The Alps 2 Ocean Trail EASY cycle tour features 177km of cycling on the easier sections of the Alps 2 Ocean Bike Trail.
The Alps 2 Ocean Trail EASY tour features 100% cycling on gravel cycle trails. The riding is rated Grade 1 and there are a few gentle hills that can be skipped if desired.
This tour is a great alternative to the full Alps to Ocean Trail EPIC cycle tour for those wanting a more relaxed and ‘pain-free’ cycle experience. There is ample time for exploring the glacial lakes and alpine towns, and general ‘mountain-gazing’.
Vehicle support available throughout the cycle tour. Refer to our Level of Difficulty gradings for more information.
Alps 2 Ocean Trail EASY Cycle Tour Highlights
- Cycle 177km on the easier sections of the Alps 2 Ocean Trail
- Take in the amazing and majestic vistas of the Southern Alps
- Cycle beside the surreal aqua blue glacial lakes and hydro canals
- Admire the engineering of the Waitaki Valley hydro scheme
- Step back in time in Oamaru’s splendid Victorian Precinct
- Star gaze in the ‘Aoraki Mackenzie international dark sky reserve’
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.
Cycle Distance: 25km
Meals (D)
Day 2 Twizel – Omarama
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 the Clay Cliffs before our final bike ride into Omarama. There is time this afternoon for a soak in the Omarama Hot Tubs if desired after checking into our accommodation.
Cycle Distance: 47km
Meals (B/L/D)
Day 3 Omarama – Duntroon
Today we ride the from Omarama to Sailors Cutting, following the lakeside of Lake Benmore. Here we load up and travel a short distance to the top of Benmore Dam, and enjoy a lovely ride alongside the Aviemore Dam under the cool shade of the willow trees and down the Waitaki Valley to Kurow. We transfer a short distance to the small community of Duntroon. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the country pub including our accommodation in the newly renovated lodgings.
Cycle Distance: 51km
Meals (B/L/D)
Day 4 Duntroon – Oamaru
We commence the last day of our spectacular Alps to 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: 54km
Meals (B/L/D)
Day 5 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?
- 4 nights twinshare en-suite accommodation
- 4 evening meals; 3 lunches; 3 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
- all transport from/to Christchurch
- Goods & Services Tax of 15%
Not included in the tour package:
- wine; beer; espresso coffees
- lunch on Days 1 & 5
- bike hire ($200) or e-bike hire ($500)
- single accommodation supplement ($350)
- Queenstown to Tekapo transfers Day 1 ($45 approx)
- Oamaru to Queenstown transfers Day 6 ($70 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.