She left behind a drought in Tamworth, so she found the presence of puddles in New Zealand ''very exciting'' and ''a nice change''.
The Tamworth Regional Council business support officer was one of about 14 entrants who contested the Tamworth Queen of Country Music title.
The role suits Whitehorn, who is a self-confessed talker.
''I think I can talk underwater with rocks in my mouth. I'm a very good talker,'' she said.
Talking was a trait she inherited from her mother.
''Between me and my mother no-one can get a word in.''
Since taking on the role she had gained a new respect for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the numbers of people it brought into the region and the benefits gained.
The population ballooned, with people even camping by the river.
''For local businesses it's the best time for them.''
Outlying areas also reaped the benefits, buses from the main centre taking people out to concerts in the smaller towns.
''It's really good you don't have to just be in Tamworth to enjoy the festival.''
Tamworth was a rural service centre, but also boasted all the ''bells and whistles'' of a city.
She enjoyed a wide range of music, including country music, Whitehorn said.
She enjoyed songs that told a story, she said.
Her stay in New Zealand spanned 12 days and included some sightseeing, in places such as Queenstown and Dunedin, as well a round of events at the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards.
Her official round of engagements began by attending the Gore 2014 Young Ambassador awards night, which she thoroughly enjoyed, she said.
