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.
The cycling starts from Tekapo, where you'll enjoy the incredible scenery of the Alps to Ocean trail riding through the Mackenzie country tussock lands, the shorelines of turquoise lakes, and simply sublime views of Mount Cook being some of the many highlights. The trail itself covers a variety of terrain, from gravel to tarmac, and this guided tour ensures you'll discover the extreme beauty of this region with fellow cyclists by your side.
The tour operator's expert guides will show you the A2O’s best trailside highlights including wine-tasting, geothermal hot pools, Maori rock art and otherworldly limestone outcrops. You’ll also enjoy warm hospitality in accommodation full of heritage charm. Hike in Aoraki/Mt Cook World Heritage National Park and explore Oamaru’s charming Victorian Precinct. As you venture through rural New Zealand you'll enjoy the big skies of this pristine landscape.
The Alps to Ocean is graded introductory to moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and it is suggested that you train with 90 minutes of cycling three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Some of the trail is on hard packed gravel, some is loose gravel which can be rough and uneven in places and there are plenty of hills. The tour operator recommends practise cycling up hills and on gravel before your tour as it will make the experience more enjoyable.