It is also going to be a great adventure and an intriguing challenge. The 36-year-old was appointed coach of Kenya on Monday and could leave Dunedin as early as this weekend to take up his new post in Africa.
His wife Kate and daughters Holly (4) and Charlie (1) will join him once the family has tidied up some loose ends.
"It is an exciting adventure for the family," Hesson said. "It is something we weren't looking at initially, but the more I heard about it the more excited I got about the role.
"We are all very much looking forward to getting over there and experiencing something new."
A lift in temperature might help ease the transition.
"The difference between Dunedin and Nairobi will probably be about 20 degrees," Hesson said with a hint of glee.
"We'll be based in Nairobi and, like any big city. There are some areas you stay well clear of.
But it is an exciting city, there is a large expat community and I know a few people over there."
Hesson, who enjoyed a successful six-year stint with Otago, heard about the job through the ICC.
"They let me know about it and made sure I was keen to apply.
That happened a couple of months ago, and it has obviously been a long process since then."
Hesson, who has signed a two-year deal, replaces West Indian Eldine Baptiste, who left Kenya following the team's poor performances at the World Cup earlier this year. The team lost all six matches, including a 10-wicket loss to New Zealand.
An associate nation, Kenya does not have test status. The sport was first played in Mombasa in 1896, although there was little structure until the formation of the national body and umpires' association in the 1950s.
"They have a long history and have had some quality players," Hesson said. "They've played in the last five World Cups and had some success in the past. But they had a disappointing 2011 World Cup and following that have made a lot of changes, to personnel and also to structures."
There is no domestic first-class tournament in Kenya but its four major teams play in a one-day and twenty/20 tournament which includes two teams from Uganda.
The matches are televised and are considered an important stepping stone towards lifting the level of cricket getting Kenya up to test standard.
"To stay involved with the ICC is huge for my career and for them to want to use me in this position is a bit of a pat on the back as well," Hesson said.
"I'll be coaching international cricket and we will be playing against the best players in world.
It will be great for my career."
Hesson coached Argentina in 2004 before returning to Dunedin to assist Otago coach Glenn Turner in 2004-05. He took over the reins the following summer and led Otago to two national titles.
Up until a week ago, Hesson was still in the running to be the Black Caps' next manager. But he pulled out when "the timing of that position became prohibitive".
"There were a number of positions available but this is the one I've decided to go with."
