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Alps to Ocean Hydro Lakes Self-Guided Cycle Tour

Oct-May

South Island

Cycle Journeys

from

NZ$1419

per person

Two cyclists riding past a calm lake near Kurow on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

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Map of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail showing the Hydro Lakes package route in New Zealand, including Lake Tekapo, Twizel, Lake Ōhau and Ōmarama.

Experiences

Cycle Trails

Family-friendly Tours

Multi-Day Short Tours

South Island

Start: Tekapo Village

Finish: Ōtematata

Locations: 3 See all

Duration: 5 days

Distance: 173 kms

Difficulty: 3

Details

Ride the Alps to Ocean Trail Past Lakes Pūkaki, Ōhau & Benmore

The A2O Hydro Lakes self-guided tour offers a journey through some of New Zealand’s most stunning alpine and lake landscapes. Cyclists begin at either Aoraki/Mt Cook or Lake Takapō/Tekapo, following a route that winds past the striking blue waters of Lake Pūkaki and Lake Ōhau before reaching the breathtaking views of Lake Benmore. A highlight of the trip is the exclusive section around Lake Benmore, featuring panoramic vistas from the top of Benmore Dam, the country’s largest water-retaining structure.

Each day brings a mix of scenic trails, from golden tussock plains to lakeside paths and high-altitude lookouts. Comfortable accommodations await at the end of each ride, with luggage transfers and select meals included for a smooth experience. A well-earned soak in the Ōmarama Hot Tubs provides the perfect way to relax before the final ride to Ōtematata. Options for standard or superior accommodation, along with e-bike upgrades, ensure a personalised and enjoyable cycling adventure.

Twizel town centre with autumn colours and vintage tractor

Couple walking hand in hand along the Twizel river trail

Cyclists riding alongside the turquoise Tekapo Canal on a sunny day with mountain views in the background.

Cyclists riding across a bridge at Lake Tekapo with the Church of the Good Shepherd in the background

Cyclists riding along a gravel track beside Lake Ohau with hills and clouds overhead.

A group of cyclists, including children, riding next to the shoreline of Lake Ohau.

Couple walking among the towering Clay Cliffs in Ōmarama, New Zealand

Aerial view of Lake Benmore with turquoise waters and scenic landscape

Autumn colours reflecting on Pumpkin Point at Lake Benmore, New Zealand

Cyclists riding the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail near Sailor’s Cutting with Lake Benmore and mountain views

INCLUSIONS

Standard bike hire for 4 days - including helmet and rear rack bag. Upgrades are available. (Own bike and gear is also an option)
Shuttle from Twizel to your Alps 2 Ocean Trail Start
Delivery of bikes to Lake Takapō/Tekapo Village or Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
Luggage Transfers each day (Max 15KG per bag)
4 nights accommodation
1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast and 1 Packed Lunch
Entry to Ōmarama Hot Tubs
Trip itinerary, directions and trail map info
Shuttle from Ōtematata to Twizel (or Ōmarama) on Day 5

Tour Schedule: Operates from October to mid-May, covering five days of cycling through New Zealand’s stunning hydro lakes region.
Accommodation Options: Twin-share standard and superior accommodations are available, with single supplement rates upon request. Superior upgrades provide more comfort at select locations.
Fitness Level and Distances: The tour requires moderate fitness, with daily cycling distances ranging from 33km to 77km.
Starting Point Requirements: If beginning at Aoraki/Mt Cook, a short heli-flight across the Tasman River is necessary (included in packaged trips). If cancelled, an alternative shuttle transfer will be arranged.
Peak Season Pricing: Higher rates apply due to increased demand and limited accommodation availability.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Twizel

Travel to Twizel from Christchurch or Queenstown, allowing a full day for the journey. Spend the afternoon exploring this charming rural township before settling in for the night, ready to start your cycling adventure.

Day 2: Lake Takapō/Tekapo or Aoraki/Mt Cook to Twizel

Begin the day with a morning shuttle to your chosen starting point—Lake Takapō/Tekapo (55km) or Aoraki/Mt Cook (77km). Cycle through the stunning Mackenzie Country, passing golden tussock fields, hydro canals, and scenic lakeside trails. End the day back in Twizel for a well-earned rest.

Travel Time: 4.5 hours

Distance: 55 kms

Day 3: Twizel to Lake Ōhau

Follow the smooth canal roads from Twizel to the shores of Lake Ōhau, enjoying breathtaking alpine views along the way. Continue along the dedicated lakeside cycle trail, weaving through scenic landscapes before arriving at your accommodation. Spend the night by the tranquil waters of Lake Ōhau.

Distance: 38 kms

Day 4: Lake Ōhau to Ōmarama

Ride up to the Tarnbrae highpoint for stunning views of Lake Ōhau and the Mackenzie Plains before descending through the picturesque Quailburn Valley. For those with extra time, a 7km detour leads to the striking Clay Cliffs. End the day with a relaxing soak in the wood-fired Ōmarama Hot Tubs before settling in for the night.

Travel Time: 5 hours

Distance: 45 kms

Day 5: Ōmarama to Ōtematata

The final stretch of the journey takes you through one of the most spectacular sections of the A2O trail. Ride along the shores of Lake Benmore, soaking in breathtaking views of the Waitaki Valley from the top of Benmore Dam. Finish your adventure in the hydro village of Ōtematata, where a return shuttle will take you back to Twizel.

Travel Time: 3.5 hours

Distance: 35 kms

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only in rural areas without food options. These nights include dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch. Other nights are self-catered.

Fly into Christchurch or Queenstown, then take an InterCity bus:

Christchurch: 8:30am → Twizel 1:30pm
Queenstown: 8:05am → Twizel 11:15am

Most travellers arrive the night before. If you’re driving, park at our Twizel depot and take our return shuttle from Oamaru (2:45pm).

NZ weather is unpredictable—pack for all conditions. If the trail becomes unsafe, we may offer shuttle support (additional fees apply).

In emergencies, call 111. For other assistance, contact your depot team (details provided at check-in).

Most of the trail has reception, but expect blackspots in remote areas. International visitors should consider a local NZ SIM to avoid roaming costs.

Your bag must weigh 15kg max. We’ll label and log your luggage and deliver it daily—usually ahead of your arrival. Extra bags or heavier gear may incur additional charges.

We recommend someone in your group knows how to fix a flat. If your hire bike becomes unrideable, we’ll get a replacement to you. Damage or misuse may incur repair costs.

Bringing your own bike? Make sure it’s serviced and pack spares specific to your setup.

Departure Dates

Daily departures from October to May only. Subject to availability.

Pricing

Oct 2025- May 2026 Cost per Person (Twin share)	Standard	Superior
From Mt Cook	from NZ$1,639	from NZ$1,892
From Takapō/Tekapo	from NZ$1,419	from NZ$1,672
E-bike Upgrade	NZ$264 per person

Note: All pricing is based on twin share rooms and are subject to change during the peak season (Nov, Feb-Mar). Single supplement will apply to solo travellers. Please enquire upon booking.

Due to increasing popularity, and limited accommodation during the height of the season, our peak season dates are subject to change as the season draws nearer and accomodation availability becomes more limited outside of these periods.

Superior Accommodation Upgrade: The Alps 2 Ocean trail is in a remote area with limited accommodation options. The Superior Upgrade provides higher-quality lodgings where available.

Make a Booking Enquiry

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Alps to Ocean Hydro Lakes Self-Guided Cycle Tour

Oct-May

South Island

Cycle Journeys

Experiences

South Island

Details

Ride the Alps to Ocean Trail Past Lakes Pūkaki, Ōhau & Benmore

INCLUSIONS

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Twizel

Day 2: Lake Takapō/Tekapo or Aoraki/Mt Cook to Twizel

Day 3: Twizel to Lake Ōhau

Day 4: Lake Ōhau to Ōmarama

Day 5: Ōmarama to Ōtematata

Frequently asked questions

Departure Dates

Pricing

Make a Booking Enquiry

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