be excited," the giant lock told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
"If I make the team again, which is never a given, we’ll prepare for a couple of games here in New Zealand and then pretty much prepare for eight weeks in South Africa, which is an event in itself.
"The rivalry, the history of New Zealand playing in South Africa... it will be pretty special."
Holland has enjoyed a summer break to reflect on his remarkable debut year at international level.
He played 12 of the All Blacks’ 14 tests, starting 10 times, and was named World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year.
Family will always come first, though, and the dynamic Dutchman was delighted to head home to Castricum after the last test of the year, in Cardiff, to spend time with his biggest supporters.
"First time me, my brother and my sister were in the same spot for six years, so that was pretty cool."
Plenty of people in the Netherlands knew of the All Blacks, and that one of their own was in the team, but he was still able to get around anonymously and hang out with old mates, Holland said.
The famously obsessed rugby nut wants mainly to look ahead rather than talk about his exploits last year.
"I’m just very grateful for the opportunities that came my way.
"There’s still a lot of room for improvement. I’m proud of the things I’ve done but I’m very hungry to keep developing, and let this be the start of a beautiful journey."
The World Rugby award was a surprise and was more about the team.
"I guess it’s a beautiful way to show how good the boys have been to me coming into the environment. I was 22 and it was pretty daunting at times.
"The leaders and the boys around me really made me feel part of the group and allowed me to be myself and play my game.
"For me, it was a symbol of what the group meant to me."
The Highlanders also mean a lot to Holland.
He is fizzing to get back into Super Rugby action soon and will do everything he can to help the Highlanders bounce back after finishing bottom of the table last year.
"I think this group is very driven. In some ways, it has matured and the connections that we made last year and the progress that we made last year — we’re taking that with us.
"This year is about learning from mistakes we made last year. We lost seven games within seven points, so it’s having a critical view of our game and I guess a wee bit about how we handle things under pressure.
"We won’t accept the wooden spoon. Anything less than the top three is for us a disappointment."
Holland has enjoyed getting to know a new Highlanders team-mate and fellow lock.
Pumas veteran Tomas Lavanini was "a great person, a great lad," he said.
"Pretty much all Argentinians I’ve come across have been very friendly, very warm, and he’s just the epitome of that.
"He’s a big man and he’s a bit of a body to throw around in the collisions. I can’t wait to lock beside him and learn of him."
Lavanini has a reputation as an enforcer but he was not the man responsible for a fresh injury above Holland’s right eyebrow.
"First day back, contact session, my flatmate Hugh Renton head to head, and got a few stitches.
"That’s when you know we’re back into footy mode."
