The Alps to Ocean End to End is a 7-day cycling adventure allowing you time to fully appreciate the trail from the foot of Aoraki/Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean. The itinerary has been designed so that you can cycle the entire length of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, covering 320km of spectacular and diverse country from the official trail start at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village along with exploring some added highlights along the trail. The tour starts in Queenstown and ends in Christchurch.
Meeting in the adventure capital of Queenstown, you'll drive to the base of the mighty Southern Alps. The journey begins with a stunning heli-flight across the Tasman river before cycling through the vast tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country, along the braided rivers and vineyards of the Waitaki Valley, all the way to the white-stone township of Oamaru.
Other highlights of the trip include hiking beneath Aoraki/Mt Cook in the World Heritage National Park, cycling along the edges of Lakes Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore, spending a night in a luxurious glamping tent, exploring the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru and soaking in the hot tubs at Lake Ohau (optional).
The Alps to Ocean is graded moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness with an average daily distance of 60km and the longest day up to 80km. We suggest 90 minutes of cycling three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Some of the sections are on seal or hard-packed gravel and are relatively easy to ride. Other sections are on looser gravel which can be rough and uneven in places. The moderate sections over the Tarnbrae Saddle and from Sailors Cutting to the Benmore Dam include narrower tracks with some switchbacks and exposure in places. There are also plenty of hills so cycling up hills and on gravel and rougher terrain before your tour will enable you to really enjoy the fantastic riding and diverse scenery. With the trip being fully supported, less confident riders can choose to miss the moderate sections with easier options available.