3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 7day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel/motel
  • 1 night farmstay
  • 1 night glamping
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days$3895NZD

Trip Code: ATO

Alps to Ocean End to End Trip highlights


  • Explore the adventure capital of the world in Queenstown
  • Cycle the full length of the Alps to Ocean trail from end to end
  • Enjoy a breathtaking heli-flight over the Tasman River from Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
  • Hike beneath Aoraki/Mt Cook in the World Heritage National Park
  • Cycle along the edges of Lakes Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore
  • Spend a night in a luxurious Glamping tent
  • Explore the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru
  • Soak in the hot tubs at Lake Ohau (optional)

Why Book With Us

  • Pioneers in group cycle tours since 1992
  • Stay at the picturesque Braemar Station overlooking Lake Pukaki and the luxurious Valley Views Glamping
  • Our support vehicle is always nearby if you are feeling tired
  • Flexibility to change the itinerary on tour if effected by weather or trail closures

Our Alps to Ocean End to End is a 7 day cycling adventure allowing you time to fully appreciate the trail from the foot of Aoraki/Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean. The itinerary has been designed so we cycle the entire length of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, covering 320km of spectacular and diverse country from the official trail start at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village along with exploring some added highlights along the trail. Meeting in Queenstown, we drive to the base of the mighty Southern Alps.

Our journey begins with a stunning heli-flight across the Tasman river before cycling through the vast tussock-lands of the Mackenzie Country, along the braided rivers and vineyards of the Waitaki Valley, all the way to the white-stone township of Oamaru. A highlight of this trip is the hand picked accommodation where we stay at a mix of lodges, premium backcountry farmstays, motels and luxurious glamping tents.

This tour can be done in either direction, see Ocean to Alps tours, trip code OTA from Christchurch. We also offer a shorter 6 day Alps to Ocean Cycle itinerary that begins from the alternate trail start at Lake Tekapo, see trip code ATC.


You will be collected by your guide from a central location in Queenstown around 8:00am. We start our journey with a warm up ride from the old gold mining town of Arrowtown. Our route follows a trail high above the Arrow River, crossing 5 impressive bridges. On reaching the historic Kawarau Bridge, where we can watch the brave bungy jumpers, we load up the bikes and drive towards Aoraki/Mt Cook Village; the official start to the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. We have the option to visit the famous Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (own expense) or the informative Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre (free of charge). You'll also have the chance to put your walking shoes on and take in the stunning glacier and mountain views from the Tasman Glacier Track. In the evening we will meet for our first group dinner. Cycle Distance: Arrow River Trail - 14km Hiking Distance: up to 10km Accommodation: Aoraki Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook

Meals:  D

After breakfast this morning we have time to explore the village some more. We then hop on our bikes and cycle the first 7km to the airport. Using Heliworks Mount Cook we take a short (but breath-taking) heli-flight with our bikes to meet up with the trail on the other side of the Tasman River. We then cycle along the edge of Lake Pukaki, taking in views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. After a picnic lunch we continue cycling to Braemar Road and on to the backcountry farmstay, Braemar Station. This is a trip highlight for many as we are rewarded with fantastic views over Lake Pukaki and treated to a delicious home cooked dinner. Cycle Distance: Aoraki/Mt Cook Village to Braemar Station - 38km Please note: Heliworks Mount Cook is operated by Southern Lakes Helicopters an established NZ owned helicopter company with an excellent reputation for flying excellence. They use As350B2 Squirrels for this service. Heliworks focus on achieving the highest standards of safety to ensure all our clients’ needs and expectations are both met and exceeded. Accommodation: Braemar Station, Lake Pukaki

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast, we leave Braemar Station and start our ride for the day. The trail winds around the edge of Lake Pukaki to the visitors centre before crossing the extensive tussock-lands of Pukaki flats to Twizel. After lunch we cycle alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals, then Lake Ohau and then onto Lake Ohau Lodge, where we stay tonight. This evening there is time to unwind and soak in the onsite hot tubs while overlooking the lake. Cycle Distance: Braemar Station to Twizel - 42km Twizel to Lake Ohau - 38km Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

After we've refuelled our bodies with breakfast, those who would like a challenge can continue on the trail, which starts as a steady climb up to the Tambrae Saddle. At 900m this is the highpoint of the whole Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail and your efforts are rewarded with stunning views across the Mackenzie Basin. The rough shingle Tarnbrae track is steep and narrow and is suited to the more confident and fitter riders. Alternatively for those who want a relaxing afternoon there is the option to transfer by coach and enjoy a final, mostly downhill and flat ride on the trail from the historic wool shed at Quailburn into Omarama, our stop for the night. Omarama is called "Place of Light" in Maori terminology, a reference to its extraordinarily pure and clear sky. This region is also famous for gliding due to some unique air wave systems and feisty thermals. This evening enjoy an optional soak in a private hot tub of fresh mountain water (subject to availability and at own expense). Cycle Distance: Lake Ohau to Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle - 44km Short Option: Quailburn to Omarama - 26km Accommodation: Sierra Motel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we follow the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, we join the lakeshore to traverse around the shoreline of rocky outcrops, little beaches and even tree covered islands. The trail then drops us 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 we’ll enjoy a picnic by the lake, before our final scenic ride into the small settlement of Kurow. There may be time to explore the town's surrounds or enjoy a wine-tasting at a local vineyard. We stay at the luxurious Valley Views Glamping where your own private tent awaits. Don't be fooled by the word 'tent' as you'll enjoy all your creature comforts. Each tent has a king size bed or 2 single beds with luxury down duvets, lighting, cell phone charger and a private balcony. This is the perfect place to relax whilst recovering from a great days biking. Cycle Distance: Omarama - Kurow 71km Kurow to Valley Views: 13km (option to ride in the support vehicle) Accommodation: Valley Views Glamping, Kurow

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we hop back on the bike for our last ride towards the Pacific Ocean. We pass by a Maori rock art site before reaching Duntroon where we turn inland to cycle on a mixture of trail and quiet rural roads. A walk among the unusual rock formations known locally as Elephant Rocks is a must-do on the way past. Following a short section of an old branch railway line we cycle through Raki's tunnel before a downhill ride into the settlement of Windsor. After lunch we cycle through picturesque rolling rural countryside, past the Oamaru stone quarry to Friendly Bay and the end of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. We celebrate our cycling achievements with a group photo at the famous picture frame and a final group dinner. Cycle Distance: Valley Views to Oamaru - 77km Accommodation: The Mews, Oamaru

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we are bound for Christchurch but not before exploring the white-stone township of Oamaru. Here there is time to browse around the old Victorian Precinct with its many galleries, shops and cafes. There may also be time for an optional visit to the fascinating Steampunk Museum (own expense). We then travel back to Christchurch, passing through some of the rich agricultural regions of the Canterbury Plains, arriving at our destination around 3pm, where the tour concludes. No cycling today

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.



Inclusions

  • Tasty breakfasts (x6), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x6), two course restaurant dinners (x6) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 6 nights comfortable motel/lodge/glamping accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
  • Heli-flight across the Tasman River with bikes to the official start point
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Transport from Queenstown to Christchurch
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
  • Rider fees paid to the A2O Trail Trust for ongoing maintenance and improvements

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Optional activities (eg. Omarama hot tubs, Steampunk Gallery)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

About Your Leader

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.


Accommodation


Bike information


Trail Surface


Grading

moderate  
3

The Alps to Ocean is graded moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness with an average daily distance of 60km and the longest day upto 80km. We suggest 90 minutes of cycling three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Some of the sections are on seal or hard packed gravel and are relatively easy to ride. Other sections are on looser gravel which can be rough and uneven in places. The moderate sections over the Tarnbrae Saddle and from Sailors Cutting to the Benmore Dam include narrower tracks with some switchbacks and exposure in places. There are also plenty of hills so cycling up hills and on gravel and rougher terrain before your tour will enable you to really enjoy the fantastic riding and diverse scenery. With the trip being fully supported, less confident riders can choose to miss the moderate sections with easier options available.


Departure dates


Notes

HS
Holiday Season
H
High Season

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$3895NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Bike RentalNZD$210
  • Ebike RentalNZD$600
  • Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departureNZD$895
*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Alps to Ocean End to End trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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