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6 Day Alps to Ocean Swift Self-Guided Cycle Tour

Up to 321 km cycling over 5 days

Days
6

Pricing From
$1285

Difficulty

Book Now

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.

A2O Alps to Ocean

Alps 2 Ocean Finish Line

A2O Alps to Ocean

Aviemore Dam

A2O Alps to Ocean

Lake Benmore View

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

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 this rural township before spending the night in Twizel.

Day 2Mt. Cook or Tekapo to Twizel(54km or 77km)

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: 

  • 55km cycle from Tekapo to Twizel
  • 77km cycle from Mt Cook to Twizel

Spend the night in Twizel.

Day 3Twizel to Lake Ohau(38km)

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.

Day 4Lake Ohau Lodge to Otemata(80km)

Cycle to the top of the Tarnbrae highpoint, overlooking Lake Ohau 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 Otematata.

Day 5Otemata to Duntroon(72km)

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.

Day 6Duntroon to Oamaru(54km)

Experience the concluding leg of the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail as you traverse expansive agricultural fields, witness the remarkable Elephant Rock formations and Rakis Railway Tunnel, and finally arrive at the coastal haven of Oamaru.

Your adventure culminates at Friendly Bay, where the trail reaches its conclusion, greeting the majestic Pacific Ocean. Indulge in a well-deserved toast at Scott's Brewery or venture into Oamaru's captivating Victorian precinct, brimming with distinctive charm.

Conclude your expedition at this remarkable destination or extend your stay in Oamaru by an additional night for a truly fulfilling experience.

COST PER PERSON

Oct 2023 - May 2024

Mt Cook to Oamaru
(Inc. helicopter over Tasman River)

  • Economy Level: NZ$1,465
  • Standard level: NZ$1,648
  • Superior level: NZ$1,899

Tekapo to Oamaru

  • Economy Level: NZ$1,285
  • Standard level: NZ$1,468
  • Superior level: NZ$1,719

*Peak Season - See Note*

Mt Cook to Oamaru
(Inc. helicopter over Tasman River)

  • Economy level: NZ$1,565
  • Standard level: NZ$1,748
  • Superior level: NZ$1,999

Tekapo to Oamaru

  • Economy level: NZ$1,385
  • Standard level: NZ$1,568
  • Superior level: NZ$1,819

*Note: All pricing is based on twin share rooms. 

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.

Extras

  • E-bike upgrade: NZ$245

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 this rural township before spending the night in Twizel.

Day 2Mt. Cook or Tekapo to Twizel(54km or 77km)

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: 

  • 55km cycle from Tekapo to Twizel
  • 77km cycle from Mt Cook to Twizel

Spend the night in Twizel.

Day 3Twizel to Lake Ohau(38km)

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.

Day 4Lake Ohau Lodge to Otemata(80km)

Cycle to the top of the Tarnbrae highpoint, overlooking Lake Ohau 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 Otematata.

Day 5Otemata to Duntroon(72km)

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.

Day 6Duntroon to Oamaru(54km)

Experience the concluding leg of the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail as you traverse expansive agricultural fields, witness the remarkable Elephant Rock formations and Rakis Railway Tunnel, and finally arrive at the coastal haven of Oamaru.

Your adventure culminates at Friendly Bay, where the trail reaches its conclusion, greeting the majestic Pacific Ocean. Indulge in a well-deserved toast at Scott's Brewery or venture into Oamaru's captivating Victorian precinct, brimming with distinctive charm.

Conclude your expedition at this remarkable destination or extend your stay in Oamaru by an additional night for a truly fulfilling experience.

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