Hello friends,
What does your next adventure look like? Is it a beautiful coastal walk, your first night sleeping in a hut, or a journey to the foot of the world's highest mountains?
One of the things I love about adventure is that it comes in so many shapes and sizes. You don't have to travel halfway around the world or take on a huge challenge to discover something new about yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is choosing a different track and seeing where it leads.
As you read this, I'll be in Nepal, having completed our Annapurna Base Camp expedition and begun the journey towards Everest Base Camp. While my adventures are taking me deep into the Himalayas, I've got two ideas to inspire your own outdoor plans back home.
So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's get exploring!
— Sharon ⭐️
🥾 ADVENTURE CORNER
Stories and tips from the trail to inspire your own journeys.
🌊 The Coromandel Walkway
Big coastal views, fresh air and a little summer inspiration
Imagine a track winding through coastal bush, opening out to sweeping ocean views, with the freedom to stop whenever a view catches your eye. That's the appeal of the Coromandel Walkway, linking Fletcher Bay and Stony Bay at the northern tip of the peninsula.
If you're looking for a summer adventure with a real sense of getting away from it all, this is one to put on your list. My guide covers what to expect and the practical details to help you plan your visit.
Fancy a little Coromandel inspiration?
🎒 Your First Overnight Hike
Ready to turn a day walk into a bigger adventure?
Ever dreamed of heading out on a walking track, carrying everything you need and spending the night surrounded by nature? If you've only ever done day walks, the idea of an overnight hike can feel a little daunting. What should you pack? How much food will you need? And how do you choose a track that's right for you?
After thousands of kilometres of walking in New Zealand and beyond, I've learnt that you don't need to be an experienced tramper to get started. My practical guide covers choosing the right track, building your confidence, packing the essentials and preparing for New Zealand's changeable weather, so you can spend less time worrying and more time looking forward to the adventure.
Ready to take the next step beyond day walks?
👉 Read Your First Overnight Hike: How to Prepare for a Multi-Day Hike in New Zealand
🏔️ NEPAL: TWO TREKS, ONE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
By the time this newsletter lands in your inbox, our Annapurna Base Camp expedition should be complete, and the Everest Base Camp adventure will be underway.
Leading two Himalayan expeditions back to back is a big undertaking, and there's a lot more to it than walking towards a famous mountain. There's the planning, the logistics, the teamwork, and the responsibility of supporting a group of trekkers as they take on an experience that may be very different from anything they've done before.
From Annapurna to Everest Base Camp
And, of course, there's Nepal itself. The landscapes, the culture, the people we meet along the way and the incredible work of our local guides and porters are all part of what makes these journeys so special.
Every trekker arrives with their own reasons for making the journey. For some, it's a long-held dream. For others, it's about challenging themselves, seeing somewhere extraordinary or discovering what they're capable of.
I'm grateful to be back in the Himalayas sharing these experiences with another group of adventurers.
Could Nepal be your next big adventure?
If Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp or other Himalayan adventures are on your bucket list, you can explore my small-group trekking trips and find out what's coming up.
💛 A NOTE ABOUT NARAYAN
Remembering the people behind our adventures
Our Himalayan journeys are made possible by the incredible people who work on the trails, often carrying heavy loads and helping trekkers navigate challenging terrain. They're much more than the people who guide us from one place to another. They're part of the community that makes these adventures possible.
As shared in previous newsletters, our friend and trekking guide Narayan Baniya went missing following the devastating flooding in Nepal on 26 August. His situation and the impact on his family remain close to our hearts.
I don't have a confirmed new update to share as I prepare this newsletter, but I'm deeply grateful to everyone who has reached out, offered support or helped raise awareness.
Thank you for remembering Narayan and his family, and for recognising the people behind the adventures we enjoy.
🌱 Until Next Month
Your next adventure starts with a first step
As we head into the warmer months here in New Zealand, I hope you'll find a little time to get outside, explore somewhere new and make space for the things that bring you joy.
Perhaps you'll tackle a coastal walk you've been meaning to do for years. Maybe you'll finally try an overnight hike. Or perhaps your adventure will simply be taking the long way home and discovering a track you've never walked before.
You don't need to wait until you're fitter, more experienced or perfectly prepared to start exploring. Choose something that feels achievable, do your homework, and take that first step.
I'll be spending November in the Himalayas, so my updates may be a little less frequent while we're out on the trails. In the meantime, I'd love to hear about your plans.
What's on your adventure list this summer?
Hit reply and tell me. I'm always interested to hear where you're heading and what you're looking forward to.
Until next time, take good care of yourself, get outside when you can, and remember that adventure isn't just about how far you travel. It's about what you discover along the way.
Happy walking! 🌿🥾
— Sharon ⭐️
Explore the world. Explore yourself.
Freewheeling Kiwi is about finding the confidence to try new things, connecting with the natural world and discovering that there's often more within us than we realise.
Thanks for being part of the journey.
📬 Catch up on past newsletters below
Imagine waking up in a cosy hut or under canvas, surrounded by nature, with a whole new day of walking ahead of you. If you've ever dreamed of trying an overnight hike but wondered whether you're fit enough, what to pack or where to start, this edition has you covered. Plus, discover the spectacular coastal scenery of the Coromandel Walkway and join me on a journey to Nepal as our Annapurna and Everest Base Camp adventures unfold in the Himalayas.