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  • Alps 2 Ocean

A2O Express

Our A2O Express trip is a self-guided cycle tour that 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 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.

Enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided cycle tour. 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.

Select the map to view your start options – Mt Cook or Tekapo.

Trips operate between October – Mid May

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A2O Express Itinerary

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.

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:

  • Tekapo to Twizel (54km)
  • Mt Cook to Twizel (77km)

Spend the night in Twizel

Cycle the sealed canal roads from Twizel to edge of Lake Ohau before following the dedicated lakeside cycle trail around to Lake Ohau Lodge.

Stay the night at Lake Ohau Lodge

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

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

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. Todays cycling distance can vary from 28km to 45km based on where you stay.

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.

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7 days
6 cycling days

From

NZ $1,358.00

per person

Trip Inclusions

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 6 meals*
  • Standard bike hire

Trip Highlights

  • Helicopter flight*
  • Tarnbrae Highpoint
  • Sailors Cutting
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What’s Included

  • Standard bike hire for 6 days - including helmet and rear rack bag. Upgrades are available. (Own bike and gear is also an option)
  • Shuttle from Twizel to your Alps 2 Ocean Trail Start
  • Luggage Transfers each day (Max 15KG per bag)
  • 6 nights accommodation (Economy, Standard & Superior options available)
  • 3 Dinners, 3 Breakfasts & 2 Packed Lunches (Standard or Superior Level) or 2 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts & 1 Packed Lunch (Economy or Family Level)
  • Trip itinerary, directions and trail map info
  • Helicopter flight over the Tasman River is included with the Mt Cook start

Pricing

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Starting OptionAccommodation Level22/23 Price22/23 Peak Season Price**
Mt Cook to Oamaru
Inc. helicopter over Tasman River.		Economy$1,550.00 pp$1,650.00 pp
Standard$1,780.00 pp$1,880.00 pp
Superior*$2,090.00 pp$2,190.00 pp
Tekapo to OamaruEconomy$1,358.00 pp$1,458.00 pp
Standard$1,620.00 pp$1,720.00 pp
Superior*$1,895.00 pp$1,995.00 pp
Family*$1,295.00 pp$1,395.00 pp

Note: All pricing is based on twin share rooms. Please contact us for details around our single supplement rates.

* 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.

* Family Package: Based on Standard Level accommodation for a family of 4 comprising of 2 adults and 2 school-aged children.

** Peak Season Pricing (Trips starting in November 2022 and March 2023): Due to increasing popularity and limited accomodation availability on the trail during the peak of the season, it can take our reservations team considerably more time to source suitable accomodation and put together trip packages. A premium is applied for bookings made during this period. Our peak season dates are subject to change as the season draws nearer and accomodation availability becomes more limited outside of March.

Accommodation Levels

Economy accomodation is for those looking for clean and comfortable, yet a more basic, no frills style of room. Most locations feature ensuite facilities, with the exception of rural Farmstays and Lodges.

  • Motels, Lodges and Farmstays
  • Private Room
  • Ensuite or Shared bathrooms
  • Our packaged trips include meals in rural locations

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
Standard Accommodation

Treat yourself to a little luxury and enjoy the quality and comfort of superior level accommodation options. 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

Optional

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. View bike

Add an E-bike to this trip for $282.00pp

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, the helicopter company 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.