Except he now has two homes, and his new home is becoming just as good, if not better and more productive, then his old home.
Whitelock (27) will be a key man when the Highlanders head to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders on Friday night.
The youngest of four rugby-playing brothers, Whitelock played 50 games for the Crusaders before joining the Highlanders in 2016.
It has been a sound decision, as his game has taken a step forward and his performances have been rewarded with selection in the All Blacks for last month's series against France.
Whitelock agreed his game had grown considerably since the venture south.
''It was a good move for me to come down here. We had Tony [Brown] and Jamie [Joseph] and they got me down here. I've learnt a lot - has helped shape me in the past few years,'' he said.
''Another one was Stormy [former Highlanders assistant coach Scott McLeod]. He worked really hard on D [defence] with me and he was a big part of that.
''I guess I have just tried to express myself on the field, through defence and through getting my hands on the ball. I've played a lot more minutes down here. The competition is always healthy.''
Playing under a roof helped, he said. But there is a suggestion the Highlanders are all at sea when not under the roof in Dunedin.
Whitelock is not buying into those thoughts, with a cold, wet night expected in Christchurch on Friday night.
'''It is what it is. It is no different to other places. Like in South Africa, you're on the high veldt. Every place is different. We have always got to adapt to different places you play.''
Whitelock actually hails from Manawatu but, like his three brothers, moved to Canterbury upon leaving school, and will still wear the red and black as he has signed to play for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup.
But he may not be sighted in that competition much after playing in the three French tests. It is an experience he is keen to keep going.
''It was great, a great three weeks. It's just another level. It is just a bit faster. There is less margin for error. Enjoyed just getting out there and playing.''
With Kieran Read coming back into the No8 mix for the national side, Whitelock faces some competition for his place.
But it is not something worth worrying about at the moment.
The focus is firmly on the Crusaders and it has to be. Worrying and thinking about other stuff gets a player nowhere.
''You've just got to park something and then pick up something new. You got to learn pretty quickly. If you want to hold on to things then you won't get anywhere. You've got to just try your best.''
Whitelock said playing in two different sides over the year was a good thing and helped his game.
''It is refreshing with that change of environment. It allows you to have a definite campaign.''
Whitelock's selection for the All Blacks meant he spurned the possibility of going to Japan and is now set to head back to the Highlanders next year.