3
moderate
Activities
  • 6 day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 2 nights motel
  • 1 night farmstay
  • 1 night glamping
  • 1 night ski-lodge
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 2 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$NZD

Trip Code: SOG7275

Alps to Ocean Trip highlights


  • Cycle the spectacular Alps to Ocean trail from Lake Pukaki to Oamaru
  • Cycle along the edges of Lakes Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore
  • Admire the Dams and canals of the Waitaki Hydro scheme
  • Enjoy Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
  • Explore highlights of Waitaki's Whitestpne UNESCO Geopark
  • Spend a night in a luxurious Glamping tent
  • Explore the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru
  • Soak in the hot tubs at Lake Ohau and Omarama (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

Explore some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes by bike on our fully guided and supported Alps to Ocean Cycle tour.

From the edge of Lake Pukaki, we head through the golden Mackenzie tussock country and then on canal paths and easy single track to Lake Ohau, surrounded all the way by the mountainous landscape around Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

From Ohau we head over the Tarnbrae Saddle to Omarama where the trail then follows ancient pathways through the Waitaki Valley. You’ll be wowed by stunning lakes, braided rivers, fascinating hydro dams and picturesque vineyards. A ride through rolling pastoral countryside leads down to the historic port town of Oamaru.

As well as the great riding and scenery, another 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.


You will be collected by your guide from a central location in Christchurch around 1pm. our Alps to Ocean (A2O) adventure begins with the drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains. After refreshments in the country town of Geraldine, we’ll continue through rolling farmland and then over Burke’s Pass into the famous Mackenzie Country. Lake Tekapo soon appears as a bright blue jewel and from there we continue through tussock country to another blue jewel, Lake Pukaki. Heading North up the side of the Lake we'll reach the backcountry farmstay, Braemar Station, our home for the night. 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.

Meals:  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 around the edge of Lake Ohau and finally the final section is along a quiet country road to 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 - 43km Twizel to Lake Ohau - 38km

Meals:  B,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 less challenging ride there is the option to transfer by van and enjoy the mostly downhill and flat ride on a quiet gravel and paved road 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 (own expense). Cycle Distance: Lake Ohau to Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle - 43km Short Option: Quailburn to Omarama - 26km

Meals:  B,L

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. 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 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, an ensuite toilet and a private balcony. This is the perfect place to relax whilst recovering from a great days biking. Cycle Distance: Omarama - Kurow 74km Kurow to Valley Views: 13km (option to ride in the support vehicle)

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, we hop back on the bike for our last ride towards the Pacific Ocean. We ride close to the Waitaki River and through vineyards and a delightful wetland area 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 - 85km, +512m

Meals:  B,L

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


Inclusions

  • Tasty breakfasts (x5), lunches (x2), dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 5 nights comfortable motel/lodge/glamping accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Experienced guide who handles all the hard bits
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Return transport 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)
  • Tips

About Your Leader

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. 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 70km and the longest day upto 81km. 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

P
Peak Holiday Supplement, Christmas, New Year, Easter etc
NB:
See more dates on our Alps to Ocean Classic trip. E-bikes welcome, although there may be cyclists on regular bikes.

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*
  • Bike RentalNZD$150
  • e-Bike Rental (subject to availability)NZD$500
  • Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departureNZD$775
*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Phil Young & Friends 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.


Alps to Ocean Trip reviews


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