Day 1 Christchurch – Twizel

Our Alps to Ocean cycle trail tour gets underway as we head south across the plains towards 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 cycle ride section is on a sealed road providing a good opportunity to get familiar with your bike. Ride 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 cycle trail across the Pukaki Flats to Twizel. Finally, we check into our comfortable accommodation for the next two evenings.
Cycle Distance: 25km
Meals (D)

Day 2 Twizel

This morning’s Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail section is a highlight of the bike tour and could contend for the title of the best bike ride in the country. The cycle trail travels 11km north deep into the mountains. The views here are quite simply superb and will take your breath away. The trail then retraces south to Jollie River where we enjoy a picnic lunch. The next section follows the shores of Lake Pukaki, passing by the location of ‘Lake Town’ in the Hobbit Trilogies, back to the Tekapo B power station. At the conclusion of the bike ride we  drive back to Twizel.
Cycle Distance: 55km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 3 Twizel – Omarama

Cycle out of Twizel this morning to the Pukaki – Ohau canal to Ohau Weir. The fields in this area became the setting for the pivotal battle of Pelennor Field in the Lord of the Rings ‘The Return of the King’. Here we enjoy morning tea with a fabulous view overlooking Lake Ohau and the Ben Ohau and Barrier Ranges. Following the refreshment stop the next section of cycle trail follows the edge of Lake Ohau to Ohau Lodge where a sumptuous platter lunch awaits. From here a challenging but spectacular section of Alps 2 Ocean trail beckons, featuring a climb to the Tarnbrae highpoint and down to the Quailburn. The final ride takes you on an easy descent of the Quailburn to Omarama and our accommodation. After the ride enjoy an optional visit to the Omarama Hot Tubs.
Cycle Distance: 80km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 4 Omarama – Oamaru

Today’s bike ride takes us down the Waitaki Valley. Firstly we bike from Omarama to Lake Bemore via Sailors Cutting on a lovely bike trail alongside the lake. Then the next section follows Benmore Dam, past the power station and along the pleasant sealed road beside Lake Aviemore. From here we follow the Waitaki River down the valley to Kurow and (conditions pending) onto Duntroon. This section features an ancient Maori rock drawing site. 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: 96km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 5 Oamaru

Today the trail leaves the Waitaki valley and heads inland through the North Otago countryside, home to the unusual limestone ‘Elephant Rocks’ to Windsor. Enjoy lunch before the next cycle trail section through very attractive looking ‘English’ countryside, and into Oamaru, finishing up by the sea at Friendly Bay. After the ride there is time to explore the splendid Victorian precinct of Oamaru featuring some of New Zealand’s best 19^th century architecture and enjoy a celebratory meal together.
Cycle Distance: 54km
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, before we head back to Christchurch arriving at approximately 5:30pm. 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 accommodation
• 5 evening meals; 4 lunches; 4 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
• commercial guiding fees on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
• 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 ($43 approx)
• Oamaru to Queenstown transfers Day 6 ($66 approx)

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail – Concession 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 Concession 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. As a commercial tour operator PureTrails New Zealand pays $5+ GST per person for every half day spent cycling the trail.