Cycling Days: 7-8
From $1405pp
Self Guided
A2O Plus
Take the scenic route on our 9-day A2O Plus package and explore the hidden gems of the trail one section per day.
If you are looking for a leisurely 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.
Trips operate between October – April
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 2:45pm 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 (38km)
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 *
- 55km 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 (24km)
Today’s ride is the shortest of the trip, so take the time to stretch your legs when you can. 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 (40km)
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.
Pricing
| Option | Accommodation Level | Price 18/19 |
|---|---|---|
| Mt Cook to Oamaru (9 Days) Inc. helicopter over Tasman River. | Standard Level | $1809.00 pp |
| Superior Level * | $2145.00 pp | |
| Tekapo to Oamaru (8 Days) Excludes night at Braemar & helicopter flight. | Standard Level | $1405.00 pp |
| Superior Level * | $1699.00 pp | |
| Jollie River to Oamaru (8 Days) Excludes night at Braemar and helicopter flight. | Standard Level | $1455.00 pp |
| Superior Level * | $1749.00 pp |
Note: All pricing is based on twin share rooms
* Superior 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 6 of the 8 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 $360.00pp
Heli-Flight Across the Tasman River
If you are starting your ride from Mt Cook Village, you will need to take a short 5min 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.
Staying the night at Braemar Station?
Braemar Station is a popular place for cyclists to stay along the trail and is located in a rural section between Mt Cook and Twizel. Due to road conditions and its isolated rural location, we do not transfer luggage to or from Braemar Station.
As an alternative to bag transfers, we rent out pannier bags for two days to those hiring our bikes and who stay the night at Braemar (this is included in the trip price above). You can leave your main luggage at our depot, which we will take to your accommodation location in Twizel.
Alternatively, if you are staying the night before in Mt Cook Village we can shuttle your main luggage back to Twizel for you the following day.
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
