Explore . Reflect . Grow 🌱
Explore > Reflect > and Grow > 2026 Starts Here
Happy New Year, friends! 🌞
I hope the start to 2026 has given you space to rest, reflect and dream a little. As the calendar turns, I’ve been thinking about what it means to explore — not just new places but new parts of ourselves.
This year, I’m excited to share more stories, tools, and insights that support you on both the trail and in your everyday life. Let’s step forward with curiosity and courage.
A small but meaningful milestone
This month marks five years since Freewheeling Kiwi first stepped into the world. What began as a personal leap of faith has quietly grown into a shared space for reflection, courage and connection — and that’s because of you.
Whether you’ve been here from the early days or you joined more recently, thank you for being part of this journey. If you’d like to know how it all began, and why this work still matters so deeply to me, you can read the story behind Freewheeling Kiwi here.
🌍 Coromandel, New Zealand
Right now, we’re in Coromandel, New Zealand and on the brink of something big 🌿 (or should I say tiny!). Building on our off grid cabin starts next week and I can hardly wait to see it take shape. It feels like one of those moments where a dream starts becoming very real.
Looking ahead to 2026, I’m thrilled to already have wonderful people booked on the Everest Base Camp 🏔️ and Annapurna Base Camp 🏞️ treks, with lots more interest coming in. These journeys aren’t just about reaching a destination, they’re about discovering what you’re capable of along the way.
Here’s to steady steps, bold dreams, and another year of adventure and growth - Sharon 💚
🥾 ADVENTURE CORNER
Stories and tips from the trail to inspire your own journeys.
🔹 Tama Lakes Track Gear Tips
Planning a trek to the stunning Tama Lakes in Tongariro National Park?
This guide breaks down the essential gear you’ll need — from layered clothing and sun protection to navigation tools and a downloadable packing checklist — so you can hike safely and confidently.
🔹 Tarawera Falls to Lake Tarawera Day Hike
A beautiful one‑day walk through lush native forest, alongside clear river views and cascading waterfalls, culminating in calm lakeside reflections.
This post walks you through the experience, practical tips, and why it’s one of those hikes that feels just right.
🌱 COACHING CORNER
Insights and support for inner exploration and confidence.
🔹 Self‑Awareness: The One Coaching Skill That Changes Everything
This post explores how self‑awareness becomes the foundation for confidence, helping you understand patterns, dissolve self‑doubt, and respond more intentionally to life’s challenges.
It’s a powerful reminder that growth often begins from within.
✨ Introducing the Coaching Hub
Many of you have told me that travel changed you — not just in the places you visited, but in how you see yourself.
That idea sparked the Coaching Hub — a space designed to support you with practical tools, reflective prompts and confidence‑building insights, whether you’re planning your next adventure or navigating life at home.
No pressure — just support, curiosity, and space to grow.
📅 What’s Next?
Here’s what’s coming in 2026: 🌝
• Highlights from group trips and new journeys in the pipeline.
• Upcoming blogs on adventure, resilience, and personal growth.
• A question for you: What are you dreaming about this year?
Reply to this email — I’d love to hear what’s calling you.
🔗 Stay Connected
Visit the blog for deeper stories, follow along on Instagram or TikTok, and check out the Coaching Hub anytime for support in your inner journey. This week, try one small step that takes you out of your comfort zone, on trail or in life.
Thank you for being part of this community — here’s to courage, curiosity, and a life well explored. 🌿
— Sharon 💚
And truly — thank you for walking alongside me on this path.
🔄 Keep the Adventure Going
Connect with fellow adventurers, find inspiration, and share in the joy of exploring near and far
If you’ve ever imagined more — more freedom, more courage, more living with intention — this is your space. Let’s walk this path together, one brave step at a time.
Your go-to hub for weekly travel inspiration — from Travel and Trail Snapshots to Tastes of the World, Packing Lists, Tips, A–Z Guides, Day-to-Day Itineraries, and so much more.
💌 Freewheeling Kiwi Adventure Newsletter
Catch up on every edition of our adventure-filled newsletters — packed with travel tips, unique tours, gear recommendations, and exclusive discounts for our community.
Be inspired by the real adventures of our generous Freewheeling Kiwi community. These shared stories prove that the outdoors — and the joy of adventure — truly are for everyone.
Follow our full 133-day journey along Te Araroa with daily updates straight from the trail — complete with stats, vlogs, maps, and reflections from life on the move.
📬 Catch up on past newsletters below
We finally slept under our own roof at Shambhala, and named her Kalapa. This month: a message from Nepal about a newborn daughter, the founding Reset and Recharge Walk, the Matariki winter walk, Trek Prep updates, and why trekking with me is nothing like booking online.