A2O Plus Overview
Take the scenic route on our 8 – 9 day A2O cycling itinerary. The A2O plus package allows you to explore the hidden gems of the trail one section per day.
If you are looking for a leisurely A2O cycling itinerary, then you have found your trip. Cycle one trail section per day from the foothills of the mighty Aoraki/Mt Cook all the way to the Pacific Ocean, taking the added time to explore the townships along the way. Let us take care of 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 Plus 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.
If you have chosen the Mt Cook village start you can stay the night in Twizel OR take our 4:00pm shuttle to Mt Cook Village.
If you have chosen the Jollie River or Tekapo start, stay the night in Twizel and take our shuttle to the start point shown on day 3 of the itinerary. (You can disregard day 2).
Day 2: Mt Cook Village Start to Braemar Station (35km)
If you choose to stay in Twizel the night before, you will need to take our early morning shuttle to Mt Cook Village.
Take a heli-flight over the Tasman River and enjoy breathtaking alpine views from above before joining up with the rest of the trail and cycling to Braemar Station.
Stay the night at Braemar Station (Subject to availability).
Day 3: Braemar Station, Jollie River start or Tekapo start to Twizel
Cycle the golden tussock and lakeside trails through the Mackenzie Country and along Lake Pukaki to Twizel.
- 42km cycle from Braemar Station to Twizel
Alternate Start Options
- 61km cycle from Jollie River to Twizel *
- 54km cycle from Tekapo to Twizel *
* Note: If you are starting your ride from Jollie River Car Park or Tekapo, this will be your first day of cycling.
Stay the night in Twizel.
Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: Omarama to Otematata (35km)
Today includes the newest section of the A2O, and in our opinion one of the most spectacular parts of the trail. You will pass through the small inlet at Sailors Cutting on Lake Benmore, which is a popular spot for boaties and good place to stop for a picnic.
Stay the night in Otematata.
Day 7: Otematata to Kurow (44km)
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 – home of rugby legend Richie McCaw.
Stay the night in Kurow.
Day 8: 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.
The cycling distance for today may vary from 28kms to 58kms, depending on your accommodation location. Whatever extra distance you cycle today will shorten your cycle distance tomorrow into Oamaru.
Day 9: 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.
