4
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

Trip Code: TAG

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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

  • 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


Trail Surface


Accommodation


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.

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