Adventure, Confidence and Life Stories
The Freewheeling Kiwi Blog
Explore authentic travel adventures, personal reflections, and practical tips to help you grow in confidence, embrace challenges, and experience the world more fully.
Hi, I’m Sharon Evans. Through this blog, I share stories from my journeys around Aotearoa New Zealand and the world—moments of discovery, courage, and connection with nature. Here you’ll find inspiration, insights, and real experiences to guide you in living adventurously while building confidence and self-trust every step of the way.
Te Araroa - Walking Back to Myself
Two years ago I walked the full length of Aotearoa, from Cape Reinga to Stirling Point in Bluff, covering more than 3,000 kilometres over 133 days.
What I expected was a physical challenge and a long-held adventure ticked off the list. What I did not expect was how profoundly the trail would reshape my understanding of rest, simplicity and coming back to myself.
The lessons did not arrive dramatically. They accumulated slowly, step by step, day by day, until something essential had quietly shifted.
Whether you are a long distance hiker or simply someone craving a proper reset, I think some of what Te Araroa taught me might resonate with you too.