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5 Day Alps to Ocean Hydro Lakes Self-Guided Cycle Tour

About 172 kms cycling over 4 days

Days
5

Pricing From
$1320

South Island
Book Now

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.

Alps to Ocean

A2O Finish Line

Alps to Ocean

Aviemore Dam

Alps to Ocean

Lake Benmore View

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Itinerary

Open All
Day 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 2024 - May 2025

Tekapo to Otematata

  • Standard level: NZ$1,320
  • Superior** level: NZ$1,555

Mt. Cook Start

  • Standard level: NZ$1,520
  • Superior** level: NZ$1,755

*Nov 2024, Feb-March 2025 (High season)

Tekapo to Otematata

  • Standard level: NZ$1,420
  • Superior** level: NZ$1,655

Mt. Cook Start

  • Standard level: NZ$1,620
  • Superior** level: NZ$1,855

- Ebike upgrade: NZ$224pp

*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 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 All
Day 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.

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