1-8 Days 306km

Highlights

  • Diverse landscapes
  • Scenic ride
  • Country towns and history

Proximity

Grade 2-3

Easy to Intermediate

Cycle amidst the majestic Southern Alps, past blue glacial-fed lakes, and towards the sparkling Pacific coast on this 8-day Alps 2 Ocean itinerary.

Day 1: Aoraki/Mt Cook to Braemar Road, 35km

IMG_2400.jpg, New Zealand

This section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle trail is a must do for towering views of New Zealand’s highest mountain – Aoraki/Mt Cook, the scenic helicopter ride and true high country hospitality.  If the helicopter ride isn’t for you, then begin the track on the east side of Lake Pukaki at Tekapo B Power Station.

Accommodation: Braemar Station

Day 2: Braemar Road to Twizel, 42km

Cycling at Lake Pukaki, near our tallest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand

A quiet and stunning country road following the eastern shores of Lake Pukaki takes you to Twizel. The town was built in 1968 as a base for workers constructing a major hydroelectric power plant. Nowadays it is popular for its mountains and lakes. Take a break on your ride and savour the fresh flavours of the award-winning Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. 

Accommodation: Twizel

Day 3: Twizel to Lake Ohau, 38km

You’ll follow scenic roads and ride across a canal bridge before descending towards the lake foreshore, which takes you to Ohau Weir (note, see alps2ocean.com(opens in new window) for alternate route when Ohau Weir is in flood). Lake Ohau is one of the region’s best kept secrets – it is simply stunning!

Accommodation:  Lake Ohau Lodge

Day 4: Lake Ohau to Ōmarama, 41km

Christchurch - Canterbury
Hot Tubs Ōmarama, Christchurch - Canterbury

With views across the basin to the Benmore Range, this section of the trail weaves across conservation land before descending to Quailburn Rd. A 2km detour from here takes you to a historic woolshed that provides a picture of early sheep shearing methods. If you’re up for it, take another longer detour (14km return) to Clay Cliffs – a majestic natural rock formation. Nestled amongst mountains and lakes, Ōmarama is renowned as a gliding and fishing mecca.

Accommodation: Ōmarama

Day 5: Ōmarama to Otematata, 24km

Waitaki
Ōmarama to Otematata, Waitaki

Riding east down Waitaki Valley, you’ll cross Sailors Cutting, a popular boating and camping destination. Otematata, a small village with accommodation options, was built to service the construction of New Zealand’s largest man made dam – the Benmore Hydro Dam.

Accommodation: Otematata

Day 6: Otematata to Kurow, 44km

Waitaki
Otematata to Kurow, Waitaki

This is an easy section of the trail, mostly on sealed road. It narrates a rich hydroelectric history through a series of dams, including the impressive Benmore Hydro Dam. Kurow sits at the junction of two rivers and offers plenty of water activities, including jet boating and fishing.

Accommodation: Kurow

Day 7: Kurow to Duntroon, 23km

Waitaki
Waitaki Valley, Waitaki

Check out the Kurow Museum(opens in new window) and Kurow Island, a 20 hectare island formed by braided river geomorphic processes. The island is easily accessible with beautiful backwaters, walking tracks, gentle braids and roads. Back on the Alps 2 Ocean trail, you’ll traverse Kurow wine country and follow SH83 to Duntroon.

Accommodation: Duntroon

Day 8: Duntroon to Oamaru, 55km

Waitaki
Elephant Rocks, Waitaki

From Duntroon to Oamaru, the trail leaves the riverside, passes interesting limestone formations (Elephant Rocks) before joining an old railway line till Oamaru. This historic town has a fascinating mix of shops, galleries and Victorian cafes. In Oamaru be sure to check out Steampunk HQ, the Victorian Precinct, the North Otago Museum and the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.

Accommodation: Oamaru

Take a closer look at key points on the map below

Where to next?