New Zealand Alps to the Ocean

Day 1: Christchurch or Queenstown - Lake Tekapo - Twizel, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 2: Mt. Cook - Twizel, 33 mi. (51 km)
Day 3: Twizel - Lake Ohau Lodge, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Ohau - Omarama, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Omarama - Kurow, 42 mi. (68 km)
Day 6: Kurow - Enfield, 41 mi. (67 km)
Day 7: Enfield - Oamaru, 8 mi. (12 km). Transfer back to Christchurch or Queenstown, end of tour

All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Christchurch or Queenstown* - Lake Tekapo - Twizel, 26 mi. (42 km)
Group departure is from Queenstown or Christchurch city center (you will be informed of exact location) at 7:30 am for the drive to Lake Tekapo. The transfer can take up to 4 hours, After a lunch stop in Tekapo, you'll take a ride to Lake Pukaki. Enjoy dinner tonight in Twizel.

*Group departure depends on the tour date and group preference. For already confirmed departures, group participants may have already chosen the pick up/drop off location. Please see dates and pricing for details. 

Day 2: Twizel - Mt. Cook - Twizel, 33 mi. (51 km)
Today, begins with a transfer to Aoraki Mt Cook, where a helicopter will drop you off at a secluded section of the trail. Then cycle along the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, following both a gravel road and a smooth cycle path. As you ride, you'll be guided by the majestic Ben Ohau mountain range on the opposite side of the lake, moving away from Aoraki Mt Cook. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy a picnic lunch. After leaving the lake, you'll head directly to Twizel, crossing the Pukaki Flats. To end the day, we'll dine at one of Twizel's top restaurants.

Day 3: Twizel - Lake Ohau Lodge, 25 mi. (40 km)
After breakfast, cycle through Twizel along the paved Ohau Canal road. Meet at Lake Ohau, situated beneath the Ben Ohau mountain, for morning tea. From there, follow the picturesque and smooth cycle trail around Lake Ohau. You'll pause at Lake Middleton for a delightful picnic lunch. A brief ride on the quiet, paved Ohau road will bring you to this evening’s destination at Lake Ohau Lodge. Tonight, enjoy the Lodge’s high country fare in their dining room. After dinner, unwind with a drink at the bar or relax in the hot tubs as you recount the day’s adventures.

Day 4: Ohau - Omarama, 28 mi. (45 km)
After breakfast, you will ride to the trail's highest point, Tambrae point. The gentle gradient gains 350 m and provides amazing vistas over the Mackenzie basin. As the expression goes, ‘What goes up must come down’, but please be careful with your speed as you whizz down to Quailburn. Omarama Hot Tubs is the key to relaxing any sore muscles and is included in your tour. Tonight you will eat out at a local cafe.

Day 5: Omarama - Kurow, 42 mi. (68 km)
Omarama marks the halfway point of the trail, making it the perfect spot for breakfast at the Wrinkly Rams Cafe. After Omarama, the scenery shifts to reveal the impressive Waitaki Hydro Electric Scheme and its impact on the landscape. As you continue towards Kurow, cycle past the beautiful Lakes Benmore, Aviemore, and Waitaki. The trail varies from smooth shingle to sealed road, with the new Sailors Cutting section being particularly exceptional. This evening, enjoy a wine tasting at The River T Winery.

Day 6: Kurow - Enfield, 41 mi. (67 km)
The trail winds alongside the braided river to Duntroon, then ascends into the hills, passing the unique and fascinating Elephant Rocks. Cycle through stunning limestone formations and, on clear days, catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean over the coastal plains. Finally, enjoy a downhill ride to your accommodation through the Rakis Tunnel.

Day 7: Enfield - Oamaru, 8 mi. (12 km). Transfer back to Christchurch, end of tour.
Savor the final kilometers of the trail as it meanders through pastures and farmland, leading you to the trail's end. Spend a little time exploring Oamaru before celebrating with a delicious pizza lunch at a local craft brewery. Afterward, you'll be transfered back to Christchurch or Queenstown, arriving around 4:30 PM.

View all our featured trips, including hiking, biking, multi-adventure & more!

You will stay in handpicked accommodations to provide you with quality and variety. Please see each day’s details for the preferred accommodations. Due to the limited accommodation on the trail, there are evenings when facilities may be shared, specifically in Braemer Station Lodge, and based on availability, perhaps on other nights as well. You will be provided with a final hotel list upon confirmation