Luxury Alps to Ocean Self-Guided Cycling Tour

Arrive in Twizel from Christchurch, Ōamaru, or Queenstown and meet your Trip Co-ordinator at the depot. Your bikes will be ready, and any final adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable ride. After a short transfer to Tekapo B power station on the shores of Lake Pukaki, start your journey with a 4km ride on sealed road leading to the lakeside track.

Follow the trail along the lake’s edge, soaking in the stunning views, before arriving at Lakestone Lodge, where your hosts, Anna and Mike, will welcome you. This six-room lodge is perfectly positioned to showcase breathtaking views of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mt Cook. After dinner, take a short walk to experience the internationally recognised Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, where a spectacular stargazing session awaits.

Start the day with breakfast in the lodge’s dining room, where panoramic valley views set the tone for the adventure ahead. A shuttle will take you on a 58km journey along the western edge of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Village. Here, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Museum at the Hermitage Hotel, which showcases the legendary mountaineer’s expeditions and Antarctic explorations.

From the Hermitage, embark on the Glacier Explorers tour, offering a rare chance to see the 1,000-year-old ice of the Tasman Glacier up close. After the tour, choose between a walk through Hooker Valley or an optional scenic helicopter flight over the alpine landscape. Return to Lakestone Lodge for a relaxing evening, enjoying drinks and dinner with views of the lake and mountains.

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before setting off on a scenic ride along the lakefront and across the Twizel plains, passing Pukaki Airport on the way to Twizel township. After a brief circuit of the town, take a break for an early lunch before continuing the journey 35km towards Lake Ōhau.

The first 20km follows a flat, sealed road alongside a canal, leading to the southern end of Lake Ōhau. From here, the off-road trail winds along the lake’s edge for 3km or 8km before merging with the road that leads to the evening’s accommodation. Settle in at your B&B or lodge and enjoy a well-earned dinner with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Begin the day with a relaxed breakfast before cycling through the Tarnbrae section of the trail, which weaves along the foothills and crosses a bush-clad stream bed. The climb to the trail’s highest point rewards riders with panoramic views over the Mackenzie Basin. A winding descent follows, with zig-zag turns leading down to the grassy flats and onto a historic woolshed, a reminder of the region’s pastoral heritage.

After a picnic lunch, the trail continues on gravel roads before transitioning to a sealed road leading into Ōmarama, a town known for its world-class gliding. Unwind in the evening with a soak at Hot Tubs Ōmarama, the perfect way to relax after a rewarding day’s ride. For those keen to explore more, an optional 16km round-trip ride takes you to the spectacular Clay Cliffs, a unique geological formation.

The trail continues east towards the coast, passing through a region known for its hydro lakes and breathtaking scenery. After 12km, reach Sailors Cutting, a classic Kiwi caravan park that comes to life each summer with boaters and water skiers. The route then follows the shores of Lake Benmore, weaving around its deep blue waters before reaching the Benmore Dam, the largest earth dam in New Zealand.

From the top of the dam, take in panoramic views of the Waitaki Valley before descending towards Lake Aviemore and cycling past the historic Waitaki Dam and Village. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route before arriving in Kurow, where there’s time for a walk to a local wine outlet to sample some of the region’s best vintages.

Begin the day with breakfast before setting off along the Waitaki River, following the trail 29km to Duntroon. Take a break for coffee before continuing through dramatic limestone landscapes dotted with towering rock formations. A stop at Elephant Rocks, known for its unique, weathered limestone formations, offers a chance to explore one of the region’s geological highlights.

The ride winds through valleys and small towns, gradually climbing to a picturesque rural viewpoint before descending towards Rakis Tunnel. From here, the final stretch leads into Enfield, where a stay at the converted Old School Enfield offers a cosy and unique experience. Dinner at the local tavern provides the perfect opportunity to relax and chat with the locals.

The final stretch of the journey is a gentle 15km ride into Ōamaru, where the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail officially ends at the harbour’s iconic photo frame. Take a moment to celebrate the achievement before heading to Steampunk HQ, a quirky and immersive attraction included in the tour.

The adventure concludes with a well-earned pizza and beer at Scotts Brewery, the perfect way to toast the journeyand reflect on the unforgettable experiences along the trail. From here, explore Ōamaru at your leisure or arrange onward travel.