The full-back headed back home to New Zealand over the summer before returning to Glasgow refreshed and ready to get started.
McKay says the off-season has been beneficial for both him and the team after the defending champions lost their URC semi-final to eventual trophy winners Leinster in April.
"It's been a while since we last played at Scotstoun," he told BBC Scotland. "It's been a good summer and pre-season, so we're looking forward to getting stuck into round one.
"We were disappointed with our last season finish, but it's so important to get the body right in the off-season, not only physically but mentally.
"It can be a long winter and a lot of rugby can definitely take its toll over the season.
"Franco does a really good job at managing us all here. We're lucky to get a long off-season, so by the time we come back, everyone is ready to be back in the building and go to work for each other.
"We've got to keep turning up in good shape, but we're all super excited for this season."
McKay thinks "it's going to be a good season" and can't wait to get started against Sharks.
"It's easy to want to look ahead and forecast, but we're taking it week by week and just stacking up as many wins as we can to hopefully put ourselves in a better position at the end of the season," he added.
"I'm happy with how I've been progressing over the last few seasons. I'm looking to build on the last four seasons here."