New Zealand Alps to the Ocean
New Zealand Bike Tours
Bike this world famous cycling trail in New Zealand
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices fromNZ$3920 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This scenic bike tour in New Zealand leads along the world-famous 'Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail' linking the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. Your ride will be one of beauty and color, from the highest mountains down to the ocean.
You will journey in the shadow of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, along azure glacial lakes and stunning braided rivers, highlighted by varied and dramatic vistas.
This is a small group experience that highlights the entire trail with fantastic and varied accommodations and great food!
Highlights
- The wonderful dedicated bike trail
- Unsurpassed scenery
- Helicopter flight over the Tasman river
- Boutique vineyards
- Guide and support...all you need to do is arrive!
Itinerary
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 - ChristchurchAll 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.Accommodation
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
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in cottages, lodges, B&Bs, and historic homesteads
- All meals from the evening meal on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
- Return transfer to the airport
- Bike & helmet rental
- Helicopter flight over the Tasman river
- Vehicle support with a local tour guide
- Luggage transfer
- Omarama Hot Tubs
- Wine tasting in Kurow
What’s Not Included
- Arrival airport transfer
- Scenic flights/gliding
- SteamPunk HQ
- Penguin tour in Oamaru
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2023
Sunday departures
Season A: January 29, February 12, March 12, March 26, April 9, & April 30, 2023
Season B: October 15, October 29, November 12, November 26, 2023
2024
Sunday departures
January 28, February 11, February 25, March 10, March 24, April 7, April 21, & May 5, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Season A Season B Twin/double NZD 3920 NZD 4020 Single supplement On request On request 2024
On request
Extra Options
Electric bike: NZD 350
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This tour is rated easy to moderate. On each day’s itinerary, you will find details regarding the difficulty level and skill required. Distances range from 19 to 34 mi. (31 to 54 km).
Airport Info
Fly into and out of Christchurch International Airport (CHC), located just 11 km from the center of Christchurch. It is also possible to arrive in Queenstown.
Local Travel
We suggest that you fly into Christchurch one or two days earlier than your tour start. An overnight here is not included in the itinerary, but you will want to explore! You can also fly into the smaller, Queenstown airport. While this can be more expensive, it is a shorter transfer.
Public transportation
Regular Metro Red Bus services connect the airport to the city center and many other locations in Christchurch. Both the Purple Line and the Number 29 buses go via the city center. You can buy your tickets from the driver. Tickets cost $8.50 one way. Both buses depart from the northern end of the International Arrivals Hall, between the terminal and the Long Stay car park (exit through Door 9 past the Vodafone counter).
Taxi
Taxi stands are located outside arrivals.
Shuttle service
Super Shuttle provides airport transfers.Climate
Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand has a reversed order of seasons. Christchurch has a temperate oceanic climate with a mild summer, cool winter, and regular moderate rainfall. You will be riding in a mountain environment for most of the trail. The conditions can change quickly so please pack accordingly, plan on layering, and don’t forget your raingear.
Recommended
Please note that the overnight accommodations in Christchurch (at the beginning and the end) are not included in your tour price. You will especially need accommodation before your tour as the group meets early in the morning in Christchurch for departure to Braemer Station. May we suggest Booking.com for arranging your overnight accommodations?
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
Optional Excursions
Scenic flights/gliding: These vary in price. Most popular is mountain soaring in Omarama, the costs are from $368 for 30 mins in the air. This can be booked during the start of the week as it is weather dependent.
SteamPunk HQ: Based in Oamaru at the end of the trail. Price on request.
Penguin tour in Oamaru: Booking needs to be arranged during the tour as it can clash with evening dining times. Price on request.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Vertical Ventures.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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