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
$18
From
$1,713 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

    Your Alps to Ocean (A2O) adventure begins with the drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains. After refreshments in the country town of Geraldine, you’ll continue through rolling farmland to reach Fairlie where you’ll stop for lunch. The scenic journey over Burke’s Pass is a fitting introduction to the famous Mackenzie Country, where Lake Tekapo soon appears as a bright blue jewel.

    From here, warm the legs up with a ride on quiet backroads to Lake Alexandrina, a serene high country lake. Back at Tekapo Village, there’s time to wander along the lakeside to see the Church of the Good Shepherd, then soak away any first-day aches in Tekapo Springs outdoor hot pools or take a night sky tour.

    • 27.3 miles
    • Accommodation in Tekapo
    • Lunch and Dinner
  2. Day 2Tekapo to Twizel

    Your second day marks the start of your Alps to Ocean journey with a ride along the hydro canals to reach a high terrace overlooking Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. The A2O then dips down to meet the lakeshore, following it to the pick-up point for the fabulous drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

    The A2O then dips down to meet the lakeshore and across expansive tussockland to reach Twizel. From here, the group will drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park where there is the chance to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (own expense) or the excellent national park visitor centre (free of charge) before embarking on a short but memorable walk.

    You'll then head back to Twizel, the friendly wee town that’s the stopping point for the night.

    Cycling distance:
    Tekapo to Lake Pukaki: 35km
    Lake Pukaki to Twizel: 20km

    • 34.2 miles
    • Accommodation in Twizel
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  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. First, you'll follow the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, join the lakeshore to traverse around 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. There is an easier option for less confident riders who would prefer to avoid this more technical section.

    Regrouped, it’s a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where the group will enjoy a picnic by the lake. We’ll arrive at Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surrounds. Highlights include beautifully restored St Albans Church and wine-tasting at local vineyards. We’ll stay overnight in Kurow in an elegant lodge serving dinner showcasing local produce

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

    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 will head inland into rolling country and wander around 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 the final night together 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