Planning a trip to New Zealand? Our Frequently Asked Questions page covers everything from booking tours and transport options to what to pack and when to visit. It’s your go-to guide for clear, reliable answers that help take the stress out of organising your holiday. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group, you'll find helpful tips to make your Kiwi adventure run smoothly.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is a renowned cycling route in New Zealand that starts at the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and winds its way through a variety of breathtaking landscapes before reaching the picturesque coastal town of Oamaru. Spanning from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, this trail offers cyclists an incredible journey filled with natural grandeur. From the towering peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook to the turquoise lakes, braided rivers, and limestone wonders along the way, the trail showcases the diverse beauty of New Zealand. Finally, riders will arrive in Oamaru, known for its Victorian architecture, art galleries, and little blue penguins. It's a truly unforgettable adventure for cycling enthusiasts.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is divided into nine sections, each offering its own unique scenery and highlights. Here are the sections and their approximate distances:
The total distance of the trail from Aoraki/Mt Cook or Lake Tekapo to Oamaru is over 300 kilometres. Each section offers its own unique landscapes, attractions, and challenges, allowing you to tailor your journey based on your preferences and available time.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is filled with captivating attractions and highlights throughout its course. Here are some of the main ones to look forward to:
These attractions and highlights, combined with the ever-changing landscapes, charming towns, and friendly locals, create an unforgettable experience on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
The best time to ride the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is during summer and autumn (Dec-May) for pleasant weather. March-April has cooler temperatures and vibrant colours. Spring (Sep-Nov) may have rain and wind. Winter (Jun-Aug) can be snowy and frosty. Pack accordingly for comfort and enjoyment.
Season | Weather Conditions | Highlights |
Summer (Dec-Feb) | Pleasant temperatures, low chance of rain | Optimal weather for riding |
Autumn (Mar-Apr) | Cooler temperatures, vibrant autumn colours | Scenic beauty |
Spring (Sep-Nov) | Some rain and wind may be present | Emerging foliage and blossoms |
Winter (Jun-Aug) | Snow and frosty conditions, potential challenges | Alpine scenery, potential weather risks |
Being prepared with appropriate gear and understanding the potential weather variations will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable riding experience on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is renowned as one of New Zealand's truly Great Rides due to its exceptional qualities. The trail showcases the South Island's scenic splendour, encompassing diverse landscapes and offering a multi-day adventure. It caters to riders of varying skill levels, with accessible sections and engaging terrains. The trail is supported by well-maintained infrastructure, including signage, rest areas, and services like bike hire and repair shops. Its cultural and historical significance, combined with the sense of achievement upon completion, further solidify its reputation as a remarkable cycling experience in New Zealand.
Yes, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is designed to be suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. While some sections may require a moderate level of fitness and cycling proficiency, the trail offers a variety of terrains that cater to different abilities. There are relatively flat and easy sections that can be enjoyed by beginners and families with children, as well as more challenging portions that provide a satisfying experience for seasoned cyclists. It's important to assess your own fitness level and choose sections that align with your capabilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey along the trail.
Completing the entire Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail typically takes 4 to 6 days, depending on your pace and level of fitness. The trail spans over 300 kilometres from Aoraki Mt Cook or Lake Tekapo to Oamaru. Each day, you can expect to ride approximately 50 to 80 kilometres, covering a mix of on and off-road trails. However, the duration can vary based on factors such as weather conditions, rest stops, and side trips you choose to take along the way. It's recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and consider your own cycling abilities to determine the appropriate timeframe for completing the trail.
Yes, you can choose to ride only certain sections of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail as day trips. The trail is divided into nine sections, and each section offers its own unique scenery and experiences. Depending on your time and preference, you can select specific sections to ride as day trips and explore the highlights along those routes. For example, you can ride from Aoraki Mt Cook to Lake Pukaki, or from Lake Tekapo to Twizel. This flexibility allows you to customize your cycling adventure based on your interests and available time.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail offers a mix of climbs and descents throughout its sections. From Aoraki/Mt Cook to Braemar Road, there are moderate uphill climbs. The Braemar Road to Twizel section has gentle elevation changes. Twizel to Lake Ōhau Lodge involves gentle climbs, while Lake Ōhau Lodge to Ōmarama has a significant elevation gain followed by a descent. Ōmarama to Ōtematata has gentle climbs and descents. Ōtematata to Kurow is mostly flat, and Kurow to Duntroon has gentle gradients. Duntroon to Ōamaru is mostly flat with some gentle gradients. The trail is designed for riders of varying skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience.
The highest point along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is reached as you cycle through the Mackenzie Basin. From this point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail can be cycled in both directions, but it is recommended to start from Aoraki/Mt Cook and end in Oamaru. Riding from West to East offers advantages of generally downhill terrain and the prevailing wind at your back. However, some cyclists choose the opposite direction for a different perspective. With e-bikes' popularity, uphill challenges are reduced, allowing riders to enjoy the trail in either direction.
Yes, parts of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail can be hiked or walked instead of cycling. While the trail is primarily designed for cycling, many sections also accommodate hikers and walkers. You can choose to explore certain portions of the trail on foot, enjoying the scenic beauty and natural surroundings at a slower pace. However, it's important to note that some sections may have specific considerations for pedestrians, such as shared paths or areas where cyclists have right of way. It's recommended to familiarize yourself with the trail maps and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
No, there are no special permits required to ride the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. It is open for public use, and you can enjoy the trail without any specific permissions.
Yes, there is bike-friendly accommodation and places to stay near the starting or ending points of each section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Along the trail, you'll find a range of options, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), holiday parks, and campgrounds. Many of these accommodations are well-equipped to cater to cyclists and provide facilities such as secure bike storage, bike maintenance areas, and laundry services. The towns near the starting or ending points of each section, such as Twizel, Ōmarama, Ōtematata, Kurow, and Ōamaru, offer various accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred bike-friendly accommodation.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail can be accessed from multiple points along its route, allowing flexibility in choosing your starting point. Here are some ways to access the trail:
To cycle the full Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail from Aoraki/Mt Cook, a helicopter is needed to cross the Tasman River, and a minimum of two people is required. However, there are alternate starting points to avoid the helicopter crossing. Plan your journey in advance and determine your preferred starting point based on logistics, accessibility, and personal preferences. Consider the distance, available facilities, and any transportation arrangements you may need to make.
To reach the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, you can:
When planning your trip, book transportation services in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates and ensure a smooth start to your trail adventure.
Accommodation options along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail vary and include a range of choices to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some options:
It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season (December to April). Some providers may close during the winter months due to lower demand.
Along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, you'll find restrooms, water stations, and various services. Restrooms are available at designated points, and water stations allow for refilling water bottles. Towns like Twizel, Ōmarama, Ōtematata, and Ōamaru offer cafes, restaurants, accommodation options, bike shops, and more. Bike repair shops are also available in some towns. Planning your route and carrying water and snacks is recommended for a smooth journey between rest stops.
Cell phone coverage along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail can vary. In some areas, you may experience perfect coverage, while in others, the coverage may be patchy or non-existent. It's not reliable to expect consistent cell phone signal throughout the entire trail. However, you can often find Wi-Fi at cafes, accommodations, and other service points along the way. It's advisable to have alternative means of communication or a backup plan in case you encounter areas with limited or no cell phone coverage.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail offers a variety of dining options along the way. Towns and villages like Twizel, Ōmarama, Ōtematata, and Ōamaru have cafes, restaurants, pubs, and takeaway outlets. You can enjoy local cuisine highlighting regional specialties and fresh ingredients. There are also picnic areas for self-prepared meals and occasional food vendors during peak seasons. Planning for dining preferences and packing snacks or energy bars for in-between meals is recommended.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail offers a variety of dining options along the way. Towns and villages like Twizel, Ōmarama, Ōtematata, and Ōamaru have cafes, restaurants, pubs, and takeaway outlets. You can enjoy local cuisine highlighting regional specialties and fresh ingredients. There are also picnic areas for self-prepared meals and occasional food vendors during peak seasons. Planning for dining preferences and packing snacks or energy bars for in-between meals is recommended.
The weather along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail can be highly changeable, particularly in the Southern Alps and high-country regions. It's crucial to check the forecast and track conditions before you embark on your ride. The weather can vary from sunny and warm to cold and wet, even within the same day. In summer, the lack of shade makes a helmet visor and sunscreen essential. In winter, snow can add a magical touch but may make some sections of the trail impassable. Be prepared with appropriate clothing, including layers and waterproof gear, to adapt to changing weather conditions.
Planning your trip on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail can be done in a few simple steps:
Remember to thoroughly research and plan your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
Sign up to our newsletter for special deals & exciting news.
