Here is the number 1 cycle trail of the year
Explore now...
Day 1 Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
Today you will have an induction and bike fitting, and drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village which is the official start to your Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. Here, you will also have the option to experience incredible glacier and mountain views whilst hiking from the Hooker Valley Track / Tasman Glacier Track. Hiking Distance is up to 10km.
New Zealand’s South Island is also a World Heritage area and home to some of the most scenery unlike any other. You can find New Zealand’s highest mountain, longest glacier, largest buttercup and its darkest skies.
Day 2 Aoraki/Mt Cook Village to Braemar Station (cycle distance 38kms)
Your second day starts with a scenic heli-flight which will connect you with the cycle trail on the other side of the Tasman River.
Day 3 Braemar Station to Lake Ohau (Cycle Distance: Braemar Station to Twizel – 42km Twizel to Lake Ohau – 38km). Here, the trail winds around the edge of Lake Pukaki to the visitors centre before crossing the extensive tussock-lands of Pukaki flats to Twizel.
Day 4 Lake Ohau to Omarama (Cycle Distance: Lake Ohau to Omarama – 41km Short Option: Quailburn to Omarama – 23km). This part of the trail offers cyclists two options:
- Those of you who love a challenge can continue on the trail, which starts as a steady climb up to the Tambrae Saddle. At 900m this is the highpoint of the whole Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail and your efforts are rewarded with mind-blowing views across the Mackenzie Basin.
- Alternatively for those who want a relaxing afternoon there is the option to transfer by coach and enjoy a mostly downhill and flat ride on the trail into Omarama
Day 5 Omarama to Kurow (Cycle Distance: Omarama – Kurow 68km (optional climb to Otematata saddle – 5km) Kurow to Valley Views: 13km (option to ride in the support vehicle). Today you set off on your bike from your accommodation following the trail to Sailors Cutting, along the shores of Lake Benmore. From here, there is the option to climb to the Otematata saddle or to take the support van to the top and enjoy a fabulous downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam
Day 6 Kurow to Oamaru (Cycle Distance: Valley Views to Oamaru – 74km). Your last ride in the cycle trail is towards the Pacific Ocean. You will pass by a Maori rock art site before reaching Duntroon where you will 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. After lunch you will cycle through picturesque rolling rural countryside, past the Oamaru stone quarry to Friendly Bay and the end of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail.
Day 7 Oamaru to Christchurch (by vehicle). Christchurch is the gateway city to the South Island, set in the middle of the beautiful region of Canterbury. Spectacular marine life, boutique vineyards, secluded beaches, glacial lakes and stunningly rugged mountains
Adventure South NZ currently has a 5 out of 5 star Tripadvisor Reveiw from approximately 45 reviews.
Awarded with the Qualmark Gold award for Sustainable Tourism Business
Experience some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth when you cycle a new seven-day Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail. Be astounded by the grand Southern Alps, blue glacial-fed lakes, and the glittering Pacific Ocean!
I cannot think of a better way to appreciate the dramatic landscape of New Zealand than from a seat of a bicycle. Not only does it afford you the opportunity to experience the local way of life, and up-close and personal views, but it gives you that added sense of self-accomplishment!
Adventure South NZ’s Alps to Ocean Cycle trail has become so popular that the cycling holiday specialist, a division of the World Expeditions Travel Group, has created a new seven-day itinerary for people wanting to cycle the entire trail from end to end.
Adventure South NZ General Manager, Phil Wyndham, says the new Alps to Ocean End to End has been designed for active travellers looking for something more challenging. “The Alps to Ocean Cycle is a spectacular trail, weaving through some of the most diverse and unique landscapes in New Zealand”.
“However due to popular demand and travellers wanting to ride the entire 310 kilometres of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail from the foot of Aoraki/Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean, we designed a seven-day itinerary that allows them to do so.
“The new seven-day itinerary commences with your first night spent in a comfortable lodge at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village with time to explore the many walking and cycling trails of this incredible alpine playground.
“The real adventure starts the following morning with a short scenic heli-flight across the Tasman River before cycling along iconic Lake Pukaki.”
Other highlights include:
- Staying in premium backcountry accommodation with uninterrupted views of Lake Pukaki
- Cycling along the edges of Lakes Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore
- Soaking in the hot tubs at Lake Ohau Lodge
- Spending a night “glamping” in a private luxurious lotus belle ‘tent’
- Exploring the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru
“The itinerary, for experienced and competent riders, includes five days of cycling, with the average cycling distance around 65km each day (compared to 40km per day for the six-day itinerary) which means you need to be comfortable riding on gravel surfaces for six-eight hours each day, Mr Wyndham said.
“Of course, we do offer the option to upgrade to an electric bike for this itinerary and actually I would encourage it.”
All Alps to Ocean itineraries are fully supported and include comfortable accommodation, a support vehicle, experienced guides & most meals. Single supplements are only paid should you want a guaranteed single room.
Adventure South NZ has only two Alps to Ocean End to End departures for the upcoming season departing Queenstown on 20 November 2018 and 6 March 2019. Places are limited.
More information at www.adventuresouth.co.nz
1 Comment
David
November 2, 2018 at 6:28 pmSuddenly I have a new goal!