It Start’s With A Dream
Hello and welcome
I took my very first Trans-Tasman international flight at just four months old so I guess it was inevitable that I’d develop a love of travel and to this day, I’ve still an insatiable curiosity about what lays beyond the horizon.
With my Mum coming from Australia and Dad from Aotearoa New Zealand it was pretty much guaranteed there’d always be close ties between the two countries and I still happily boomerang between them.
This winter I’ve two trips to Australia, it’s just the way it worked out and I’m so excited to be returning to the Red Centre today with Andrew. It’s decades since I’ve been there and can’t wait to experience once more the beauty of the Australian Outback.
In November we’ll be returning with another Group Tour to Nepal plus this year we’re also visiting neighbouring Bhutan. Any country that measures their GDP by happiness has to be an incredible place to visit and I’m thrilled to be going. All the details are below.
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Feature Article
Those of us that call Aotearoa New Zealand home are blessed to live in an adventure playground which has been thrilling hikers for many years.
During the colder months though you may be more tempted to stay indoors beside the fire than heading out on an epic adventure. Cosy days indorrs provides you with the perfect opportunity to start planning for the next hiking season.
In this article, I share with you my Essential Gear List for a Multi-Day Hike, these are my go to items that I reach for when planning any hiking trip in our beautiful outdoors.
Essential Gear List - Multi-Day Hike
Ask any visitor to the country what it was that attracted them to Aotearoa New Zealand and spending time in our magnificent outdoors is sure to be high on their list. The incredibly beautiful scenery, luxuriant rainforests, magnificent rivers, seemingly limitless mountain ranges, remarkable valleys and tranquil lowland plains are all huge attractions.
There are of course countless variables to any outdoor adventure such as experience, location, season and weather which will all play a big role in your gear choices so while you’ll not need everything on my list, you may have a few of your own favourites to add to it.
Whenever you’re reading recommended gear lists, keep in mind that what may be suitable for another country may not be suitable for New Zealand conditions.
Where Next?
I am boomeranging between Australia and New Zealand this week having just returned from northern New South Wales where I spent time with my Mum and extended family.
We visited what was the family farm at Keerrong near Lismore where my Great Grandmother was widowed and left to raise a family of ten, the youngest just six weeks old. With no social welfare everyone just got on with it, relying on each other and the farming community for support. As a dairy farm, it was fascinating to learn a little about their processes such as taking the cream by horse and cart to the factory in town.
Parkes family farm, at Keerrong, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
As you read this letter, I am returning to Australia with Andrew, this time to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory where we will walk the stunning 230 kilometre Larapinta Trail.
Life happens and neither of us were able to train as much as we’d have liked to so have taken advantage of using food drops which will help to keep our backpack weight down. Every outdoor adventure comes with a challenge or two and the Larapinta Trail will be no different which is precisely why it’s so important to take on these activities.
For some of us, life has become too comfortable with temperature controlled dwellings, food delivered to the door and mind numbing entertainment available with a swipe of our thumb. The conveniences however come with a downside, the less we use our brains and bodies, the more they rust.
“We don’t stop doing things because we get old; we get old because we stop doing things”
I’d love to have your support on this walk, please follow along on my social media channels as I reconsider my life choices while struggling up Mount Sonder to capture the stunning sunrise.
A follow up to last month’s letter; the fruit and nut chocolate won hand’s down over the rain pants - as if there was even any doubt 😉
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Freewheeling Kiwi Group Tours
Come away with me on an Adventure of a Lifetime.
Paro, Bhutan
Dates: Tuesday, 18 - Friday, 21 November 2025
Price: USD $1,099 US $899 (limited time special)
Deposit USD $180.00
Make your way to the most beautiful country, Bhutan. An ideal introduction to the Dragon Kingdom, the safest and most peaceful country in the world which grants you a blend of natural beauty and cultures.
Nestled between some of the mightiest Himalayas in the world, Bhutan is a lesser-known travel destination that imparts its own unique and soulful vibe.
If you’re intrigued but unsure, let’s chat. I’d love to tell you why this adventure is so special
Here’s what awaits you on our Bhutan Short Tour
Hike to the extraordinary Taktsant (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery
Visit the world’s biggest Buddha statue
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Bhutanese capital, Paro
Explore Rinpung Dzong, the national museum
Visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest Bhutanese temple
And so many other cultural experiences
By the end of our 4-day short tour in Bhutan, you’ll be acquainted with the country’s rich culture, history, and stunning landscape, and be coddled with Bhutanese hospitality.
Everest Base Camp Trek, Kathmandu, Nepal
Dates: Sunday, 2nd November - Saturday, 15th November 2025
Price: USD $1,599 (Deposit $320)
Come and trek with me amongst the highest mountains in the world along with a group of other trek-loving enthusiasts.
Major highlights include tracing in the steps of mountaineers to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, the extraordinarily beautiful views of the Himalayan Mountains, immersing yourself in the local Sherpa culture and traversing through the UNESCO listed Sagarmatha National Park.
The Everest Base Camp trek introduces hikers to the Khumbu Region, steeped in history and culture and inhabited by some of the friendliest people you’ll ever have the privilege to meet.
We took two Freewheeling Kiwi Group Tours to Everest Base Camp in 2024 and to say I’m enthusiastic about this beautiful region is to understate it!
In a world that’s never been more comfortable and connected, why are so many people struggling?
Feature Success Story
Michelle Kerr’s Success Story
When I read Michelle’s Success Story, I laughed and I cried, I felt her pain and her struggles and was heart warmed by her many triumphs whether on the trail or throughout her life as she grew stronger and accepted her realities.
I know that you will also be inspired by Michelle’s story and will find strength in her words which may be just the strength you need to make some positive changes in your own life.
Extract from Michelle’s Story
Bouncing Back From Adversity
DAY 35 describes the high of the summits.
Stag Saddle, north of Lake Tekapo and the highest point on Te Araroa Trail, today is what dreams are made of!
This place feels otherworldly, a barren rocky landscape, and I sit and linger for a long while by the Stag Saddle signpost taking it all in. My heart feels so full even if my tummy constantly feels hungry these days. I’m so proud to have made it this far.
Being alive to truly live and experience all of this is such a gift and I don’t take it for granted. My struggles through the valleys pale when I’m standing on the summits. I stretch my arms out wide embracing it all. I love being out here!
Sharon’s Note
One of the joys of hiking Te Araroa is the camaraderie and support shared amongst trail walkers and Andrew and I were fortunate to meet Michelle (Mishy) in the middle of the Arrow River north of Arrowtown, Otago.
We were headed southbound and Michelle was northbound and had been communicating via social media. Many laughs were shared as we each crossed the fast flowing river (trying not to fall in as the camera’s rolled!) then a welcome hug and sharing of stories and trail info as to what lay ahead for each of us.
Moments like these are gold and something we always looked forward to 💚
Your Story Can Make An Impact
Now is your opportunity to share your Success Stories with the Freewheeling Kiwi Community so that in turn we may all be inspired by you.
By sharing your story, you’ll help shape the narrative as to who spends time in our beautiful outdoors, you’ll influence others in a positive way and lift up our whole Freewheeling Kiwi Community.
Freewheeling Kiwi Blog Posts
Here by popular demand are my Hitchhiking Tips for Women which are written in relation to navigating the road sections, access to and from trail heads and for resupplying while walking Te Araroa.
These 15 Tips apply to any hitchhiking activities in Aotearoa New Zealand and even if you’ve no intention of hitchhiking as a driver, it will give you insight into this activity from the hiker’s perspective.
With luck, it may even persuade you to assist a genuine hiker in their quest for a ride to or from the trail 💚
15 Tips for Solo Hitchhiking in New Zealand
Te Araroa is a dream hike for many outdoor enthusiasts the world over and Aotearoa New Zealand is known to be a hiker’s paradise which internationally enjoy’s a reputation as a safe country to visit.
Te Araroa serves the adventurous hiker with a smorgasbord of diverse landscapes, alpine vistas, native forests, coastal trails, lakes, rivers and extraordinarily beautiful views seemingly around every corner.
Ready For More Stories
Freewheeling Kiwi Blog weekly articles including Travel and Trail Snapshots, Taste, Packing Lists, What to Expect, Tips, A to Z Guides, Day to Day Guides and so much more
Te Araroa Blog - daily updates direct from Te Araroa covering the full 133 days we were on trail including daily statistics, vlogs and maps
Newsletter Blog - easy access to all my newsletters which are jam packed with travel tips, unique tours, gear recommendations and travel discounts
Success Stories - these stories have been shared by members of our generous Freewheeling Kiwi community and show that spending time in the outdoors is for all of us.
If you’re finding value in these newsletters and the information that I’ve been sharing,
please forward this along to any adventure loving friends
whom you think might find them inspiring.
Software Corner
Airalo - The World's First eSIM Store - Discounts
Airalo is the world's first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions world-wide, yes even far away places like Nepal and Bhutan! With Airalo eSIMs, travellers can get connected the moment they land in their destination and avoid nasty data roaming charges.
Unsure what an eSIM is?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into a device, like a phone or smartwatch, instead of being a physical card that you insert. An eSIM allows you to connect to a mobile network and use a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card.
Airalo’s eSIM are easy to use, there’s no longer the need to prise open the back of your phone the minute you land in a new country and then the worry of losing your existing physical SIM. Or was it just me that felt challenged by all this!
Airalo has provided the following discounts to the Freewheeling Kiwi community.
FREEWHEELINGKIWI10 (10% off for ANY users): https://airalo.pxf.io/FREEWHEELINGKIWI10
FREEWHEELINGKIWI15 (15% off for NEW users only): https://airalo.pxf.io/FREEWHEELINGKIWI15
How Airalo Works
Gear Corner
Here’s some of the great gear that we’re taking with us on the Larapinta Trail in Australia
Merrell Maipo Explorer Sieve
I’ve been trialing the Maipo Explorer shoes since picking up a pair back in February when Andrew and I visited Merrell’s HQ in Christchurch and I absolutely love them! They’re fantastic on all sorts of trail terrain and the open sides allows water to drain out easily - great if you’re like me and spend as much time walking through rivers as alongside them!
I’m taking the Maipo’s with me on the Larapinta trail and if the spiky spinifex allows, will switch them out with my Moab Leather Boots which will be my main trail shoe.
The Freewheeling Kiwi Community get 15% off Merrell - use my code FREEWHEELINGKIWI15
Radix Nutrition - Discounts
Our food has arrived just in time for our departure to the trail head of the 230 km Larapinta Trail. We plan to take around 12 days to complete the entire trail which means 11 dinners, 12 lunches and 11 breakfasts. Thanks to Radix Nutrition who are once again supporting our adventures and have provided all our meals.
I’m super excited to try out the new breakfasts, my favourite meal of the day. I know from experience that Radix meals have great flavours, heaps of protein and provide plenty of energy to keep us going on the big days - you know the ones, when the mountains go on forever 😅
The Freewheeling Kiwi Community get 15% off Radix - use my code FREEWHEELINGKIWI15. There’s both New Zealand and Australian delivery.
Radix Nutrition
Useful Resources for Your Next Trip
Use these helpful tools to manage and book your next adventure or trip:
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Expedia - Expedia offers travellers a wide selection of accommodation, flights, package, activities and travel services at attractive rates. With hundreds of thousands of accommodation options worldwide and comprehensive choices of flights inventory made readily available on Expedia.co.nz, travellers can easily plan and book their trip
Get Your Guide - Unforgettable Travel Experiences - No matter where your travels take you, Get Your Guide offers the best way to connect with your destination. Make memories all over the globe with their locally-vetted, expertly-curated experiences. From must-see iconic attractions to unexpected under-the-radar gems, they have something for everyone.
Skyscanner - Millions of cheap prices. One simple search Compare flight rates from 1000s of airlines and online travel agents to find the cheapest flight tickets to all major destinations. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (no extra fees)
Airalo eSIM - Discount Code
Airalo is the world's first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions world-wide, yes even far away places like Nepal and Bhutan! With Airalo eSIMs, travellers can get connected the moment they land in their destination and avoid nasty data roaming charges.
Airalo has provided the following discounts to the Freewheeling Kiwi community.
FREEWHEELINGKIWI10 (10% off for ANY users): https://airalo.pxf.io/FREEWHEELINGKIWI10
FREEWHEELINGKIWI15 (15% off for NEW users only): https://airalo.pxf.io/FREEWHEELINGKIWI15
Disclosure: My content is reader-supported, which means I may earn a small commission from links on Freewheeling Kiwi’s Assets if you make a purchase and at no cost to you. This is a way to support me so that I can keep sharing content and stories. Thanks in advance for your support.
