Cycling Days: 6
From $1250pp
Self Guided
A2O Express
Our self-guided A2O Express trip has been designed using our most popular cycling itinerary that lets you see all the magic of the entire trail in just one week.
Cycle from the foothills of the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook, Jollie River Car Park or Lake Tekapo and wind your way through the golden tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country, through the Waitaki Valley, all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
We will move your luggage, find the best suited accommodation and take care of all the hard bits while you sit back and pedal through the stunning scenery of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
Trips operate between October – April
A2O Express Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Twizel & get ready for your cycling holiday
We recommend allowing a day of travel to get to Twizel from Christchurch or Queenstown. Take the afternoon to explore this rural township before spending the night in Twizel.
Day 2 - Mt Cook, Jollie River or Tekapo to Twizel
Our morning shuttle will take you to your chosen starting point on the trail. Cycle the golden tussock and lakeside trails through the Mackenzie Country to Twizel.
Cycling options:
- 55km cycle from Tekapo to Twizel
- 61km cycle from Jollie River to Twizel
- 80km cycle from Mt Cook to Twizel
Spend the night in Twizel.
Day 3 - Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge (38km)
Cycle the sealed canal roads from Twizel to the edge of Lake Ohau before following the dedicated lakeside cycle trail around to Lake Ohau Lodge.
Spend the night at Lake Ohau.
Day 4 - Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama (42km)
Cycle to the top of the Tarnbrae highpoint, overlooking Lake Ohau and the Mackenzie plains before heading downhill through the Quailburn. Take a 7km detour to the Clay Cliff rock formations if you have time, or relax in the wood fired Omarama Hot Tubs in town.
Spend the night in Omarama.
Day 5 - Omarama to Kurow (68km)
One of the most scenic days on the trail, todays ride takes you along stunning backcountry roads of Lake Benmore, and Lake Aviemore. Take in the spectacular views of the Waitaki Valley from the top of the Benmore Dam and cycle through to Kurow.
Spend the night in Kurow.
Day 6 - Kurow to Duntroon (40km)
Follow the trail along the Waitaki River, passing through the vineyard just out of Kurow’s township (a great spot for a coffee stop!). After about 23km you will come to the Maori Rock art site before continuing on through the wetlands into Duntroon.
Depending on the accommodation available – spend the night in Duntroon or Rural Duntroon.
Day 7 - Duntroon to Oamaru (50km)
The final day on the trail will take you through sweeping farmlands, past the Elephant Rock formations and Rakis Railway Tunnel, and into the seaside town of Oamaru where the trail ends at Friendly Bay at the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a celebratory drink at Scott’s Brewery or explore Oamaru’s unique Victorian precinct.
Finish your journey here, or add an extra night’s accommodation in Oamaru.
Pricing
| Option | Accommodation Level | Price (pp) | Price 18/19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tekapo to Oamaru | Standard Level | $1250.00 pp | $1289.00 pp |
| Superior Level * | $1395.00 pp | $1495.00 pp | |
| Jollie River to Oamaru | Standard Level | $1289.00 pp | $1339.00 pp |
| Superior Level * | $1470.00 pp | $1545.00 pp | |
| Mt Cook to Oamaru (Inc. helicopter over Tasman River) | Standard Level | $1395.00 pp | $1449.00 pp |
| Superior Level * | $1565.00 pp | $1655.00 pp |
Note: All pricing is based on twin share rooms
* Superior Accommodation Level Trip: The Alps 2 Ocean is situated in a remote area of New Zealand, and with that comes limited accommodation choices. Our Superior Upgrade offers a higher level of lodgings at locations where available. This is typically for 4 of the 6 nights of the trip.
E-bike Upgrade
Riding an E-bike is a great way to enjoy the Alps to Ocean trail. Our E-bikes are equipped with the latest technology with a smooth electric motor to provide extra assistance whenever needed. They also come with a comfortable upright riding position.
Add an E-bike to this trip for $270.00pp
Heli-Flight Across the Tasman River
If you are starting your ride from Mt Cook Village, you will need to take a short 5 minute heli-flight to join up with the trail on the other side of the Tasman River (this is included in packaged trips).
If for any reason the heli-flight is cancelled, Heliworks will communicate with our Twizel Depot and we will contact you directly to coordinate a shuttle to the best possible alternate starting point on the trail.
Standard Accommodation
Standard accommodation is the perfect option for those looking for a clean, simple and comfortable way to enjoy their cycling holiday. Almost all locations will include ensuite facilities with the exception of rural Farmstays and Lodges.
- Motels, B&Bs, Farmstay, Holiday Home
- Private Room
- Breakfast included if B&B
- Our packaged trips include meals in rural locations
Superior Accommodation
Treat yourself to a little luxury and enjoy the quality and comfort of superior level accommodation options. You won’t be disappointed! Ensuite accommodation is included in all locations with the exception of Rural Duntroon.
- Hotel, Motel, Lodge, B&B, Farmstay, Holiday Home
- Private Room
- Mountain/Lake views at key locations
- Breakfast included if B&B
- Our packaged trips include meals in rural locations, with additional breakfasts on the A2O Plus trip
