Ride one of the iconic trail rides of NZ's South Island
Meet fellow cyclists on this fantastic tour of the Alps to Ocean
Breath in the fresh mountain air as you pedal NZ

Alps to Ocean Classic

Duration
6 days
Site savings
$19
From
$1,786 USD

Explore some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes by bike on a fully guided and supported Alps to Ocean Cycle tour. This tour takes place mainly off-road on a superb and picturesque cycle trail over 6 days. From Tekapo, you will head through the golden Mackenzie Country on canal paths to Lake Pukaki and the mountainous landscape around Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. From Twizel, the trail follows ancient pathways through the Waitaki Valley where you’ll be wowed by stunning lakes, fascinating hydro dams and picturesque vineyards. A ride through rolling countryside leads down to the historic port town of Oamaru. The tour starts and ends in central Christchurch.

  • Category
    Trail Riding
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    6 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    2 - Novice
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
  • Distance
    155.3 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    26.1 miles
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    6 days
  • Main Destination
    South Island
  • Distance
    155.3 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    26.1 miles
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Mixed

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Travel Christchurch to Tekapo

    Following an early start, your adventure begins with a drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains. After enjoying some refreshments in the charming country town of Geraldine, you'll continue through rolling farmland to reach Burke’s Pass, the gateway to Mackenzie Country. Soon, Lake Tekapo will appear before you, a bright blue jewel in the landscape. You'll have lunch, and after a briefing and group photos, you'll set off cycling around the lakeside to visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, continuing to the start of the Alps to Ocean ride.

    You'll follow alongside the vivid hydro canals to reach a high terrace overlooking Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. The trail then dips down to meet the lakeshore, offering incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. You'll then cross expansive tussockland to reach Twizel, where you will spend the next two nights. Tonight, you'll enjoy your first group dinner, where you can learn more about the week's cycling ahead.

    • 34.2 miles
    • The Alps, Twizel
    • Lunch and Dinner
  2. Day 2Visit Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

    After breakfast, you'll venture northward to the spectacular Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, a drive of around one hour. Today is dedicated to immersing yourself in the stunning alpine landscape of New Zealand's highest peaks. You'll start with the Hooker Valley walk, which takes you over impressive swing bridges and beneath towering summits, including the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, to a serene glacial lake. Here, you'll pause for lunch amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. Retracing your steps, you'll hop on your bike and pedal towards the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. A brief stroll to a lookout rewards you with vistas of New Zealand's longest glacier and the Tasman Lake. Back on your bike, you'll ride southward towards the airport, where this section of the Alps to Ocean trail concludes. In less favourable weather conditions, you'll have the opportunity to explore the visitor center and Edmund Hilary Museum, which features a planetarium. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Twizel for your second night's stay.

    Cycling Distance: approx 20 km
    Hiking Distance: Hooker Valley Walk 10 km (mostly flat)

    • 12.4 miles
    • The Alps, Twizel
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  3. Day 3Twizel to Omarama

    The stunning scenery keeps coming as you ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals, then Lake Ohau where you stop for lunch.
    Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m/2,952ft), the highpoint of the A2O. The vast Mackenzie Country views are just reward for the climb.

    Alternatively, riders can transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride down to Omarama – the stop for the night. Translating as ‘place of light’, Omarama is known for its extraordinarily clear skies. offering incredible star gazing opportunities at night.

    Cycle distance:
    38km (Twizel–Lake Ohau)
    44km Lake Ohau–Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle or 26km (Quailburn–Omarama (short option)

    • 39.8 - 51.6 miles
    • Sierra Motel, Omarama
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  4. Day 4Omarama to Kurow

    Today's ride takes you down the Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. You'll start by following the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, you'll join the lakeshore to traverse the shoreline of rocky outcrops, little beaches, and even tree-covered islands. The trail then drops down from above the Benmore Dam to rejoin the quiet lakeside road. If you prefer to avoid this more technical section, there is an easier option available.

    Once regrouped, you’ll enjoy a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where you’ll have a picnic by the lake. You’ll arrive at Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surroundings. Highlights include the beautifully restored St Albans Church and wine-tasting at local vineyards. You’ll stay overnight in Kurow in an elegant lodge, enjoying dinner that showcases local produce.

    • 41.6 miles
    • Waitaki Braids Lodge, Kurow
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  5. Day 5Kurow to Windsor

    This morning, the cycle trail takes you along the banks of the Waitaki River, past vineyards and a Maori rock art site, to reach the small town of Duntroon. From there, you'll head inland into rolling country and explore the unique Elephant Rocks, huge formations strewn across a field. Picking up the old railway line, you'll ride through Raki's Tunnel before rolling downhill to the settlement of Windsor. The historic Burnside Homestead is a fitting place for your final night and a well-deserved night’s sleep after dinner at the local Enfield pub.

    Cycle distance:
    28km (Kurow–Duntroon)
    40km (Duntroon–Burnside Homestead)

    • 42.3 miles
    • Burnside Homestead
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  6. Day 6Windsor to Christchurch, via Oamaru

    Today, you will get to enjoy one more ride on the A2O before you begin the road trip back to Christchurch. Setting off from the accommodation, you will keep on rolling through picturesque rural countryside. You then pass Oamaru Stone quarry, where stone has been extracted since the nineteenth century. You’ll see its influence on local architecture once you reach Oamaru.

    After riding through the town’s delightful municipal gardens, you’ll reach the Victorian Precinct and harbourside park where the A2O finish-line sign offers the perfect photo-op. If time allows, explore the shops and galleries or visit the mind-boggling Steampunk HQ museum. After a late lunch, you’ll begin the journey north across the Canterbury Plains, arriving in central Christchurch early evening.

    • 11.8 miles
    • Breakfast