Trials, trails and triumphs
Hello and welcome
WOWEE!
I have just returned from one of the best trips I’ve ever taken; hiking the multi day Larapinta Trail PLUS numerous day hikes which included King’s Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Red Centre of Australia. It’s been simply AMAZING and I’ve returned with countless images, videos and stories to share with you over the coming weeks.
Being in the outdoors is my happy place and when combined with endless blue skies, fascinating history, culture and heritage along with extraordinary beauty in every direction I knew I was on to a winning combination with this last trip. If central Australia is a region that you’ve considered visiting, be sure to bump it up your bucket list.
This month we have a Feature Guest Article written by New Zealand hiking expert, Michelle Green aka Long White Gypsy. Michelle brings her unique perspective to hiking in New Zealand with comparisons made between the trials, trails and triumphs of both thru and section hiking New Zealand’s Long Trail, Te Araroa.
I’m excited to also share share with you that before heading off to Australia at the start of June I was interviewed by Abigail Hannah, host of the very popular Aotearoa Adventures podcast. The episode has just been released and you’ll find links to all your favourite podcast platforms below. Listen in and be sure to share with all your friends.
More details on all of this below ⤵️
In the meantime, take care, lots of love Sharon 💚
Follow my adventures on these channels
Feature Guest Article
One of the pleasures of being a New Zealand based Adventure Content Creator is the mutual support shared with other like minded creators.
With our shared love of Te Araroa, creative backgrounds and desire to support others in the outdoors, it will come as no surprise that Michelle Green (Long White Gypsy) and I are firm friends.
Michelle offers a unique perspective to walking Te Araroa having first thru hiked the entire 1,700km length of Te Ika-a-Māui, North Island before taking a well earned break.
A number of years passed however with the trail well and truly under her skin, the desire to complete the 1,300km length of Te Wai Pounamu, South Island remained strong. Unable to commit the necessary time and resources to thru hike the second half of Te Araroa, Michelle has commenced section hiking the remaining trail as time and resources allow.
If you’ve ever considered dipping your toes into this epic adventure, you’ll find plenty of reasons why section hiking may be just the method you need to get started. Find out why in Michelle’s article below.
Extract from Michelle’s article;
There’s More Than One Way to Walk Te Araroa
I begin walking in tears. For many reasons, not least of which is the unknown.
As much as I’m nervous for what lies ahead, there’s something encouragingly familiar about the process.
I shove three or four sausage rolls into my mouth as my parents (and our family dog) bid me an emotional farewell (more on my part, than theirs) and I start walking uphill towards Bealey Hut.
They’re used to this. Only a few weeks earlier I’d announced I was off on another adventure. Once upon a time, it would have surprised them. Now, they barely bat an eyelid.
This is what I do. I’m fortunate that I continue to have their unwavering support.
As Mum wraps her arms around me I hold back a flood of tears, not wishing to worry her or draw questions I’m not ready to answer.
As I walk up the hill taking my first proper steps back on the trail in over four years, I can’t help but notice my pack, my constant adventure companion for the last six years, feels heavy and cumbersome, my steps are jerky and lack confidence, and I bear the full mental weight of that nagging fear of failure – what if I can’t do this anymore?
Seen and Heard
Aotearoa Adventures Podcast
Aotearoa Adventures Podcast
Join Abigail Hannah from the Aotearoa Adventures podcast and me as we chat about all things hiking.
Sharon Evans AKA @freewheelingkiwi shares her story of solo tramping the Mangamate Loop in Whirinaki Forest Park. After years away from multi-day hiking alone and logistics to sort, she spent three days on the trail -with stream crossings, freezing nights and full huts.
But a magic moment hearing wild kiwi call in the bush made it all worth it. Sharon offers honest advice for beginners, practical gear tips, and a reminder that solo adventures and expeditions are less about strength and more about mindset.
Sharon also touches on hiking Te Araroa and staying authentic on social media.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox and iHeart Radio.
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.”
Larapinta Trail, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia
Larapinta Trail
It’s only days since Andrew and I returned to New Zealand from hiking the Larapinta Trail in the Outback of Australia.
In time, I will write a full article detailing our experiences on this extraordinary trail and in the meantime, suffice to say, it exceeded all expectations!
Sharon at Brinkley Bluff, Larapinta Trail, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia
Thank you for following along on the Freewheeling Kiwi social media channels as we walked the Larapinta Trail.
Your support is greatly appreciated and it inspired us to continue up and down the West MacDonnell Ranges under the baking sun and to accept the near freezing nights in the tent.
Such was the cold at Hugh Gorge that when we were visited during the night by two cheeky dingoes, they were lucky not to be invited inside! Talk about a two dog night 🐕🐕.
My definition of an adventure is not knowing at the beginning, what the eventual outcome will be. In the end we never did capture the sunrise from Mount Sonder but the relaxing afternoon we spent on that imposing massif were some of the most enjoyable times spent on the entire trail.
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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!
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
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 have just returned from one of the best trips I’ve ever taken; hiking the multi day Larapinta Trail PLUS numerous day hikes which included King’s Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Red Centre of Australia. It’s been simply AMAZING and I’ve returned with countless images, videos and stories to share with you over the coming weeks.
Being in the outdoors is my happy place and when combined with endless blue skies, fascinating history, culture and heritage along with extraordinary beauty in every direction I knew I was on to a winning combination with this last trip. If it’s a region that you’ve considered visiting, be sure to bump it up your bucket list.