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  • Alps 2 Ocean

    A2O Luxury Cycle Tour

A2O Hydro Lakes

Experience the magnificent mountain and lake scenery starting at Lake Tekapo, cycling around the shores of Lake Pukaki, Lake Ōhau, and finishing with breathtaking views of Lake Benmore. 

The jewel in the crown of the A2O trail, the Lake Benmore trail section will take you on a route around the lake never before accessible to the public and features a panoramic vista from above the largest water retaining structure in New Zealand, the massive Benmore Dam.

If you are looking for a cycle trip shorter in duration than cycling the entire trail, but one that is condensed with stunning landscapes then choose our A2O Hydro Lakes itinerary.

It is also possible to start from Aoraki Mt Cook if you prefer this option.

Trips operate between October – Mid May.

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A2O Hydro Lakes Itinerary

We recommend allowing a day of travel to get to Lake Tekapo Village from Christchurch or Queenstown. Take the afternoon to explore the area before spending the night in Lake Tekapo Village and experiencing the spectacular night sky.

Our morning shuttle will deliver your bike to you in Lake Tekapo Village. Cycle through golden tussock, along hydro canals and lakeside trails through the Mackenzie Country to Twizel.

Spend the night in Twizel.

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

Spend the night at Lake Ōhau Lodge.

Cycle to the top of the Tarnbrae highpoint, overlooking Lake Ōhau and the Mackenzie plains before heading downhill through the Quailburn Valley. Take a 7km detour to the Clay Cliff rock formations if you have time, before relaxing in the wood fired Ōmarama Hot Tubs.

Spend the night in Ōmarama.

Your final cycling day includes the newest section of the A2O, and in our opinion one of the most spectacular parts of the trail.

Cycling along the the shores of Lake Benmore and taking in the spectacular views of the Waitaki Valley from the top of the Benmore Dam. Your cycle trip is complete when you reach the Hyrdo village of Ōtematata, where you will meet your return shuttle to Twizel.

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A2O Hydro Lakes Map
5 days
4 cycling days

From

NZ $1,110.00

per person

Trip Inclusions

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • 3 meals
  • Standard bike hire

Trip Highlights

  • Clay Cliffs
  • Omarama Hot Tubs
  • Sailors Cutting to Benmore trail section
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What’s Included

  • Standard bike hire for 4 days - including helmet and rear rack bag. Upgrades are available. (Own bike and gear is also an option)
  • Delivery of bikes to Lake Tekapo Village
  • Luggage Transfers each day (Max 15KG per bag)
  • 4 nights accommodation
  • 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast and 1 Packed Lunch
  • Entry to Ōmarama Hot Tubs
  • Trip itinerary, directions and trail map info
  • Shuttle from Otematata to Twizel (or Ōmarama) on Day 5

Pricing

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Starting Option Accommodation Level22/23 Price22/23 Peak Season Price**
Tekapo to Otematata
Standard$1,110.00 pp$1,210.00 pp
Superior$1,465.00 pp$1,565.00 pp

Mt Cook start is an additional $265.00pp subject to accommodation availability.

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.

** 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

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.

  • 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 $212.00pp.

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.