A2O Express Overview
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, 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.
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, Jollie River, or Tekapo.
Trips operate between October – Mid May
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 Village, 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:
- Tekapo to Twizel (54km)
- Jollie River to Twizel (61km)
- Mt Cook to Twizel (77km)
Spend the night in Twizel
Day 3: Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge (38km)
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
Day 4: Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama (45km)
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 (67km)
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 (28km)
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.
Day 7: Duntroon to Oamaru (54km)
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.
