Alps to Ocean - Tekapo to Oamaru Discovery

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

The end of the Alps to Ocean cycle trail at Oamaru

Spectacular scenery on the Alps to Ocean cycle trail

Happy cyclists on the Alps to Ocean trail

Cyclists on the Alps to Ocean trail enjoy picturesque scenery and a variety of riding terrain as they make their way from the mountains to the ocean

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

The end of the Alps to Ocean cycle trail at Oamaru

Spectacular scenery on the Alps to Ocean cycle trail

Happy cyclists on the Alps to Ocean trail

Cyclists on the Alps to Ocean trail enjoy picturesque scenery and a variety of riding terrain as they make their way from the mountains to the ocean

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

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

5 days self-guided cycle

Accommodation

4-5 nights comfort accommodation, ensuited where available

Meals

1 Dinner
1 Lunch
4 Breakfasts

Price

5 daysfrom

$1765NZD

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: TAP

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A2O 5 Days Tekapo to Oamaru Trip highlights

Cycle the Alps 2 Ocean trail from Tekapo
Cycle along the edges of Lakes Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore
Explore the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru

This package has 5 cycling days. The main differences are in the locations you stay and the distances you cycle. With this option you will stay at Twizel, a town built to house workers constructing the Upper Waitaki hydroelectricity scheme and designed to be temporary however proudly still standing today. You’ll also stay in Omarama, nestled in a broad basin between mountain ranges, where you can watch gliders soar in the sky and have a relaxing soak in a private hot tub filled with pure mountain water under the starry night sky. Kurow is another spot where you’ll stay, well-known and popular for its wine and world famous (in New Zealand!) for being the town where Richie McCaw grew up.

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

Itinerary

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Day 1
OPTIONAL - Omarama to Tekapo

We recommend staying in Tekapo 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 and briefing before transferring you through some amazing scenery to Tekapo, where you’ll stay the night. You are welcome to leave your vehicle at our depot while you ride the trail.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Tekapo to Twizel - 55km

If you have not chosen the optional pre-trip night in Tekapo, then we will meet you at our depot, 16 Chain Hills Highway Omarama, at 8:30 am for a briefing and bike fitting, after which we will shuttle you to the start point. The start begins just outside Tekapo township and follows the canals. Upon reaching Lake Pukaki, you’ll cycle along the side of the lake, 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

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 take a look at the Historic Benmore Station woolshed and consider a side excursion to the Clay Cliffs along the way. Accommodation: Omarama

Meals: B,L

Day 5
Omarama to Kurow - 67kms

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

Meals: B

Day 6
Kurow to Oamaru - 81km

After breakfast, you will ride through Pasquale Vineyard, and alongside the mighty Waitaki River. Take a look at 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 information about the geology of the next stage of your ride ahead. You'll follow the trail through several farms to the unique rock formations called 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 by 2:45 pm for luggage collection and bike return, and shuttle back to Omarama (if booked), departing at 3:00 pm.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

Standard bike hire for five-six (5-6) days, including helmet, repair kit, odometer and carrier bag or panniers
4-5 breakfasts, 1 lunches and 1 dinner
4-5 nights comfortable accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available
Daily luggage transfers (one bag 15kg max)
Transport from Omarama to Tekapo
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.

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 Discovery is graded moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness with an average daily distance of 60km and the longest day up to 81km. 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

$1765NZD

Options & Supplements*

Additional Night - TekapoNZD$265
eBike Upgrade (subject to availability) - FromNZD$300

*Prices listed are per person and also from

A2O 5 Days Tekapo to Oamaru 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.