2
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 6 day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 3 nights motel
  • 1 night lodge
  • 1 night historic homestead
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$NZD

Trip Code: SOG6848

Alps to Ocean Trip highlights


  • Meet the growers/producers of lavender, hazelnuts, salmon, vineyards to name a few
  • Eat, taste, and ebike down the spectacular trails of the Alps to Ocean from Tekapo
  • Hike in Aoraki/Mt Cook World Heritage National Park
  • Ride through the iconic Mackenzie Country tussocklands and surreal turquoise hydro lakes
  • Meet Philippa Cameron founder of "Whats For Smoko"
  • Explore Oamaru’s charming Victorian Precinct
  • Stargaze across world renown night skies
  • Stay at the Oamaru Poshtel & historic Burnside Homestead
  • Enjoy good company, & eat delicious food

Explore some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes and culinary delights as you embark in comfort on our fully guided and supported Alps to Ocean Cycle tour.

From Tekapo, we commence riding 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.

Enjoy warm, southern hospitality, heritage charm as well as some fabulous local produce and producers along the way including salmon, hazelnuts, wine and so much more. An Alps to Ocean trip unlike any other.


Your food lovers adventure begins with a bike fit and group briefing at the Adventure South NZ depot before we drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains along the Inland Scenic Route to the foot of the Southern Alps passing through thriving country towns. We stop for coffee at The Staveley Cafe and Store Established in 1876 where tasty gourmet treats sit alongside beautiful homewares inspired by near by Mount Somers Station. We continue on our travels on through rolling farmland to reach the Farmbarn Cafe to fuel up before our first ride this afternoon. 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. With an opportunity to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd we hop on our ebikes, we’ll ease into our A2O ride along peaceful hydro-canal paths lined with epic panoramas before dropping down to the Tekapo B Power Station on the banks of Lake Pukaki where we load up and drive back to our accommodation in Lake Tekapo. Tonight we stay at The Cairns in private cabins and a location with vast and spectacular views over shimmering Lake Tekapo, made all the better with a glass of wine! Cycling distance: up to 30km Accommodation: The Cairns - www.thecairns.co.nz

Meals:  L,D

Our second day starts with some easy riding along the shores of Lake Pukaki, past the viewpoint, over the Pukaki Flats and onto High Country Salmon. Here the farm manager will host a tour and tasting of the Chinook (King) salmon farm and learn how New Zealand came to inheriting one of the most beautiful and spectacular fish in the world from McLeod River, California. Lunch is at the farms floating cafe. After lunch we commence the fabulous drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park where we have an opportunity to visit 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 view the Tasman Glacier. We return to Twizel, the friendly town that’s our stopping point for the night and enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant. Cycling distance: 25km (Lake Tekapo B to High Country Salmon) Accommodation: Mountain Chalet Motels, Twizel - www.mountainchalets.co.nz

Meals:  B,L,D

The stunning scenery keeps coming as we ride alongside the Tekapo Canals and then Lake Ohau where we stop for a gourmet platter lunch on the deck overlooking the lake and alpine peaks. 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. Alternatively, riders can transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride. We then load up and drive to the Clay Cliffs a unique geological wonder; ‘bad land’ sharp pinnacles and ridges separated by steep and narrow ravines which look dramatic and 'otherworldly'. By mid afternoon we drive onto 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: 38km (Twizel–Lake Ohau); 41km Lake Ohau–Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle or 23km (Quailburn–Omarama (short option) Accommodation: Sierra Motel, Omarama - www.omarama.co.nz

Meals:  B,L,D

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 where we join a new section of trail which follows Benmore Dam and offers super views, swimming opportunities and some of the best riding of the entire trail. We ride into Otematata to visit to the iconic Otematata High Country Station and Philippa Cameron who is the inspiration behind the website and Instagram account What's For Smoko. We will hear Phillipa's story, learn her secrets in feeding hoards of hungry workers and enjoy a tasty lunch. This afternoon we ride from Aviemore Dam and arrive in Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surrounds, enjoy scones in the lodge or some winetasting at the award winning Ostler Vineyards tasting rooms. We will transfer to Oamaru and stay in the unique 'Poshtel' and later dine at Cucina, renowned for its superb hospitality and flavorsome South American food. Cycle distance: 35km (Omarama to Otematata) & 16km (Aviemore Dam to Kurow) Accommodation: Poshtel, Oamaru - www.poshtelnz.com

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we return to Kurow to continue along the A2O trail. This morning's ride takes us along the banks of the Waitaki River to a hazelnut farm where we meet the owner and have a tour of the property. We then ride 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 where we will receive a warm welcome at our final accommodation at the historic Burnside Homestead. Tonight we will enjoy dinner served by our hosts and celebrate our week's cycling achievements. Cycle distance: 28km (Kurow–Duntroon) & 35km (Duntroon–Burnside Homestead) Accommodation: Burnside Homestead - www.burnsidehomestead.co.nz

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 keep on rolling through picturesque rural countryside. We pass Oamaru Stone quarry, where stone has been extracted since the nineteenth century. 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. We wonder among the shops and galleries of the Victorian Precinct before our final foodie experience, a celebratory late lunch at the award winning Riverstone Kitchen which will be nice way to wrap up the Tastes of the Alps to Ocean adventure! We'll begin our journey north across the Canterbury Plains, arriving in central Christchurch around 6pm. We can make a stop at the airport on the way into the city, we do not recommend booking flights before 7:00pm) Cycle distance: 25km (Burnside–Oamaru)

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • All meals (5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners) catering for all dietary requirements
  • 5 nights hotel/lodge ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
  • 2 Professional qualified driver guides to keep you safe and informed
  • Private vehicle transport from/to Christchurch
  • Private support vehicle to rest sore muscles
  • Tasty energy snacks and drinks while cycling
  • Celebratory end of ride lunch at Riverstone Kitchen
  • Entrance fees and meet the growers produce tours
  • Regular mountain bike hire including helmet hire
  • Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • e-Bike upgrade (subject to availability)
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Optional activities (eg. Tekapo hot pools, Omarama hot tubs, Steampunk Gallery)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance

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

Introductory to Moderate  
2

The Alps to Ocean is graded introductory to moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 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. We recommend practise cycling up hills and on gravel before your tour, it will make the experience more enjoyable.


Departure dates


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

$NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • e-Bike SurchargeNZD$200
  • Single SupplementNZD$645
*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Christine Healy & Friends - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean 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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