Alps to Ocean Explorer

Name: Alps to Ocean Explorer
Brand: Trail Journeys
SKU: TAG
Rating: 4.83 (6 reviews)

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

Incredible scenery cycling the Alps to Ocean trail

Spectacular scenery on the Alps to Ocean cycle trail

The start of 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

The end of the Alps to Ocean cycle trail at Oamaru

Incredible scenery cycling the Alps to Ocean trail

Spectacular scenery on the Alps to Ocean cycle trail

The start of 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

The end of the Alps to Ocean cycle trail at Oamaru

Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

6 days self-guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights comfort accommodation, ensuited where available

Meals

6 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

8 daysfrom

$3660NZD

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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: TAG

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The A2O Full Monty Trip highlights

Cycle the full length of the Alps 2 Ocean trail from end to end
Enjoy a breathtaking heli-flight over the Tasman River from Aoraki Mt Cook Village
Scenic walk to view the Tasman Glacier
Night at Braemar Station
Cycle along the edges of Lakes Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore
Explore the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru

Enjoy the full Alps 2 Ocean experience with 7 nights on the trail. This allows for a comfortable ride each day and plenty of time to appreciate and experience the varied landscapes and sights that the Mackenzie Basin and Waitaki District have to offer.

Included is a night in a Premium room at The Hermitage with the opportunity to explore the Tasman Glacier within the National Park, a van trip to view the Clay Cliffs, a celebratory drink at Scotts’ Brewery upon completion of the ride and all meals (with the exception of dinner the final night in Oamaru).

All of this with professional, friendly support provided along the way should you need it. This experience has both designated and flexible start dates.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Omarama to Aoraki Mt Cook

We will meet you at our depot in Omarama at 16 Chain Hills Highway at 11:00 am. You'll be fitted on your bike and will have some time to meet other people on the tour with you (if relevant). We will then transport you through some fantastic scenery to Mt Cook Village, where you'll stay the night in a Premium room at The Hermitage. You'll have the option to come with us to the Tasman Glacier moraine wall, where you can walk up to the lookout and view the glacier lake in the afternoon. You are welcome to leave your vehicle at our depot while you ride the trail.

Meals: D

Day 2
Aoraki Mt Cook to Braemar Station - 35km

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. We will pick you up at 9:30 am and transfer you to the trail start point at White Horse Hill Campground. We prepare the bikes for you, and then it's approximately an 8km cycle down to Mt Cook Airfield, where you'll board a helicopter at 11.00 am (with check-in at 10:30 am) 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 along the side of Lake Pukaki to Braemar Station, where you spend the night. Accommodation: Braemar Station

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Braemar Station to Lake Ohau - 72km

Today, you'll cycle further down the side of Lake Pukaki, enjoying the amazing view before heading across the Pukaki Flats to Twizel. You'll continue cycling along a beautiful trail on the edge of stunning, turquoise-coloured canals and the southern edge of Lake Ohau. Accommodation: Lake Ohau

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Lake Ohau to Omarama - 49km

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 take a look at the Historic Quailburn Woolshed along the way. At 3:00 pm, we will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to view the Clay Cliffs, where you will have time to explore this natural beauty. Accommodation: Omarama

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Omarama to Kurow - 67kms

Today's ride is a little longer and will take you around the edge of hydro lakes Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki, with you finishing your day's ride in the town of Kurow. Accommodation: Kurow

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Kurow to Duntroon - 27km

After a hearty breakfast, you will ride through Pasquale Vineyard, and alongside the mighty Waitaki River. Don't miss seeing the ancient Maori rock drawings before arriving at the historic town of Duntroon. The Vanished World Museum is located in Duntroon, where you can gather geological information about the next stage of your ride. Accommodation: Duntroon

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Duntroon to Oamaru 54km

Today, you'll follow the trail through several farms to the unique rock formations known as Elephant Rocks. You'll continue riding, surrounded by limestone escarpments, before riding through to Oamaru, taking in the beautifully manicured Oamaru Public Gardens along the way to the trail finishing point at Oamaru Harbour. We will meet you here to celebrate the completion of 300 kilometres of riding with a photograph in the frame and a drink at Scotts' Brewery.

Meals: B,L

Day 8
Trip concludes in Oamaru

There is no cycling today You will have time to explore Oamaru in the morning before continuing your travel plans or returning home.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

Standard bike hire for eight (8) days, including helmet, repair kit, odometer and carrier bag or panniers
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
7 nights comfort accommodation, on a twin share basis, ensuited where available
Heli-flight across the Tasman River with bikes to the official start point
Scenic walk to view the Tasman Glacier
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 to Ocean is graded introductory to moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness with an average daily distance of 50km and the longest day up to 72km. 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

$3660NZD

Options & Supplements*

eBike Upgrade (subject to availability) - FromNZD$480

*Prices listed are per person and also from

The A2O Full Monty 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.