Day 1 Christchurch – Twizel

The Alps 2 Ocean Trail cycle tour gets underway as we head south across the plains into the Mackenzie Basin, past Lake Tekapo, finally reaching Lake Pukaki and the start of our cycle trail ‘great ride’. Alternatively we can organise a bus transfer from Queenstown to Tekapo. The first Alps 2 Ocean bike trail section is on a sealed road providing a good opportunity to get familiar with your bike. You then bike alongside the Lake Pukaki foreshore, featuring fantastic views of Aoraki Mount Cook and the snow-capped Southern Alps, all the way to the spillway. Enjoy a refreshment break at the Lake Pukaki foreshore before embarking on the bike trail across the Pukaki Flats to Twizel. Check into our comfortable accommodation for the next two nights.
Cycle Distance: 25km
Meals (D)

Day 2 Twizel

Ride out of Twizel on the glorious canal roads to Lake Ohau. At the lake enjoy views of the Barrier Range over morning tea, before cycling the Alps 2 Ocean bike trail Ohau weir section and on to Lake Ohau Lodge. We enjoy lunch here with million dollar alpine views. We then stop off and visit Glenbrook Station. Glenbrook is a 3700 hectare farm running merino sheep and beef. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea in front of the homestead before taking a tour around the lower parts of the station, learning about the merino sheep and how they are farmed by our hosts the Williamson family. Our farm visit is a great opportunity to lean the merino wool story and see first hand the wool product, from the farm to the finished product.
Cycle Distance: 39km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 3 Twizel – Otematata

Today we ride the Quailburn section of the Alps 2 Ocean Trail to Omarama, featuring more great views of the surrounding mountains, where there is also the opportunity to explore an historic woolshed. After lunch, the next cycle section takes you from Omarama to Sailors Cutting, following the lakeside of Lake Benmore. Here we load up and travel to the sleepy town of Otematata and our accommodation.
Cycle Distance: 37km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 4 Otematata – Oamaru

We farewell the Mackenzie Basin and travel down the Waitaki Valley. Our ride commences at the Benmore Dam and takes us around the side of one of the great hydro lakes of the valley, under the cool shade of the willow trees. We then travel to Kurow for lunch, before riding on from Kurow to Duntroon. This section features an ancient Maori rock drawing site which can be explored. In Duntroon explore the township and enjoy a beverage in the country hotel before we transfer a short distance to the town of Oamaru and our accommodation for the next two evenings.
Cycle Distance: 50km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 5 Oamaru

We head to Duntroon and commence the last day of our spectacular Alps 2 Ocean bike ride. We leave the river valley and head inland through North Otago countryside, home to the unusual limestone ‘Elephant Rocks’ to Prydes Gully. Enjoy cycling the final bike trail section through very attractive looking ‘English’ countryside, from Windsor via the Botanical Gardens to Oamaru, finishing up by the sea at Friendly Bay. Enjoy a celebratory meal together in the historic Victorian Precinct of Oamaru.
Cycle Distance: 52km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 6 Oamaru – Christchurch

Have a well deserved lie in and leisurely breakfast. Spend the morning taking in the sights of the amazing Victorian precinct of Oamaru. Finally, we head back to Christchurch arriving at approximately 4:30pm. Alternatively catch a travel connection through to Queenstown, arriving at 7:20pm.
Cycle Distance: 0km
Meals (nil)

What’s included in the tour package?

• 5 nights twinshare en-suite accommodation
• 5 evening meals; 4 lunches; 4 continental breakfasts (indicated by B/L/D in the itinerary)
• fruit, snacks & morning teas on the trail
• the services of a tour leader who provides vehicle support & information
• cycle repair support
• farm visit and afternoon tea at Glenbrook Station
• all transport from/to Christchurch
• Goods & Services Tax of 15%

Not included in the tour package:

• wine; beer; espresso coffees
• lunch on Days 1 & 6; breakfast on Day 6
• bike hire ($190) or e-bike hire ($450)
• single accommodation supplement ($400)
• Queenstown to Tekapo transfers Day 1 ($40 approx)
• Oamaru to Queenstown transfers Day 6 ($63 approx)

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail – Official Partner
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail showcases New Zealand’s geological, geographical and historical highlights from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. PureTrails New Zealand’s Official Partner membership with the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is assisting this new trail to become established as one of NZ’s premier cycle trails.