Li, who turns 22 later this month, has moved to the southern franchise after three years with the Blues for whom he played 30 games and picked up seven tries.
But with a truckload of quality wingers up there, Li was unable to secure a starting spot so decided to seek new pastures.
The North Harbour winger chose to head south and join the Highlanders, breaking some long ties in the north.
''I just wanted to get out of my comfort zone. Obviously Malakai Fekitoa and Waisake Naholo came down here and made the big change. They went on and got their game to a whole new level. So hopefully I can come down here and step up to another level,'' Li said.
''It is tough but I'm enjoying it down here. Everything is close and supportive so that is good. I was lucky enough to get my parents to fly down for the game [last week against the Chiefs] and that really gave me a lot of motivation to play some footy. They live in Tonga. Hopefully, will come when they can.''
It is Li's first time away from home and so far it is working out all right.
Fekitoa and Naholo both made the All Blacks after leaving the Blues and Li will be keen to be added to that list.
The left winger had a good pre-season, looking lively in the Brisbane tens and was one of the Highlanders' best in the side's loss to the Chiefs last week.
But he felt he still had a way to go to get to the level he wanted.
''I have got to learn every day and off everyone, especially Tony Brown, and give myself a bit of confidence. So if I get better this will be a big bonus.
''I just have to work on my whole game. Just kicking and defence and attack.
I just have to get more confidence in myself and back myself, pull the trigger as Browny [coach Tony Brown] says.''
Li said previously when playing under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium he found it daunting and not enjoyable.
Last week though was completely different.
''I loved it. The crowd was amazing. I really did not like it before. But wearing the Highlanders colours, I really loved it.''