On The Trail Again
On the Trail Again: From Everest to Bhutan and Beyond!
💫 I’m writing this as we get ready to head back to Nepal for our third trek to the Everest Base Camp and I couldn’t be more excited! it’s such a joy to be sharing this incredible experience once again with members of the Freewheeling Kiwi Community. I know it’s going to be the trip of a lifetime for everyone involved.
After our Everest adventure, we’ll be continuing east along the Himalayas to visit Bhutan, just a hop, skip and a jump away. It’ll be our very first time there, and something already tells me, it definitely won’t be our last, I sense that I’ll already be planning the return trip before we’ve even left!.
💚 A warm welcome to all the new subscribers to the Freewheeling Kiwi Adventure Newsletter, I’m so glad you’re here. This is your space for inspiration, encouragement and a gentle nudge toward the adventures waiting beyond your comfort zone.
Each month, I share travel stories, confidence tips, and soulful reflections to help you reconnect with your sense of freedom, be it exploring a new destination or rediscovering yourself closer to home.
Let’s explore, grow, and adventure — together
Think of this as a little dose of motivation, mindfulness, and adventure delivered straight to your inbox reminding you that your next journey starts with a single brave step.
Until the next adventure, Sharon 💚
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Feature Article
When we walked over the Ben Ohau Range not everything went as planned. A day earlier we’d been sweltering in 30° degree heat as we walked from Twizel to Ohau and on this day, we were chased out of the mountains by unexpected snow.
My story below is really about finding balance, learning when to push forward and when to pause. I’ve discovered that growth often comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, but safety and self-awareness must come first.
Sometimes the bravest choice isn’t to keep going, but to turn back, trusting that there will be another day to try again.
Extract from When Things Go Wrong - Ben Ohau Range
When Things Go Wrong - Ben Ohau Range
I stood forlornly on the trail as my body trembled with the intensity of my shivering and my teeth chattered uncontrollably.
Tears created by the sub zero temperatures mixed freely with the sleet and snot smeared across my face. I could hardly see through my glasses not that there was anything to see other than the horizontal rain swirling manically about us.
Andrew handed me an OSM bar, with his frozen fingers he couldn’t open the wrapping and thought somehow that I’d be able to. While I fumbled with the wrapping, we attempted to communicate above the howling wind.
Finally getting the bar opened I offered him the larger half, we were clearly living Te Araroa dream!
Success Stories
Your Story Can Make an Impact
Opening up isn’t always easy. Being vulnerable and revisiting past experiences can feel uncomfortable and I understand that deeply.
Yet, through my own journey, I’ve found that writing and journaling can be incredibly healing. Putting thoughts into words helps us process emotions, find clarity, and strengthen our well-being.
So, take a few moments each day to write, just for you. Whether you share your words or keep them private doesn’t matter; what matters is that you give yourself that space.
And if you do feel ready, I warmly invite you to share your story with the Freewheeling Community. Your voice might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
Each day you write, you strengthen your voice and your vision 🌟
Freewheeling Kiwi Blog Posts
Off Grid Living at Shambhala
For our tiny, off-grid cabin in New Zealand, finding the right location to start building was paramount and as someone who feels the cold, maximising sunlight was a top priority.
Over the past year while camped out in our tent, we’ve carefully observed how the sun moves across our property "Shambhala" throughout the seasons and in that time, we’ve learnt a great deal.
Where Nature Renews Your Spirit
Every step outdoors is a reminder of how grounded, capable, and alive you are.
As hiking season begins, there’s no better time to lace up your trail shoes and head into the fresh, open air. The trails are calling, whispering promises of freedom, clarity, and connection. Be it a gentle wander through nearby bush tracks or a climb that pushes your limits, every step outdoors rekindles your spirit and reminds you how strong and alive you truly are.
🌿✨ So go on — breathe deeply, move mindfully, and let nature work its quiet, grounding magic. The adventure begins the moment you step outside.
Does this sound familiar?
✨ You dream of travelling solo, of feeling free, confident, and fully alive but fear and self-doubt keep holding you back.
🧭 Your schedule is already overflowing and the thought of planning a trip alone feels exhausting before you even begin. You want to explore, but you’re not sure where to start.
🌿 Deep down, you crave something more from your travel experiences, not just a getaway, but a journey of self-discovery and growth. You want to step outside your comfort zone, explore new places, and reconnect with you.
🌙 Yet another year has passed, and you still feel “stuck” in a season of change, longing to move forward but unsure how to begin your next chapter with confidence and clarity.
Step Into Confident Travel
💛 If this resonates, you’re not alone and that’s exactly where I can help.
⏰ You don’t have to wait for the “right time”, just the courage to begin.
🌍✨ Let’s turn your travel dreams into a confident, life-changing adventure.
🚀 Ready to take the first step? Your next chapter starts here
Did you know that you can get my blog posts into your inbox as soon as they are published?
Keep the Adventure Going
Connect with fellow adventurers, find inspiration, and share in the joy of exploring near and far
Your go-to hub for weekly travel inspiration — from Travel & Trail Snapshots to Tastes of the World, Packing Lists, Tips, A–Z Guides, Day-to-Day Itineraries, and so much more.
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.
💌 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.
Other Travel News
Interesting articles that have been catching my attention
🇳🇿 New Zealand - The opening of the Milford Track for this season is delayed due to avalanche damage
🇦🇺 Australia - The Northern River Rail Trail connects you to stunning landscapes, local towns, and great places to eat, stay, and explore.
If you’ve been enjoying these newsletters and finding the stories or tips helpful, I’d love for you to share them! 💌
Please pass this along to any adventure loving friends who might feel inspired to join our Freewheeling Kiwi journey too.
Useful Resources for Your Next Trip
Use these helpful tools to manage and book your next adventure or trip:
Discover Cars. Save up to 70% by comparing the best car rental deals from 700+ suppliers in 10000+ locations worldwide and FREE Cancellation.
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.
Read Past Issues of the Freewheeling Kiwi Adventure Newsletter
P.S. I’d love to hear from you! 💬
Where are your travels (or dreams of travel) taking you next? Share your story with the Freewheeling Community, your journey might inspire someone else to take that first brave step. 🌍✨
👇 Pop your thoughts or story in the comment box below — I can’t wait to read them! 💛
🌿 The Adventure Begins the Moment You Step Outside
As hiking season arrives, it’s time to lace up your trail runners and answer the call of the open air. The trails are waiting — ready to restore your freedom, clarity, and connection.
Be it a gentle wander through nearby bush tracks or a climb that pushes your limits, every step rekindles your spirit and reminds you how alive you truly are. 🌸✨