Alps to Ocean Classic

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Travel Christchurch to Tekapo

   Following an early start, your adventure begins with a drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains. After enjoying some refreshments in the charming country town of Geraldine, you'll continue through rolling farmland to reach Burke’s Pass, the gateway to Mackenzie Country. Soon, Lake Tekapo will appear before you, a bright blue jewel in the landscape. You'll have lunch, and after a briefing and group photos, you'll set off cycling around the lakeside to visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, continuing to the start of the Alps to Ocean ride.
   
   You'll follow alongside the vivid hydro canals to reach a high terrace overlooking Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. The trail then dips down to meet the lakeshore, offering incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. You'll then cross expansive tussockland to reach Twizel, where you will spend the next two nights. Tonight, you'll enjoy your first group dinner, where you can learn more about the week's cycling ahead.

   • 34.2 miles
   • The Alps, Twizel
   • Lunch and Dinner
2. Day 2Visit Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

   After breakfast, you'll venture northward to the spectacular Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, a drive of around one hour. Today is dedicated to immersing yourself in the stunning alpine landscape of New Zealand's highest peaks. You'll start with the Hooker Valley walk, which takes you over impressive swing bridges and beneath towering summits, including the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, to a serene glacial lake. Here, you'll pause for lunch amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. Retracing your steps, you'll hop on your bike and pedal towards the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. A brief stroll to a lookout rewards you with vistas of New Zealand's longest glacier and the Tasman Lake. Back on your bike, you'll ride southward towards the airport, where this section of the Alps to Ocean trail concludes. In less favorable weather conditions, you'll have the opportunity to explore the visitor center and Edmund Hilary Museum, which features a planetarium. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Twizel for your second night's stay.
   
   Cycling Distance: approx 20 km
   Hiking Distance: Hooker Valley Walk 10 km (mostly flat)
   
   

   • 12.4 miles
   • The Alps, Twizel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
3. Day 3Twizel to Omarama

   The stunning scenery keeps coming as you ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals, then Lake Ohau where you stop for lunch.
   Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m/2,952ft), the highpoint of the A2O. The vast Mackenzie Country views are just reward for the climb.

   Alternatively, riders can transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride down to Omarama – the stop for the night. Translating as ‘place of light’, Omarama is known for its extraordinarily clear skies. offering incredible star gazing opportunities at night.
   
   Cycle distance:
   38km (Twizel–Lake Ohau)
   44km Lake Ohau–Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle or 26km (Quailburn–Omarama (short option)

   • 39.8 - 51.6 miles
   • Sierra Motel, Omarama
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Reach the top!

     On day 3 you can choose to bike up to the high point of the trail and find some spectacular views

4. Day 4Omarama to Kurow

   Today's ride takes you down the Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. You'll start by following the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, you'll join the lakeshore to traverse the shoreline of rocky outcrops, little beaches, and even tree-covered islands. The trail then drops down from above the Benmore Dam to rejoin the quiet lakeside road. If you prefer to avoid this more technical section, there is an easier option available.
   
   Once regrouped, you’ll enjoy a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where you’ll have a picnic by the lake. You’ll arrive at Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surroundings. Highlights include the beautifully restored St Albans Church and wine-tasting at local vineyards. You’ll stay overnight in Kurow in an elegant lodge, enjoying dinner that showcases local produce.
   

   • 41.6 miles
   • Waitaki Braids Lodge, Kurow
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Waitaki Braids Lodge

     In Kurow you'll be treated to a night at this charming lodge

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     Waitaki Braids Lodge

     In Kurow you'll be treated to a night at this charming lodge

5. Day 5Kurow to Windsor

   This morning, the cycle trail takes you along the banks of the Waitaki River, past vineyards and a Maori rock art site, to reach the small town of Duntroon. From there, you'll head inland into rolling country and explore the unique Elephant Rocks, huge formations strewn across a field. Picking up the old railway line, you'll ride through Raki's Tunnel before rolling downhill to the settlement of Windsor. The historic Burnside Homestead is a fitting place for your final night and a well-deserved night’s sleep after dinner at the local Enfield pub.

   Cycle distance:
   28km (Kurow–Duntroon)
   40km (Duntroon–Burnside Homestead)
   

   • 42.3 miles
   • Burnside Homestead
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Burnside Homestead

     Stay in this lovely heritage accommodation on the last night

6. Day 6Windsor to Christchurch, via Oamaru

   Today, you will get to enjoy one more ride on the A2O before you begin the road trip back to Christchurch. Setting off from the accommodation, you will keep on rolling through picturesque rural countryside. You then pass Oamaru Stone quarry, where stone has been extracted since the nineteenth century. You’ll see its influence on local architecture once you reach Oamaru.

   After riding through the town’s delightful municipal gardens, you’ll reach the Victorian Precinct and harborside park where the A2O finish-line sign offers the perfect photo-op. If time allows, explore the shops and galleries or visit the mind-boggling Steampunk HQ museum. After a late lunch, you’ll begin the journey north across the Canterbury Plains, arriving in central Christchurch early evening.
   

   • 11.8 miles
   • Breakfast

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     Steampunk in Oamaru

     On the last day, visit the Steampunk museum if you fancy