Setbacks and Successes
Hello and welcome
WOOT WOOT!
I love a good podcast and have been listening to one of the very best for many years. When I first starting listening to Sarah Williams, the founder of the multi award winning Tough Girls Podcast interviews I was in awe of both her and the amazing women who were sharing their stories. Fast forward several years and I’m beyond excited to now share my interview on Tough Girls.
A little known fact - Sarah is one of my first inspirations for choosing the life I now lead as an outdoor adventurer and storyteller, from the moment I came across her incredible work I thought “when I grow up…” Given Sarah is sixteen years younger than me, that was always going to be a challenge, but hey, what’s life without goals.
We were delighted to host Hamish Bourke and Hayden Warren from Merrell NZ at our off-grid property Shambhala in Coromandel and spent a full day with them exploring the area, being interviwed and creating content. They’ve created a short documentary on Shambhala and I’m tickled pink with the result which gives a sneak peek into this aspect of our varied lifestyle. As someone who creates stories, I was fascinated to see their impressions of the day.
Michelle Green has returned to share her heartwarming Success Story, this one really captures the essence of what it is to combine or try to combine an outdoor lifestyle with other responsibilities and challenges. Michelle reaches deep within and shares her struggles and successes, her on trail fears (this one may surprise you) and her learnings. Her story will resonate with many of you and I hope upon reading it, you share in the comments section your own thoughts. Better yet, hit the button and share your own Success Story so that we may all learn and grow together.
Plus, find out why we are returning to Nepal and how YOU can come with us on the November Everest Base Camp Trek and then on to explore Bhutan. There’s also details from the latest blog article, Wintertime in the Red Centre, plus much much more.
Grab a cuppa and dive into all of this below ⤵️
In the meantime, take care, lots of love Sharon 💚
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Feature Success Story
Last month’s Adventure Newsletter introduced you to Michelle Green (Long White Gypsy) who kindly provided her insights into section hiking Te Araroa. Having first thru hiked Te Ika-a-Māui North Island before starting to section hike Te Waipounamu South Island, Michelle shared with us the advantages of taking on a massive challenge in bite size chunks.
The article resonated with many of you and Michelle is back once again to share her Success Story though this time, she features other trials and triumphs beyond Te Araroa.
Michelle speaks directly from the heart and I felt like I was walking alongside her as she stood tall and looked her fears straight in the eye. These stories will resonate with anyone who’s spent a little time in the outdoors and for those of you who haven’t yet, will bring comfort in knowing others have been before you and have come out the other side.
Extract from Michelle’s article;
Facing Fear… One Step at a Time
Almost immediately, I knew Mum wouldn’t be able to make it (she’s much shorter than me) and as I went to leap back across to her, I also realised I couldn’t make it back. We were stuck on opposite sides.
Fortunately, I knew that Mum could backtrack slightly (less than five minutes) to the alternative flood track. I dropped my pack and told her to start walking, and said I would meet her on the other side. But she wouldn’t go - she was scared of leaving me and being on her own.
After a number of attempts to calmly explain to her that she wouldn’t be on her own for long, the deafening sound of rushing water and the rising sense of fear led the conversation to became heated and I eventually ended up screaming at her to turn around.
She went, reluctantly (and, I think, quite fearfully), but I never could get the image of her slipping and being carried away down the river out of my head. Now, if we find ourselves in a similar situation, we don’t do anything unless we can both do it together.
Seen and Heard
Tough Girl Podcast
Tough Girl Podcast
Join with me and Sarah Williams from the multi award winning Tough Girl Podcast as we chat about all things adventuring in the beautiful outdoors.
Sharon shares the incredible story of walking the full Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km thru-hike stretching the length of New Zealand. Alongside her partner Andrew, she tackled harsh weather, blisters, foot pain, and relentless terrain—proving that age is no barrier to adventure.
A few years ago, Sharon made the bold decision to walk away from her rural real estate career and pursue a life filled with purpose, exploration, and connection to nature. In this conversation, we explore her motivations, the magical (and muddy) moments on the trail, and her mission to empower women over 50 to step into the wild with confidence.
Sharon also shares practical tips for low-cost adventuring, content creation on the go, and how she’s continuing her journey by heading to Australia’s rugged Larapinta Trail next.
If you're looking for inspiration to follow your passion—no matter your age—this episode is for you.
Listen HERE
Merrell NZ Documentary
Shambhala
In this short documentary, we travel to the heart of the Coromandel to visit Sharon and Andrew from @freewheelingkiwi — a couple who are pursuing an Off-grid lifestyle with intention and purpose. Their property, Shambhala, is tucked between native bush and winding streams. It’s a place where time slows down and the connection to the land runs deep. We set out to learn what their property means to them and how they adapt, create, and thrive away from the noise of modern life. From hand-feeding eels to crafting shelter from reclaimed materials, their lifestyle offers both challenge and clarity.
Watch the documentary HERE
Travel Consulting and Adventure Planning
Feeling stressed about your new adventure and travel planning? I’m here to help simplify the process and take the weight off your shoulders. I will support you and provide expert advise tailored to meet your needs so that you can travel stress free.
Expert Travel Advise
Get personalised advise on where to go, when to travel, how to plan a pace that works for you and what to add to your bucket list. I’ll share tips on budgeting, packing, transport, apps and even foods that will be sure to tempt your tastebuds.
Custom Itinerary Planning
Let’s design an adventure that matches YOUR style, an active hiking getaway, relaxing on a beach or a once in a lifetime epic journey to the ends of the earth.
Solo Travel Coaching
Now’s the time to build your confidence, handle safety concerns and discover the joy of travelling independently.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Everest Base Camp, Himalayas, Nepal
Where Next?
In a little over two months we will be returning to Kathmandu in Nepal, to say that we are besotted with this region would be an understatement. Of course the hiking is glorious, the views sublime and the culture is fascinating but what keeps us going back are the people.
Jacque Webber, Everest Base Camp
“A trip of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp with the “best NZ crew” lead by the wonderful “freewheelingkiwi” Sharon.
An opportunity that was not going to be passed up after following her previous EBC adventure on Instagram (her reels make you want to be there!). Sharon had advice, tips and her written guide for everyone who had questions pre-travel.
Her experience was invaluable. 100% success rate for our group on this hike.
What a feeling and memory to treasure. Thanks Sharon and Andrew”
Himalayan Recreation and Trekking - Porters
We are partnered with local company, Himalayan Recreation in Nepal to ensure that our tour money remains in the country and with the locals where it’s needed most.
The porters that we work with are incredibly conscientious and hard working, plus importantly, they’ve a good sense of humour and enjoy what they’re doing.
Seen here with Sharon and Andrew at Lukla are brothers; Prashant, Phurtenji, Pradip and Bhakta Tamang. Before even starting the Everest Base Camp Trek, this family have already walked two days from their own village!
The brothers are proudly wearing their Miraka hats all the way from New Zealand.
Himalayan Recreation and Trekking - Guides
Raju Simkhada has been our Guide for each of our Everest Base Camp Treks. With a 100% success rate of getting hikers to the Base, it’s safe to say that with Raju, you’re with someone who is incredibly experienced in this challenging terrain.
Without putting on any pressure, Raju knows just the right words of encouragement to keep everyone moving forward.
This picture is taken near Namche Bazaar and the beautiful mountain in the back is Ana Dablam.
It’s working with these local professionals that make this trip so memorable and that keeps us coming back.
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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!
“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." - Sir Edmund Hillary
Freewheeling Kiwi Blog Posts
Wintertime in the Red Centre, Australia
Winter in the Red Centre of Australia is magical. Imagine clear dry days under an enormous blue sky, pleasant daytime temperatures and last but not least, fewer flies when compared to the hot and wet summer months.
While it’s possible to visit the region in any season, winter’s cool drier days provide the ideal conditions to explore the Red Centre’s iconic landscapes.
Resources For YOUR Travel and Adventures
I’m asked daily for personalised travel and gear advise including what clothes I’m wearing, which are the best shoes for a long hike, what’s the best backpack or tent, where to stay and how to book accommodation, flights and activities.
My Resources Page provides the answers to many of those questions with practical advise for planning and gearing up for your own adventures as well as companies I use while travelling as a full time travel content creator or digital nomad.
Bookmark my Resources Page as I continue to develop it further while testing new goods and services for my own use.
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.
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
I love a good podcast and have been listening to one of the very best for many years.
When I first starting listening to Sarah Williams, the founder of the multi award winning Tough Girls Podcast interviews I was in awe of both her and the amazing women who were sharing their stories. Fast forward several years and I’m beyond excited to now share my interview on Tough Girls.