A2O Upper Trail Self-guided Itinerary

A2O Upper Trail Overview

If you’re short on time, our self-guided A2O upper trail itinerary is the perfect way to enjoy the most dramatic landscapes of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail in just 3 days.

Explore the golden-tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country and lake-side cycle trails of Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau, from the base of the mighty Southern Alps to the small alpine village of Omarama.

Add a shuttle back to Twizel at the end of your trip or add an extra night in Omarama to explore – we give you the flexibility and support you need for a stress-free cycling holiday.

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

Trips operate between October – April

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A2O Upper Trail 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.

Click to enlarge

4 days

3 cycling days

From

NZ $729.00

per person

Trip inclusions

3 nights
3 meals*
Standard bike hire
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Trip highlights

Helicopter flight*
Tarnbrae Highpoint
Clay Cliffs
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What’s Included

Transfers between Cycle Journeys Depot and accommodation upon arrival
Standard bike hire for 3 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
3 nights accommodation (Economy, Standard & Superior options available)
1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast and 1 Packed Lunch
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 Option	Accommodation Level	20/21 Price	20/21 Peak Season Price**	21/22 Price	21/22 Peak Season Price**
Mt Cook to Omarama Inc. helicopter over Tasman River.	Standard	$889.00 pp	$989.00 pp	$906.00 pp	$1006.00 pp
	Superior*	$1018.00 pp	$1118.00 pp	$1039.00 pp	$1139.00 pp
Jollie River to Omarama	Standard	$774.00 pp	$874.00 pp	$791.00 pp	$891.00 pp
	Superior*	$903.00 pp	$1003.00 pp	$924.00 pp	$1024.00 pp
Tekapo to Omarama	Standard	$729.00 pp	$829.00 pp	$746.00 pp	$846.00 pp
	Superior*	$858.00 pp	$958.00 pp	$879.00 pp	$979.00 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.

** Peak Season Pricing (Trips starting 1st Feb – 31st Mar): 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 after 1 October, for packages that will start during the peak season to reflect this.

Accommodation Levels

Economy

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

Superior

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 $165.00pp

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.

A2O Upper Trail