Trail Notes, Trip Stories and Honest Advice from the Field

The Freewheeling Kiwi Blog

Sharon Evans is the founder of Freewheeling Kiwi and one of Australasia's leading small group Himalayan trekking specialists

She has walked the full length of Te Araroa — 3,000 kilometres from Cape Reinga to Bluff — and led multiple groups to Everest Base Camp with a 100% summit success rate. She also treks in Australia, Bhutan, the Annapurna region and across New Zealand.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal, Asia Sharon Evans Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal, Asia Sharon Evans

What My Trekkers Can Expect on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

People ask me what the Annapurna Base Camp trek is actually like. Not the glossy brochure version. The real version. What are the days like, what will you see, what will you feel, what will surprise you? After leading multiple groups to Himalayan Base Camps, I know exactly what this trek delivers. And it delivers more than most people expect.

Ten days. Kathmandu to Pokhara, rhododendron forest to glacial moraine, tea house dinners to the moment the Annapurna Sanctuary opens up around you at 4,130 metres. Here is the full picture, day by day, based on our group trek departing 28 October 2026.

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New Zealand, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua Sharon Evans New Zealand, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua Sharon Evans

What a Zipline Tour Taught Me About Running Adventure Experiences

A zipline tour in Rotorua became an unexpected reminder that great adventure tourism has very little to do with adrenaline alone.

From safety culture and guest experience to trust, storytelling and operational leadership, the parallels between guiding trekkers in the Himalayas and running high quality adventure experiences in New Zealand are surprisingly similar.

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Asia, Bhutan Sharon Evans Asia, Bhutan Sharon Evans

Discovering Bhutan: A Journey of Culture, Craft and Calm

Just before the year closed I explored Bhutan, a land of serene valleys, misty mountains and vibrant culture. I visited skilled artisans creating intricate weavings, carvings, embroidery and paintings that have been passed down through generations. We also explored monasteries tucked into quiet valleys and hiked to the iconic Tigers Nest Monastery perched high on a cliff above the Paro Valley.

From the rolling hills and sparkling rivers to the sacred temples and remote villages, every corner of Bhutan felt alive with stories, skill and tradition. Each moment was filled with wonder, reflection and a sense of calm. Discover the beauty, craft and culture of Bhutan through this immersive journey.

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Sharon Evans is the founder of Freewheeling Kiwi and one of Australasia's leading small group Himalayan trekking specialists

She has walked the full length of Te Araroa — 3,000 kilometres from Cape Reinga to Bluff — and led multiple groups to Everest Base Camp with a 100% summit success rate. She also treks in Australia, Bhutan, the Annapurna region and across New Zealand.