Alps to Ocean Trail EPIC

Day 1 Christchurch – Twizel

The Alps to Ocean Trail cycle tour gets underway as we head south across the plains towards Geraldine. After a lunch stop we continue into the Mackenzie Basin, driving past Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki and the start of our cycle trail ‘great ride’. Alternatively we can organise a bus transfer from Queenstown to Tekapo. The first 6km cycle ride section is on a sealed road providing a good opportunity to get familiar with your bike. You then enter the cycle trail on the Lake Pukaki foreshore, featuring fantastic views of Aoraki Mount Cook and the snow-capped Southern Alps, all the way to the spillway (9km). Enjoy a refreshment break at the Lake Pukaki foreshore before embarking on the final section of the day on the bike trail across the Pukaki Flats to Twizel (10km) featuring great views of the immense Mackenzie Basin and the late afternoon sun falling across the Benmore Range. Check into our comfortable accommodation for the next two evenings.
Cycle Distance: 25km
Meals (D)

Day 2 Twizel

We drive up to the top of the eastern side of Lake Pukaki in our support vehicle. 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 21km section travels 11km north deep into the mountains to the point adjacent to the Mt Cook Airport. The views here are quite simply superb and will take your breath away. The trail then retraces south to the carpark. Enjoy a picnic lunch with the mountains before you before completing the next two sections of the day, 34km of cycling following the shores of Lake Pukaki, passing by the location of ‘Lake Town’ in the Hobbit Trilogies, back to yesterdays starting point. At the conclusion of the bike ride we load our bikes and drive back to Twizel and our accommodation.
Cycle Distance: 55km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 3 Twizel – Omarama

We cycle out of Twizel this morning on a sealed rural road to the Pukaki – Ohau canal. 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’. This 19km cycleway section follows the road alongside the canal to the Ohau weir. Here we enjoy morning tea with a fabulous view overlooking Lake Ohau and the Ben Ohau and Barrier Ranges. The next 14km section is on purpose built cycle trail along the edge of Lake Ohau and across to Lake Middleton. Continue 5km to Ohau Lodge where a sumptous lunch awaits. From here a challenging but spectacular 19km section of Alps 2 Ocean trail awaits, featuring a climb to the Tarnbrae highpoint and down again to the Quailburn. The final 23km ride takes you on an easy descent of the Quailburn and a short distance along the trail to Omarama and our accommodation. Enjoy an optional visit to the Omarama Hot Tubs.
Cycle Distance: 80km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 4 Omarama – Kurow

Today’s bike ride takes us down the Waitaki Valley. The first 24km section takes you from Omarama to Lake Bemore via Sailors Cutting and a lovely bike trail alongside the lake. The next 30km section follows the 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 (14km). In Kurow settle into our comfortable accommodation, explore the township, and enjoy a tasting of the local wines.
Cycle Distance: 68km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 5 Kurow – Oamaru

We commence the last day of our spectacular Alps to Ocean bike ride. Firstly the ride continues down the valley on the cycle trail to Duntroon (28km). This section features an ancient Maori rock drawing site. We then leave the valley and head inland through North Otago countryside, home to the unusual limestone ‘Elephant Rocks’ to Windsor (32km). Enjoy lunch before the next 22km section through very attractive looking ‘English’ countryside on a rail trail, into Oamaru, finishing up our NZ great ride by the sea at Friendly Bay. Check into our accommodation and enjoy a celebratory meal together in the historic Victorian Precinct.
Cycle Distance: 82km
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 6 Oamaru – Christchurch

Have a leisurely start to the day and spend the morning exploring the absolutely splendid Victorian precinct featuring some of New Zealand’s best 19th century architecture in Oamaru’s old town. We depart for Christchurch arriving in the city by 5:30pm. Alternatively you can take a bus to Dunedin or Queenstown from Oamaru.
Cycle Distance: 0km
Meals (B)

What’s included in the tour package?

• 5 nights twinshare accommodation
• 5 evening meals; 4 lunches; 5 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
• bike hire ($190) or e-bike hire ($450)
• single accommodation supplement ($410)
• 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.