7 Day Amazing Alps 2 Ocean Self-Guided Tour
Full Tour Itinerary
Day One - Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Your journey begins with a bus trip from central Christchurch arriving in Tekapo around lunchtime. Take the afternoon to explore some of the fantastic experiences Tekapo has to offer. Optional activities could include a hike up Mt John to the summit for extraordinary views and a well deserved coffee at the Summit Café (approx. 3 hr circuit hike), or talk to us about booking you an experience at the Dark Sky Project – the star gazing in the area is unparalleled on a clear night, or an Aoraki/Mt Cook sightseeing flight (optional activities not included in tour price.) Dinner is at your leisure tonight.
Cycling: None
Accommodation: The Godley Hotel/Lake Tekapo Village Motel
Meals: No meals included today to allow for flexibility
Day Two - Lake Tekapo to Twizel
This morning, you will meet our partner in Tekapo, who will unite you with your hire bikes, and will then transfer your luggage on to Twizel. Now it’s time for your first day riding on the trail! Cycling from Lake Tekapo - the lake famous for its turquoise waters - the ride takes in golden tussock land, surreal blue canals, and one of the trail’s best lookouts overlooking Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mt Cook. The final leg of cycling today is across Pukaki Flats – an expansive area of dry grasslands that are characteristic of the Mackenzie landscape. Your ride ends in Twizel, where you spend the night.
Cycling: 54km - Grade 2/Easy
Accommodation: The Distinction Mackenzie Country Twizel/The Lakes Motel
Meals: No meals included today to allow for flexibility
Day Three - Twizel to Lake Ohau
This morning breakfast is on your own, and then it’s time to hit the trail again for another spectacular day of riding. The ride begins with easy riding along the beautiful canals until you reach the edge of Lake Ohau, where the off-road trail begins. The Ben Ohau range makes for an incredible backdrop and is worthy of (at least) a thousand photo’s. The ride along the beautiful lake foreshore passes the Te Maiharoa Pou and soon after, meets up with the sealed Lake Ohau Road. Follow the road for the final 10km past Lake Ohau village and onto Lake Ohau Lodge, in time for a late lunch (not included in tour package).
Cycling: 38km - Grade 2/Easy
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge
Meals: Breakfast in Twizel, Dinner at Lake Ohau Lodge
Day Four - Lake Ohau to Omarama
Starting from the Lake Ohau Lodge, the trail traverses the lower slopes of the Ohau Range. Some easy cycling will take you to Freehold Creek where the track narrows and it’s a steady climb to the highest point on the entire Trail at 900m. Once at the high point, it is a rolling descent to the historic woolshed at the top of Quailburn Road. On the way down to Omarama, your destination for the evening, you can take a side trip to see the Clay Cliffs (14km return).
CAUTION: The downhill from Tarnbrae summit is MODERATELY TECHNICAL with some rough and loose areas. Please take care, ride with caution and within your ability or dismount for the first descending kilometre from the summit if you are unsure of your ability.
Cycling: 44 km - Grade 3/Intermediate plus optional addition of 14kms to Clay Cliffs
Accommodation: Heritage Omarama
Meals: Breakfast at Ohau Lodge, packed lunch from Ohau Lodge to eat on the trail
Day Five - Omarama – Kurow
Today is a long riding day – and one of the most scenic - so time to get those legs pumping! Cycling along Lake Benmore and then taking in the newly opened section from Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam is an incredible experience with amazing scenery. As always, ride within your abilities and savour every moment. Cross over the dam at Lake Benmore, and continue your journey down the North side of Lake Aviemore until you reach Western House B&B, 2.5 km outside of Kurow, your destination for the evening.
Cycling: 67km - Grade 2-3/Easy-Intermediate
Accommodation: Western House B&B
Meals: Breakfast at Omarama Hotel
Day Six - Kurow to Oamaru
The final day of riding awaits, and it won’t disappoint. Following the Waitaki River down the valley out of Kurow, you’ll pass through a winery and eventually arrive at the Takiroa Maori Rock Art Site (across the road from the trail.) Ride through the Duntroon Wetlands before arriving in Duntroon. Then leave the valley and continue through farmland to unique rock formations know as Elephant rocks and onwards through the Rakis Railway Tunnel. Following the trail you eventually reach beautiful Oamaru - the end of the ride! After the well deserved photo stop at the trail’s end, drop your bikes back at our partner's depot and then head up to your hotel for the night (approx. 15-20 min walk, but plenty of refreshment options along the way). Dinner tonight is on your own – a perfect opportunity to unwind and reward yourself for your hard work!
OPTION: Today can be split into two days with a night staying at Duntroon. The distances are 28km from Kurow to Duntroon, and the following day it is 54km from Duntroon to Oamaru. Extra cost: $260pp (includes accomodation in Duntroon, breakfast & packed lunch, extra day bike hire and luggage transfers). Please advise at time of booking if you wish to take this option, which adds and extra day to your itinerary.
Cycling: 82km - Grade 2/Easy
Accommodation: Poshtel Hotel
Meals: Breakfast at B&B & packed lunch to eat on the trail
Day 7 - Departure Day
Today after checking out from your hotel, you head to the Intercity bus stop which is a conveniently located 1 minute walk from the hotel, to catch your bus to Dunedin (or Christchurch for an extra cost.) Congratulations on completing one of New Zealand’s greatest bike trails!
Cycling: No Cycling today
Meals: Continental breakfast at hotel
Driving: Bus from Oamaru to Dunedin/Christchurch
Tour Includes:
x6 nights accommodation as per itinerary (pre and post nights can be arranged on request for an additional cost)
x5 breakfasts, x2 lunches, x1 dinner
Luggage transport during the entire journey (1 bag pp 15kg max)
Standard bike hire with ebike upgrade available for $275pp
Intercity bus transfers from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo and from Oamaru to Dunedin/Christchurch
Cycle Trail Donations and Fees
Tour Excludes:
- Meals/food not included in itinerary
- Drinks & drink bottles
- Personal expenses
Bike Information
The Merida Crossway is the perfect choice for the rider wanting to experience the trail on a standard bike. With 29” mountain bike tires, 27-speed gearing, hydraulic disc brakes, and a front suspension fork, this bike is well equipped for the varied surfaces along the Alps 2 Ocean route.
Bike Specs:
29" Wheels
27 Speed
Front Suspension
Disc Brakes
Comfort oriented riding position
Included per bike
Helmet
Rear Carrier Bag
Drink Bottle Cage
Included per group
Bike Pumps
Tubes
Tyre Levers
Tube Repair Kits
Note: Ebike options are available at an additional cost of $275
Please note that the accommodation listed is our preferred lodging, however this is subject to change based on availability.
Price: $1835 per person
$920 single room supplement
A $250 per person deposit is required at the time of booking.