South Island
NZ$2,995.00
Bike Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand. Step back in time to New Zealands rural past and join us on this cycle delight. The route follows the old Maniototo rail line from Clyde in central Otago to Middlemarch. Our O...
Overview
If you are a serious biker, this Alps 2 Ocean Hydro Lakes self-guided cycle tour is for you! If you are short on time and looking for a condensed cycling tour with stunning landscapes, then choose our our 4-day itinerary.
You start from Lake Tekapo, and the trail will take you across golden tussock plains at the Mackenzie Basin, around big lakes, valleys, and rolling farmlands, until you reach your final destination in the hydro village of Ōtematata.
Enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Alps2Ocean cycle trail and the flexibility of an independent cycling trip, while we take care of logistics for you.
Details
South Island
Daily departures from October to May only.
Start: Tekapo Village
Finish: Ōtematata
Includes:
- 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
Pricing:
Cost per person (Twin share)
Oct 2025 - May 2026
Mt. Cook Start
- Standard level: NZ$1,639
- Superior** level: NZ$1,892
Tekapo Start
- Standard level: NZ$1,419
- Superior** level: NZ$1,672
Extras
- Ebike upgrade: NZ$264pp
*Note: All pricing is based on twin share rooms and are subject to change during the peak season. Please enquire upon booking.
- Due to increasing popularity, and limited accommodation during the height of the season, our peak season dates (Nov, Feb-Mar) are subject to change as the season draws nearer and accomodation availability becomes more limited outside of these periods.
- ** Superior Level Trip: The Alps 2 Ocean is situated in a remote area of New Zealand, and with that comes limited accommodation choices. Our Superior Upgrade offers a higher level of lodgings at locations where available. This is typically for 6 of the 8 nights of the trip.
Overview
If you are a serious biker, this Alps 2 Ocean Hydro Lakes self-guided cycle tour is for you! If you are short on time and looking for a condensed cycling tour with stunning landscapes, then choose our our 4-day itinerary.
You start from Lake Tekapo, and the trail will take you across golden tussock plains at the Mackenzie Basin, around big lakes, valleys, and rolling farmlands, until you reach your final destination in the hydro village of Ōtematata.
Enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Alps2Ocean cycle trail and the flexibility of an independent cycling trip, while we take care of logistics for you.
A2O Finish Line
Aviemore Dam
Lake Benmore View
Itinerary
Open AllDay 1Arrive in Twizel
We recommend allowing a day of travel to get to Twizel from Christchurch or Queenstown. Take the afternoon to explore the area before spending the night in Twizel.
Day 2Lake Tekapo to Twizel55-77km
Our morning shuttle will deliver you and your bike to Lake Takapō/Tekapo Village or Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. Cycle through golden tussock, along hydro canals and lakeside trails through the Mackenzie Country to Twizel.
Spend the night in Twizel.
Day 3Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge33-38km
Cycle the sealed canal roads from Twizel to edge of Lake Ōhau before following the dedicated lakeside cycle trail around to Lake Ōhau.
Spend the night at Lake Ōhau.
Day 4Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama45-50km
Cycle to the top of the Tarnbrae highpoint, overlooking Lake Ōhau and the Mackenzie plains before heading downhill through the Quailburn Valley. Take a 7km detour to the Clay Cliff rock formations if you have time, before relaxing in the wood fired Ōmarama Hot Tubs.
Spend the night in Ōmarama.
Day 5Omarama to Otemata34km
Your final cycling day includes the newest section of the A2O, and in our opinion one of the most spectacular parts of the trail.
Cycling along the the shores of Lake Benmore and taking in the spectacular views of the Waitaki Valley from the top of the Benmore Dam. Your cycle trip is complete when you reach the Hyrdo village of Ōtematata, where you will meet your return shuttle to Twizel.
Cost per person (Twin share)
Oct 2025 - May 2026
Mt. Cook Start
- Standard level: NZ$1,639
- Superior** level: NZ$1,892
Tekapo Start
- Standard level: NZ$1,419
- Superior** level: NZ$1,672
Extras
- Ebike upgrade: NZ$264pp
*Note: All pricing is based on twin share rooms and are subject to change during the peak season. Please enquire upon booking.
- Due to increasing popularity, and limited accommodation during the height of the season, our peak season dates (Nov, Feb-Mar) are subject to change as the season draws nearer and accomodation availability becomes more limited outside of these periods.
- ** Superior Level Trip: The Alps 2 Ocean is situated in a remote area of New Zealand, and with that comes limited accommodation choices. Our Superior Upgrade offers a higher level of lodgings at locations where available. This is typically for 6 of the 8 nights of the trip.
Itinerary
Open AllDay 1Arrive in Twizel
We recommend allowing a day of travel to get to Twizel from Christchurch or Queenstown. Take the afternoon to explore the area before spending the night in Twizel.
Day 2Lake Tekapo to Twizel55-77km
Our morning shuttle will deliver you and your bike to Lake Takapō/Tekapo Village or Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. Cycle through golden tussock, along hydro canals and lakeside trails through the Mackenzie Country to Twizel.
Spend the night in Twizel.
Day 3Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge33-38km
Cycle the sealed canal roads from Twizel to edge of Lake Ōhau before following the dedicated lakeside cycle trail around to Lake Ōhau.
Spend the night at Lake Ōhau.
Day 4Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama45-50km
Cycle to the top of the Tarnbrae highpoint, overlooking Lake Ōhau and the Mackenzie plains before heading downhill through the Quailburn Valley. Take a 7km detour to the Clay Cliff rock formations if you have time, before relaxing in the wood fired Ōmarama Hot Tubs.
Spend the night in Ōmarama.
Day 5Omarama to Otemata34km
Your final cycling day includes the newest section of the A2O, and in our opinion one of the most spectacular parts of the trail.
Cycling along the the shores of Lake Benmore and taking in the spectacular views of the Waitaki Valley from the top of the Benmore Dam. Your cycle trip is complete when you reach the Hyrdo village of Ōtematata, where you will meet your return shuttle to Twizel.
