Overview
This 5-Day Alps to Ocean Swift cycle tour in New Zealand is a great option for more experienced cyclists who want to tackle the entire A2O trail in just five days.
You will be cycling for 70-80 kilometres per day, starting the itinerary from either the foothills of the majestic Aoraki Mt Cook or the beautiful Lake Tekapo, and then making your way through the golden tussocks of Mackenzie Country, the Waitaki Valley, and finishing in the beautiful seaside town of Oamaru, where you will meet the Pacific Ocean.
We will move your luggage and arrange the best-suited accommodation for you, while you enjoy the stunning scenery of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
Details
Difficulty: 3
Daily departures from October to April only.
Start: Twizel
Finish: Oamaru
Includes:
- Standard bike hire for 5 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
- Luggage Transfers each day (Max 15KG per bag)
- 5 nights accommodation (Economy, Standard & Superior options available)
- 2 Dinners & 3 Breakfasts
- Trip itinerary, directions and trail map info
- Helicopter flight over the Tasman River is included with the Aoraki/Mt Cook start
Pricing:
COST PER PERSON
Oct 2024 - May 2025
Mt Cook to Oamaru
(Inc. helicopter over Tasman River)
- Standard level: NZ$1,720
- Superior level: NZ$1,975
Tekapo to Oamaru
- Standard level: NZ$1,535
- Superior level: NZ$1,790
Extras
- E-bike upgrade: NZ$245
*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.
Currency ConverterOverview
This 5-Day Alps to Ocean Swift cycle tour in New Zealand is a great option for more experienced cyclists who want to tackle the entire A2O trail in just five days.
You will be cycling for 70-80 kilometres per day, starting the itinerary from either the foothills of the majestic Aoraki Mt Cook or the beautiful Lake Tekapo, and then making your way through the golden tussocks of Mackenzie Country, the Waitaki Valley, and finishing in the beautiful seaside town of Oamaru, where you will meet the Pacific Ocean.
We will move your luggage and arrange the best-suited accommodation for you, while you enjoy the stunning scenery of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
Alps 2 Ocean Finish Line
Aviemore Dam
Lake Benmore View
Itinerary
Open AllWe recommend allowing a day of travel to get to Twizel from Christchurch or Queenstown. Take the afternoon to explore this rural township before spending the night in Twizel.
Our morning shuttle will take you to your chosen starting point on the trail. Cycle the golden tussock and lakeside trails through the Mackenzie Country to Twizel.
Cycling options:
- Takapō/Tekapo to Twizel (54km)
- Aoraki/Mt Cook to Twizel (77km)
Spend the night in Twizel
Cycle the sealed canal roads from Twizel to the edge of Lake Ohau before following the dedicated lakeside cycle trail around to Lake Ohau Lodge.
Spend the night at Lake Ohau.
Cycle to the top of the Tarnbrae highpoint, overlooking Lake Ōhau and the Mackenzie plains before heading downhill through the Quailburn. Take a 7km detour to the Clay Cliff rock formations if you have time. Continue cycling along the backcountry roads around Lake Benmore.
Spend the night in Ōtematata
Along the backcountry roads of Lake Aviemore. Cycle through to Kurow, then follow the trail along the Waitaki River, passing through the vineyard just out of Kurow’s township (a great spot for a coffee stop!). After about 23km you will come to the Maori Rock art site before continuing on through the wetlands into Duntroon.
Depending on the accommodation level – spend the night in Duntroon or Rural Duntroon.
The final day on the trail will take you through sweeping farmlands, past the Elephant Rock formations and Rakis Railway Tunnel, and into the seaside town of Oamaru where the trail ends at Friendly Bay at the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a celebratory drink at Scott’s Brewery or explore Ōamaru’s unique Victorian precinct.
Finish your journey here, or add an extra night’s accommodation in Ōamaru.
COST PER PERSON
Oct 2024 - May 2025
Mt Cook to Oamaru
(Inc. helicopter over Tasman River)
- Standard level: NZ$1,720
- Superior level: NZ$1,975
Tekapo to Oamaru
- Standard level: NZ$1,535
- Superior level: NZ$1,790
Extras
- E-bike upgrade: NZ$245
*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.
Itinerary
Open AllWe recommend allowing a day of travel to get to Twizel from Christchurch or Queenstown. Take the afternoon to explore this rural township before spending the night in Twizel.
Our morning shuttle will take you to your chosen starting point on the trail. Cycle the golden tussock and lakeside trails through the Mackenzie Country to Twizel.
Cycling options:
- Takapō/Tekapo to Twizel (54km)
- Aoraki/Mt Cook to Twizel (77km)
Spend the night in Twizel
Cycle the sealed canal roads from Twizel to the edge of Lake Ohau before following the dedicated lakeside cycle trail around to Lake Ohau Lodge.
Spend the night at Lake Ohau.
Cycle to the top of the Tarnbrae highpoint, overlooking Lake Ōhau and the Mackenzie plains before heading downhill through the Quailburn. Take a 7km detour to the Clay Cliff rock formations if you have time. Continue cycling along the backcountry roads around Lake Benmore.
Spend the night in Ōtematata
Along the backcountry roads of Lake Aviemore. Cycle through to Kurow, then follow the trail along the Waitaki River, passing through the vineyard just out of Kurow’s township (a great spot for a coffee stop!). After about 23km you will come to the Maori Rock art site before continuing on through the wetlands into Duntroon.
Depending on the accommodation level – spend the night in Duntroon or Rural Duntroon.
The final day on the trail will take you through sweeping farmlands, past the Elephant Rock formations and Rakis Railway Tunnel, and into the seaside town of Oamaru where the trail ends at Friendly Bay at the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a celebratory drink at Scott’s Brewery or explore Ōamaru’s unique Victorian precinct.
Finish your journey here, or add an extra night’s accommodation in Ōamaru.
