Hunt started for the Highlanders against the touring British and Irish Lions side on 13 June 2017, taking part in the 23–22 win and delivering a solid 58 minute performance before being replaced by fellow rookie James Lentjes.
off the bench in a 22–31 loss against the All Blacks, Hunt and fellow Barbarians back-rower Luke Whitelock were called into the All Blacks squad as injury replacements for 81-test veteran Jerome Kaino who was injured against the Barbarians side.
Hunt made his debut for New Zealand against a French XV on 14 November 2017, replacing Ardie Savea off the bench with ten minutes left of the 28–23 win.
His form for both the Highlanders and North Harbour saw him recalled to the wider training squad for the All Blacks end of year tour, where he earned his official test debut off the bench against Japan.
Hunt confirmed his retirement from all professional rugby in November 2021, citing the same recurrent concussion symptoms that kept him off the field that same year.