New Zealand Alps to the Ocean

Day 1: Christchurch or Queenstown to Braemar Station, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 2: Braemar to Twizel, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 3: Twizel - Lake Ohau Lodge, 24 mi. (38 km)
Day 4: Ohau - Omarama, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Omarama - Kurow, 42 mi. (67 km)
Day 6: Kurow - Burnside Homestead, 41 mi. (65 km)
Day 7: Burnside - Oamaru, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 8: Oamaru - Christchurch

All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Transfer Christchurch or Queenstown to Braemar Station, 20 mi. (32 km)
Group departure is from Christchurch city center (you will be informed of exact location) at 7:00 am for the drive to Mt Cook. Hotel accommodations are not included in Christchurch. It is also possible to arrive in Queenstown. You will arrive at the start of the trail in the early afternoon. The transfer takes you through Tekapo, a town at the end of Lake Tekapo, home to the famous dark sky reserve. A short ride to the airport allows you to test the bikes out before you fly by helicopter over to the remote part of the section and ride along Lake Pukaki to Braemar Station. You this evening at Braemar Station, where you will dine with the most amazing backdrop of Aoraki.

Preferred accommodation: Braemar High Country Station (shared bathroom facitilites)

Day 2: Braemar - Twizel, 26 mi. (42 km)
Following the turquoise blue Lake Pukaki, along gravel roads and a smooth cycle trail, you head away from Aoraki, Mt Cook, guided by the Ben Ahau mountain range. You can stop to soak up the magnificence of the scenery around you. Once you leave the lake, you head directly to Twizel across the Pukaki Flats. Tonight you keep Aoraki in our view and stay at Omahau Downs Lodge and dine at Poppies restaurant in Twizel. 

Highlights:

• Lake Pukaki
• Tekapo B Power Station
• Pukaki Dam & Spillway
• Links With Te Araroa Trail
• Pukaki Flats
• Mountain Bike Trails – Pukaki Kettle Holes, Dusky Trail, Twizel River Trail, Baikie Hut, Darts Bush Stream
• Mountains – Benmore Range, Ben Ohau Range

Difficulty level: Easy
Skill level: Easy
Traffic: Low
Track surface:

• 43% gravel road
• 12% sealed road
• 45% smooth shingle

Preferred accommodation: Omahau Downs Lodge

Day 3: Twizel - Lake Ohau Lodge, 24 mi. (38 km)
Departing from Twizel, you will enjoy the paved road to Ohau Canal below Ben Ohau to join Lake Ohau. The cycle trail around the Lake is stunning and smooth. Be careful not to leave the trail as the local Matagouri is renowned for puncturing tires! Head up to the side of Lake Ohau to the lodge for the evening and a delicious dinner in the dining room. Be sure to take advantage of the hot tubs to soak tired muscles and relax!

Highlights:

• Canal Fishing
• Kaki/Black Stilt Visitor Hide
• Loch Cameron (swimming spot)
• Pukaki & Ohau Canals
• Lake Ohau Foreshore
• Ohau Weir
• Maori Swamp

Difficulty level: Easy
Skill level: Easy
Traffic: Low
Track surface:

• 1% grass or dirt road
• 72% sealed road
• 28% smooth shingle

Preferred accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge

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.

Highlights:

• Ruataniwha Conservation Park
• Native Beech Forests
• Quailburn Historic Woolshed
• Clay Cliffs (side trip)
• Freehold Creek Track

Difficulty level: Moderate
Skill level: Intermediate
Traffic: Low
Track surface:

• 26% gravel road
• 19% sealed road
• 27% smooth shingle
• 17% Rough shingle

Preferred accommodation: Sierra Motel

Day 5: Omarama - Kurow, 42 mi. (67 km)
From Omarama, the scenery changes and brings to light how the region and its water catchment were used for the Waitaki Hydro-Electric Scheme. Heading for your next stop at Kurow you cycle by Lakes Benmore, Aviemore, and Waitaki. The trail varies from smooth shingle to paved road. This evening you will enjoy wine tasting at Ostler Wines followed by dining at Wild Sage Cafe.

Highlights:

• Benmore Dam
• Te Akatarawa Road
• Lake Aviemore
• Deep Stream Walking Track
• Aviemore Dam
• Waitaki Dam

Difficulty level: Easy
Skill level: Easy
Traffic: High
Track surface:

• 90% paved road
• 10% smooth shingle

Preferred accommodation: High-quality B & B based on availability

Day 6: Kurow - Burnside Homestead, 41 mi. (65 km)
Departing from Kurow toward Duntroon you are provided a few glances of the mighty Waitaki River. This part of the trail goes past the wetlands, an interesting community project that has rejuvenated the area. You exit into the small settlement of Duntroon and head on to quiet roads and cycle trail, passing Elephant Rocks, film locations, and through The Rakis Tunnel. Your evening stop is at the historic Burnside Homestead.

Highlights:

• Kurow Island
• Waitaki River
• Vineyards
• Maori Rock Art
• Kurow Museum
• Duntroon Wetlands
• Vanished World Centre
• Nicols Forge Blacksmith
• Brewery Hole
• St. Martins Church

Difficulty level: Easy
Skill level: Easy
Traffic: Low
Track surface:

• 2% gravel road
• 1% paved road
• 97% smooth shingle

Preferred accommodation: Burnside Homestead

Day 7: Burnside - Oamaru, 11 mi. (18 km)
Today after your grand stay at Burnside you ride the short section to Oamaru (22 km). Cycling through the town you will see many Victorian buildings and get a feel for its history. Ride to the end of the trail at the harbor and celebrate the end of your journey! Go back 300 m and locate the Brewery and the bike shop. A celebratory lunch and beer are called for before you leave your bikes and are transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon, you are free to explore Oamaru's unique and special character. You can book an optional massage or spa. The tour ends with a flavor extravaganza at the Riverstone Kitchen, an award-winning restaurant. Take a tour of the gardens and enjoy views of one of New Zealand’s only castles!

Highlights:

• Elephant Rocks
• Vanished World Fossil Sites
• Historic Tokarahi Branch Rail Line
• Maori Rock Art Sites
• Oamaru Historic Victorian Precinct
• Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
• Oamaru Botanical Gardens
• Historic Rakis Railway Tunnel
• Elderslie Estate

Difficulty level: Moderate
Skill level: Easy
Traffic: Moderate
Track surface:

• 13% gravel road
• 17% paved road
• 65% smooth shingle
• 5% sealed track

Preferred accommodation: High-quality suite (based on availability)

Day 8: Transfer Oamaru to Christchurch/Queenstown
Departure time from Oamaru will be at 8 am which will get you to Christchurch airport at 11:30 am for your onward flight. Alternatively, you can be dropped off in the city center, after the airport dropoff has been done.

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