Hugh Burrows & Friends Alps to Ocean Cycle Adventure

We will meet at 9:00am in the reception of our hotel or at the airport, and then drive to our depot close by for a bike fitting and tour briefing. We then set away southwards to Geraldine for lunch before continuing towards Mackenzie Country and the beautiful Lake Tekapo Village. There will be time to visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and then we embark on our first ride along the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, on the quiet roads that follow the turquoise blue waters of the hydro canal system. In the late afternoon we will cycle northwards along the edge of Lake Pukaki, giving us panoramic views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. In the early evening we will settle into our comfortable accommodation on a high country sheep station where we can relax, rewarded with a spectacular sunset over Lake Pukaki, and treated to a delicious home cooked dinner. Cycle Distance: Lake Tekapo to Tekapo B Power Station - 30km Tekapo B Power Station to Braemar Station - 18km Accommodation: Braemar Station

Meals:  D

After a hearty breakfast, we leave Braemar Station and drive back to Tekapo B Power Station to start our ride for the day (keen riders can set away from Braemar Station). The trail winds around the edge of Lake Pukaki to the visitors centre before crossing the extensive tussock-lands of Pukaki flats to Twizel. We can admire the impressive views of Aoraki/Mt Cook in the distance. After lunch we’ll take the fabulous drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park to spend the afternoon enjoying some of the many activities available. We suggest a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (own expense) or the excellent national park visitor centre (free of charge) before we embark on a short but memorable walk to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. Returning to Twizel, a friendly wee town that’s our stopping point for the night where there are several local restaurants to choose from for your evening meal. Cycle Distance: Braemar Station to Twizel - 42km Accommodation: Mountain Chalets

Meals:  B

The stunning scenery keeps coming as we ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals before the trail winds around the edge of Lake Ohau and up a quiet road to Lake Ohau Lodge where we stop for lunch. Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the highpoint of the A2O. The vast Mackenzie Country views are just reward for the climb but the trail is narrow and rough in places so not suitable for less experienced riders. Alternatively, riders can transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride down to Omarama – our stop for the night. Translating as ‘place of light’, Omarama is known for its extraordinarily clear skies. They are best appreciated at the local hot pools where you can soak in fresh, mountain water (own expense). Cycle Distance : Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge : 38km Lake Ohau Lodge to Quailburn Woolshed : 18km Quailburn Woolshed to Omarama : 23km Accommodation: Sierra Motels

Meals:  L

Today’s ride takes us down the Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. First, we follow the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, we suggest skipping the 11km section on the Highway and restarting at Otematata. We’re back on lakeside trail before tackling a wee climb up onto Benmore Dam and from there it’s a delightful ride on a quiet country road to Aviemore Dam. The newest section of trail takes us from there through to Kurow where we head to a boutique winery for a relaxed late lunch. We’ll stay overnight in an elegant lodge serving dinner showcasing local produce. Cycle distance: 58km Accommodation: Waitaki Braids

Meals:  L,D

This morning the cycle trail takes us along the banks of the Waitaki River, past vineyards and a Maori rock art site to reach the small town of Duntroon. From there, we head inland into rolling country and wander around the unique Elephant Rocks, huge formations strewn across a field. Picking up the old railway line, we’ll ride through Raki’s tunnel before rolling downhill to the settlement of Windsor. In the early afternoon we will be greeted by our hosts at the historic Victorian Burnside Homestead for afternoon tea. We have time to relax, enjoy the heritage gardens and spend our last evening together. Cycle distance Kurow–Duntroon : 28km Duntroon–Burnside Homestead : 35km Accommodation: Burnside Homestead

Meals:  B,L,D

We get to enjoy one more ride on the A2O before we begin our road trip back to Christchurch. Setting off from our accommodation, we roll through more picturesque rural countryside. We pass Oamaru Stone quarry, where stone has been extracted since the nineteenth century and where we’ll see its influence on local architecture once we reach Oamaru. After riding through the town’s delightful municipal gardens, we’ll reach the Victorian Precinct and harbourside park where the A2O finish-line sign offers the perfect photo-op. There’ll be time to explore the shops and galleries or visit the mind-boggling Steampunk HQ museum and have a final group meal before our journey north across the Canterbury Plains, arriving in central Christchurch early evening. Cycle distance: Burnside to Oamaru : 20km

Meals:  B