Alps to Ocean - Aoraki Mt Cook to Otematata Escape

Explore one of NZ's longest and most diverse cycle trails from the base of the mighty Aoraki/Mt Cook to Otematata

Incredible scenery cycling the Alps to Ocean trail

Spectacular scenery on the Alps to Ocean cycle trail

Varied landscapes and riding terrain along the Alps to Ocean cycle trail

Happy cyclists on the Alps to Ocean trail

Incredible scenery cycling the Alps to Ocean trail

Spectacular scenery on the Alps to Ocean cycle trail

Varied landscapes and riding terrain along the Alps to Ocean cycle trail

Happy cyclists on the Alps to Ocean trail

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

4 days self-guided cycle

Accommodation

3-4 nights comfort accommodation, ensuited where available

Meals

1 Dinner
1 Lunch
3 Breakfasts

Price

4 daysfrom

$1710NZD

View all pricing

View Inclusions

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusions
Bike Information
Trail Surface
Accommodation
Suggested extensions
Grading
Departure dates
Videos
Trip reviews
Why travel with us
Similar trips

Trip Code: TAS

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A2O 4 Days Aoraki Mt Cook to Otematata Trip highlights

Cycle the top half of the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail
Enjoy a breathtaking heli-flight over the Tasman River from Aoraki Mt Cook Village
Cycle along the edges of Lakes Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore

Enjoy an Alps 2 Ocean adventure from the official start point at Aoraki Mt Cook (191km) through to Otematata with 4 cycling days. This incorporates the newest and most spectacular off-road section of the trail from Sailors Cutting through to Benmore Dam.

All of this with friendly support provided along the way, should you need it. Begin your adventure from the official start point at Aoraki Mt Cook. This experience has flexible start dates to suit your needs.

Itinerary

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Day 1
OPTIONAL - Omarama to Aoraki Mt Cook

We recommend staying in Aoraki Mt Cook the night before your trip; this is an optional add-on. At 12:00 pm, we will meet you at our depot at 16 Chain Hills Highway in Omarama for a bike fitting (if required) before transferring you through some fantastic scenery to Mt Cook Village, where you'll stay the night. If you have a vehicle, you are welcome to leave it at our depot while you ride the trail.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Aoraki Mt Cook to Twizel - 75km

If you have not chosen the optional pre-trip night in Aoraki, then we will meet you at our depot, 16 Chain Hills Highway Omarama, at 07:30am for your briefing and bike fitting, after which we will shuttle you to the Mt Cook Airfield, where you'll board a helicopter for a short transfer provided by Southern Lakes Helicopters (scenic flights can be added) across the Tasman River to the Rotten Tommy landing area. After the transfer, you'll continue riding alongside Lake Pukaki, enjoying the amazing view before heading across the Pukaki Flats to Twizel, where you'll spend the night. Accommodation: Twizel

Meals: Nil

Day 3
Twizel to Lake Ohau (32-38km)

NB: riding distance today may vary depending on accommodation availability. Today, you'll cycle along a beautiful trail along the edge of stunning, turquoise-coloured canals and the southern edge of Lake Ohau. Accommodation: Lake Ohau u

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Lake Ohau to Omarama - (43-49km)

NB: riding distance today may vary depending on accommodation availability. It's a steady climb from Ohau to the high point of the A2O trail at 900m above sea level. The destination is Omarama, but look at the Historic Quailburn Woolshed and consider a side excursion to the Clay Cliffs along the way. Accommodation: Omarama

Meals: B,L

Day 5
Omarama to Otematata - 35kms

Leaving Omarama, you'll ride down the Waitaki Valley, following the edge of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting – a popular boating, fishing and camping destination. You will then experience the newest part of the trail, which continues to follow Lake Benmore across local farmland before arriving at Benmore Dam and then riding through to Otematata. Our afternoon shuttle can pick you up from Otematata at 4:30 pm and transfer you back to our depot in Omarama.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

Standard bike hire for four-five (4-5) days, including helmet, repair kit, odometer and carrier bag or panniers
3-4 breakfasts, 1-2 lunches and 1 dinner
3-4 nights comfortable accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available
Heli-flight across the Tasman River with bikes to the official start point
Daily luggage transfers (one bag 15kg max)
Transport from Omarama to Aoraki / Mt Cook
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Cycle breakdown and rider support service

What's not included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

Bike information

Electric Bike

Our range of Merida CC XT Step Through E-bike have hydraulic disc brakes, and are high performance hard tail capable of completing each section on one battery with 3 levels of assistance at your fingertips.

Standard equipment included: rear trunk bag with drop-down sides, helmet, gel seat, bottle cage, hi-visibility vest, pump and spare tube (one per two bikes).

Hybrid Touring Bike

Our range of Merida Crossway 100 are comfortable hybrid touring bikes with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, 27 speed

Standard equipment included: rear trunk bag with drop-down sides, helmet, gel seat, bottle cage, hi-visibility vest, pump and spare tube (one per two bikes).

Child's Mountain Bike

Quality lightweight kids MTB with rigid fork combined with 24? ‘plus’ tyres for extra grip and comfort & disc brakes

Includes: helmet, puncture repair kit

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel 45%

45% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is compacted gravel. Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and aware that riding on this surface will reduce cycling speeds.

Rough Shingle 6%

6% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is rough shingle. This can include rocks and rough terrain. Some cyclists will choose to walk these sections.

Gravel Road 18%

18% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is gravel road. This is manageable for most, however cyclists need to be comfortable riding on rougher gravel surfaces including graded roads and deeper gravel.

Sealed Road 30%

30% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is Sealed Road. Most of these roads are quiet back-roads. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Accommodation

Motels

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Farm Stay

Stay in the comfort and seclusion of farm cottages on Braemar Station, with uninterrupted views of Lake Pukaki, the Ben Ohau Range and Aoraki/Mt Cook. The cottages are warm and spacious with cosy living and kitchen areas, the bedrooms are modern with shared bathrooms.

Lake Ohau Lodge

Spend a night on the shores of shimmering Lake Ohau nestled amongst the Southern Alps in this remote yet comfortable ski lodge. Enjoy the class, charm and character of this family run accommodation and dine in-house. In the evening, relax in the spa pool with a glass of wine under the starry skies.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

The Alps 2 Ocean is graded introductory to moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness with an average daily distance of 45km and the longest day up to 67km. We suggest 90 minutes of cycling three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Some of the sections are on seal or hard packed gravel and are relatively easy to ride. Other sections are on looser gravel which can be rough and uneven in places. The moderate sections over the Tarnbrae Saddle and from Sailors Cutting to the Benmore Dam include narrower tracks with some switchbacks and exposure in places. There are also plenty of hills so cycling up hills and on gravel and rougher terrain before your tour will enable you to really enjoy the fantastic riding and diverse scenery.

Departure dates

Departs daily year round

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Trail Journeys.

Priceper person from

$1710NZD

Options & Supplements*

Additional Night - Aoraki Mt CookNZD$430
eBike Upgrade (subject to availability) - FromNZD$240

*Prices listed are per person and also from

A2O 4 Days Aoraki Mt Cook to Otematata Trip reviews

Why travel with us

First On The Trail

Trail Journeys is the largest and longest serving bike hire business on the Otago Central Rail Trail. We have helped more cyclists explore our region since the trail opened in 2000 than any other company.

EXPERT LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about the Central Otago Region and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for your needs.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. With regular bag, passenger and bike transport services, expert cycle mechanics and experienced consultants, enjoy a stress free cycling trip with Trail Journeys.