Alps to Ocean End to End

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village

   You will be collected by your guide from a central location in Queenstown around 8:00am. You'll start your journey with a warm up ride from the old gold mining town of Arrowtown. The route follows a trail high above the Arrow River, crossing 5 impressive bridges. On reaching the historic Kawarau Bridge, where you can watch the brave bungy jumpers, you'll load up the bikes and drive towards Aoraki/Mt Cook Village; the official start to the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. 

   You'll have the option to visit the famous Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (own expense) or the informative Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre (free of charge). You'll also have the chance to put your walking shoes on and take in the stunning glacier and mountain views from the Hooker Valley Track or Tasman Glacier Track.

   In the evening you will meet for the first group dinner.

   Hiking Distance: up to 10km 
   

   • 8.7 miles
   • Aoraki Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook
   • Dinner

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     Aoraki Alpine Lodge

     Spend the first night at this epic location in comfy surrounds

   • 

     Aoraki Alpine Lodge

     Spend the first night at this epic location in comfy surrounds

   • 

     Aoraki Alpine Lodge

     Spend the first night at this epic location in comfy surrounds

2. Day 2Aoraki/Mt Cook Village to Braemar Station

   After breakfast this morning you will have time to explore the village some more. You'll then hop on your bikes and cycle the first 7km to the airport. Using Heliworks Mount Cook you'll take a short (but breath-taking) heli-flight with the bikes to meet up with the trail on the other side of the Tasman River. You'll then cycle along the edge of Lake Pukaki, taking in views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

   After a picnic lunch, you'll continue cycling to Braemar Road and on to the backcountry farmstay, Braemar Station. This is a trip highlight for many as you are rewarded with fantastic views over Lake Pukaki and treated to a delicious home-cooked dinner.

   Please note: Heliworks Mount Cook is operated by Southern Lakes Helicopters an established NZ owned helicopter company with an excellent reputation for flying excellence. They use As350B2 Squirrels for this service. Heliworks focus on achieving the highest standards of safety to ensure all our clients’ needs and expectations are both met and exceeded.
   

   • 23.6 miles
   • Braemar Station, Lake Pukaki
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Braemar Station Accommodation

     Stay at this lovely backcountry farmstay on the second night of the tour

   • 

     Braemar Station Accommodation

     Stay at this lovely backcountry farmstay on the second night of the tour

3. Day 3Braemar Station to Lake Ohau

   After a hearty breakfast, you'll leave Braemar Station and start the ride for the day. The trail winds around the edge of Lake Pukaki to the visitors centre before crossing the extensive tussock-lands of Pukaki flats to Twizel.

   After lunch you'll cycle alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals, then Lake Ohau and then onto Lake Ohau Lodge, where you'll stay tonight. This evening there is time to unwind and soak in the onsite hot tubs while overlooking the lake.

   Cycle Distance: Braemar Station to Twizel - 42km

   Twizel to Lake Ohau - 38km
   

   • 49.7 - 51.6 miles
   • Lake Ohau Lodge
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Lake Ohau Lodge

     Look forward to this excellent location and on site hot tubs to relax in after the day's ride

4. Day 4Lake Ohau to Omarama

   After you've refueled with breakfast, those who would like a challenge can continue on the trail, which starts as a steady climb up to the Tambrae Saddle. At 900m this is the high point of the whole Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail and your efforts are rewarded with stunning views across the Mackenzie Basin. The rough shingle Tarnbrae track is steep and narrow and is suited to the more confident and fitter riders.

   Alternatively for those who want a relaxing afternoon, there is the option to transfer by coach and enjoy a final, mostly downhill and flat ride on the trail from the historic wool shed at Quailburn into Omarama, your stop for the night. Omarama is called "Place of Light" in Maori terminology, a reference to its extraordinarily pure and clear sky. This region is also famous for gliding due to some unique air wave systems and feisty thermals. This evening enjoy an optional soak in a private hot tub of fresh mountain water (own expense).

   Cycle Distance: Lake Ohau to Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle - 44km

   Short Option: Quailburn to Omarama - 26km 
   

   • 27.3 miles
   • Sierra Motel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Omarama to Kurow

   This morning you'll follow the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, you'll join the lakeshore to traverse around the shoreline of rocky outcrops, little beaches and even tree-covered islands. The trail then drops you down from above the Benmore Dam to rejoin the quiet lakeside road. There is an easier option for less confident riders who would prefer to avoid this more technical section.

   Regrouped, it’s a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where you’ll enjoy a picnic by the lake. You’ll arrive at Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surrounds. Highlights include the beautifully restored St Albans Church and wine tasting at local vineyards. You'll stay at the luxurious Valley Views Glamping where your own private tent awaits. Don't be fooled by the word 'tent' as you'll enjoy all your creature comforts. Each tent has a king size bed or 2 single beds with luxury down duvets, lighting, cell phone charger, an ensuite toilet and a private balcony. This is the perfect place to relax whilst recovering from a great day's biking.

   Cycle Distance: Omarama - Kurow 67km

   Kurow to Valley Views: 13km (option to ride in the support vehicle) 
   

   • 41.6 miles
   • Valley Views Glamping, Kurow
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Valley Views Glamping

     Incredible comfort and views await you at this glamping site on day 5

6. Day 6Kurow to Oamaru

    After breakfast, you'll hop back on the bike for your last ride towards the Pacific Ocean. You'll pass by a Maori rock art site before reaching Duntroon where you'll turn inland to cycle on a mixture of trail and quiet rural roads. A walk among the unusual rock formations known locally as Elephant Rocks is a must-do on the way past.

   Following a short section of an old branch railway line, you'll cycle through Raki's tunnel before a downhill ride into the settlement of Windsor. After lunch, you'll cycle through picturesque rolling rural countryside, past the Oamaru stone quarry to Friendly Bay and the end of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. You'll celebrate your cycling achievements with a group photo at the famous picture frame and a final group dinner.
   

   • 50.3 miles
   • The Mews, Oamaru
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7. Day 7Oamaru to Christchurch

   Today you are bound for Christchurch but not before exploring the white-stone township of Oamaru. Here there is time to browse around the old Victorian Precinct with its many galleries, shops and cafes. There may also be time for an optional visit to the fascinating Steampunk Museum (own expense). You'll then travel back to Christchurch, passing through some of the rich agricultural regions of the Canterbury Plains, arriving at the destination around 3pm, where the tour concludes. 
   

   • Breakfast and Lunch