Trail Journeys Blog

In the Media: Trail Journeys

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 07:31:24 GMT

New Zealand's 'Vanished World' of Ancient Megafauna

Tracey Croke | BBC | April 2025

New Zealand’s Alps to Ocean trail is a ride through deep time and dramatic terrain. Traverse fossil-strewn valleys, ancient seabeds, and landscapes once home to colossal penguins and predator eagles. Read More

How difficult is the Alps 2 Ocean

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 03:32:52 GMT

Known as the most popular cycle trail in New Zealand, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle trail is an 'introductory to moderate' graded bike trail. Most of the trail is relatively smooth to ride along, with a few sections that are graded at an intermediate level. The reason for being more of a challenging section is mainly a steeper hill incline riding up Tarnbrae Saddle and what we call switchbacks, but when you reach these, slow down and take your time around the corners.

Below, we have divided the Alps to Ocean bike trail into eight sections and explained the type of incline and grading you can expect when riding each section. Remember, opting for an E-Bike makes challenging sections of the trail significantly easier and more enjoyable to ride.

Alps to Ocean Section 1 - Aoraki/ Mt Cook to Braemar Road

Distance: 35km
Fitness: Easy
Skill: Moderate
Traffic: Low
Grade: 2

Section 2: Braemar Road to Twizel

Distance: 54km
Fitness: Easy
Skill: Easy
Traffic: Low
Grade: 2

Section 3: Twizel to Lake Ohau

Distance: 38km
Fitness: Easy
Skill: Easy
Traffic: Low
Grade: 2

Section 4: Lake Ohau to Omarama

Distance: 45km
Fitness: Intermediate
Skill: Intermediate
Traffic: Low
Grade: 3

Section 5: Omarama to Otematata

Distance: 35km
Fitness: Easy
Skill: Easy
Traffic: Moderate
Grade: 3

Section 6: Otematata to Kurow

Distance: 45km
Fitness: Easy
Skill: Easy
Traffic: Low-Moderate
Grade: 2

Section 7: Kurow to Duntoon

Distance: 28km
Fitness: Easy
Skill: Easy
Traffic: Low
Grade: 2

Section 8: Duntoon to Oamaru

Distance: 54km
Fitness: Intermediate
Skill: Easy
Traffic: Medium
Grade: 3

Popular Itineraries

Before deciding on your Alps 2 Ocean bike trip, ask yourself what distance are you comfortable riding per day? This will help determine the duration of your self-guided bike holiday with us.

For example: if you are looking for a more leisurely paced cycling holiday, talk to our friendly team and customise your own bike trip.

Aoraki/ Mt Cook starting point
>> 8-day A2O Full Trail Explorer: Ride the complete trail in style.
>> 5-day and 6-day: Aoraki/ Mt Cook to Oamaru.

>> 4-day Aoraki Mt Cook to Otematata: Conclude your ride in Otematata.

Lake Tekapo starting point

>> 4-day, 5-day or 6-day Tekapo to Oamaru: Ride the complete A2O trail, starting at Tekapo.

>> 3 day Tekapo to Omarama: Conclude your ride in Omarama.

>> Browse all our self-guided Alps to Ocean cycling trips here.

>> Talk to our team and customise your A2O cycling holiday.

Highlights of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:48:58 GMT

The best part about having alternative starting points on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is that you'll experience different highlights on your journey depending on where you begin your ride.
We know it can be slightly confusing to decide which starting point is right for you so we've added the highlights of both sections. Regardless of where you begin, this multi-day bike ride offers breathtaking landscapes in every direction, a variety of terrain to cycle through and plenty of moments to meet friendly locals in small towns along the way.

Be inspired as you read on and pick up ideas to add to your self-guided ride. Mention to the team what highlights you want to add to your itinerary and our local team may also include some additional recommendations you may enjoy.

Aoraki/ Mt Cook

One of the Alps 2 Ocean starting points is located in Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park, home to the tallest mountains in New Zealand. Start your bike journey completely immersed in the Southern Alps as you ride from the base of Aoraki/ Mt Cook to the end of Lake Pukaki where you will meet up with the alternative route.

Located in the central-west of the South Island, the Southern Alps has 19 peaks and over 3000 meters long. If you decide on this starting point, you will ride approximately 315km of the entire Alps 2 Ocean. This may seem a little daunting to some riders so we also offer a shorter itinerary where you can finish your ride in Otematata, otherwise, you can always customise your itinerary with us when you speak to our sales team.

With Trail Journeys, you have the option to add the Hermitage Alpine Lodge to your ride. You'll stay the night beneath Aoraki/ Mt Cook, have the option to walk up to Tasman Glacier viewpoint and wake to the view of New Zealand's highest peak right outside your bedroom window. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Heli-ride transfer over the Tasman River

As you're riding through the Southern Alps, you'll reach the edge of the Tasman River and one of the best ways across the river is to jump on a helicopter transfer. It's the ultimate Alps 2 Ocean experience for you and your bikes to jump on a short heli-ride to the other side where you'll then continue the rest of the bike trail.

The heli-ride is included in all our Alps 2 Ocean itineraries starting at Aoraki/ Mt Cook.

Stargazing at Lake Tekapo

The Alternative Alps 2 Ocean starting point is located in Lake Tekapo. This region is part of New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve, known to be the world's best place for stargazing. With the clearest skies within the Southern Hemisphere, stargazing tours are a great opportunity to spot comets, constellations, nebulas and faraway galaxies.

Be sure to tell our team you're looking to add this to your itinerary. It truly is an experience not to be missed.

Ride along Lake Pukaki

Enjoy a scenic ride alongside Lake Pukaki with a backdrop of Aoraki/ Mt Cook. Make sure to stop and take plenty of breaks to take in the scenery as it is a truly spectacular sight on a clear sunny day - the bright turquoise water can be seen in all its glory. The unusual colour of the lake is due to remnants of the Tasman Glacier located upstream and will leave you in awe.

Lake Ohau

Riding along the cycling trail around Lake Ohau creates a moment of tranquility on your self-guided trip. Experience the magnitude of Ben Ohau Mountain Range with its deep blue waters and mountain views, as you cycle through scattered native scrub around the southern edge of the lake and into town.

Tarnbrae Saddle

Challenge yourself with Tarnbrae Saddle because the views are absolutely worth it. This rewarding section of the bike trail involves a 900m climb to the top and down the other side. Although it is a relatively steady incline, Tarnbrae Saddle includes narrow sections, and switchbacks and may be exposed to the elements, depending on the weather you're riding in. Make sure to add layers of clothing to your pack during this part of the cycle trail. You can learn how to layer cycling gear to ensure that you're prepared for all the elements.

Cliff Clays Omarama

Take a break from riding and explore an otherworldly phenomenon found right here in New Zealand. The towering Clay Cliffs located in Omarama will transport you to Mars with its incredibly unique rock formations and landforms. Although there is an small entrance fee, you can spend as long as you want, exploring the crevices and climbing to vantages point with views of the valley below.

Hot tubs Omarama

After riding the more difficult section of the bike trail, the Hot tubs of Omarama are the perfect excuse to unwind and relax. In one of the most beautiful locations, the steaming hot tubs are filled with high-country glacial water and warmed to your liking.

Add this to your itinerary and we'll book it in advance for you.

Sailors Cutting

As you're pedalling towards the Benmore Dam, the largest earth dam in New Zealand, Sailors Cutting is your second challenge on the trail. This section of the Alps 2 Ocean trail incorporates a narrow bike path and switchbacks around mountain edges. Ride at a relaxed pace to take in the panoramic views completely.

The trail opens up to views of Waitaki Valley with Benmore Dam below. It's a moment where you'll truly appreciate the man-made structure and all the men who built it.

Wine Tasting and Vineyards

Make sure to take a pit stop at one of the vineyards in Waitaki Valley. Kurow is known for its vineyards, making it the perfect place to indulge in wine tasting and charcuterie boards before exploring the rest of the town.

Let our team know that you are looking to add a wine tasting to your itinerary and we'll book a vineyard in advance so you can just jump off your bike and enjoy yourselves without the hassle of planning ahead.

Elephant Rocks

As you cycle toward the end of the Alps 2 Ocean trail, take a break from riding and step into another world at Elephant Rocks. Known as yet another incredible, natural wonder of New Zealand, these massive limestone formations, resembling a herd of elephants, create a fascinating and surreal landscape. This quirky spot is a favourite for photographers and a fun stop to stretch your legs before jumping back on the bike for the last stretch.

Oamaru

Your Alps 2 Ocean cycling adventure concludes in Oamaru, a historic town known for its impressive Victorian architecture and vibrant arts scene. Make sure to capture a photo at the official finish line and celebrate completing one of New Zealand's most iconic rides.

Popular Itineraries

Before deciding on your Alps 2 Ocean bike trip, ask yourself what distance are you comfortable riding per day? This will help determine the duration of your self-guided bike holiday with us.

For example: if you are looking for a more leisurely paced cycling holiday, talk to our friendly team today and customise your own bike trip.

Aoraki/ Mt Cook starting point
>> 8-day A2O Full Trail Explorer: Ride the complete trail in style.
>> 5-day and 6-day: Aoraki/ Mt Cook to Oamaru.

>> 4-day Aoraki Mt Cook to Otematata: Conclude your ride in Otematata.

Lake Tekapo starting point

>> 4-day, 5-day or 6-day Tekapo to Oamaru: Ride the complete A2O trail, starting at Tekapo.

>> 3 day Tekapo to Omarama: Conclude your ride in Omarama.

>> Browse all our self-guided Alps to Ocean cycling trips here.

>> Talk to our team and customise your A2O cycling holiday.

Guide to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Mon, 20 May 2024 02:31:26 GMT

Guide to Cycling the Alps 2 Ocean

Starting off with an epic heli-ride, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is the longest continuous bike trail of New Zealand's 22 Great Rides. Journeying from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, you'll ride through canals, past pristine glacial lakes and between mountain ranges.

The slower-paced travel will enable you to really enjoy the fantastic riding and diverse scenery. Read on to learn more about the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail.

Where is the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
Map of Alps 2 Ocean
Trail Route and Distance
Starting points on the trail
Trail gradient and difficulty
Best time of the year to cycle it
Popular Itineraries

Where is the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Located in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand, the Alps 2 Ocean bike trail is cut into 9 sections starting from the base of Aoraki/Mt Cook through to the small east coast town of Oamaru.

There is an alternative starting point, beginning at Lake Tekapo with a shorter cycling distance of 301km.

Both starting points can take between 5-8 days to complete the ride.

Map of Alps 2 Ocean

Trail Route and Distance

Aorkai/ Mt Cook to Braemar Road - 35km
Braemar Road to Twizel - 40km
Alt Start: Lake Tekapo to Twizel - 55km
Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge - 38km
Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama - 43km
Omarama to Otematata - 35km
Otemata to Kurow - 44km
Kurow to Duntoon - 27km
Duntoon to Oamaru - 54km

Starting points on the trail

Starting at Aoraki/Mt Cook

Starting at the base of Aoraki/ Mt Cook, the complete A2O cycle trail is a 315+ km ride. You'll have the chance to explore the National Park and walk up to Tasman Glacier view point before jumping on a heli-ride over the Tasman River.

From there, a scenic ride by Lake Pukaki will have you in awe. The bright turquoise blue colour comes from the Tasman Glacier upstream, found to be due to glacier remnants of silt particles and glacial flour in the water.

Starting at Tekapo (alternative starting point)

An alternative route of the Alps 2 Ocean is the 301km ride from Tekapo to Omarau. You'll follow the canals before descending to meet the rest of the trail at Lake Pukaki. A few highlights when cycling the A2O bike trail includes the Clay Cliffs in Omarama, riding around Sailor's Cutting from Omarama to Lake Benmore and along the canals to Lake Ohau.

Trail Gradient and Difficulty

The Alps to Ocean is an 'introductory to moderately' graded bike trail. The bike trail includes sections of gravel (45%), sealed road (30%), gravel road (18%) and rougher terrain such as shingles (6%).

The bike trail includes narrow sections and switchbacks when heading over Tarnbrae Saddle and from Sailor's Cutting to Benmore Dam.

To prepare for this multi-day bike ride, we suggest 90 minutes of cycle training incorporated into your training regime 3-5 times a week for an enjoyable ride. Read more on how to prepare for a multi-day bike ride.

Best time of the year to visit

You can cycle the Alps 2 Ocean all year round, just dress with the correct bike gear according to the climate you're riding in. Read more on essential winter bike gear and how to layer according to the season. Otherwise, Summer is a great time to complete the longest cycle trail.

Popular Itineraries

Before deciding on what Alps 2 Ocean bike trip, ask yourself what distance are you comfortable riding per day? This will help determine the duration of your self-guided bike holiday with us.

For example: if you are looking for a more leisurely paced cycling holiday, take a look at our 7-day self-guided trips or for a premium cycling experience, take a look at our Full Monty.

Aoraki/ Mt Cook starting point
>> 8-day A2O Full Monty: Ride the complete trail in style.
>> 6-day and 7-day: Aoraki/ Mt Cook to Oamaru.

>> 5-day Aoraki Mt Cook to Otematata: Conclude your ride in Otematata.

Lake Tekapo starting point

>> 5 day, 6 day or 7 day Tekapo to Oamaru: Complete alternative A2O trail.

>> 4 day Tekapo to Omarama: Conclude your ride in Omarama.

>> Browse all our 8 self-guided Alps to Ocean cycling trips here.

>> Talk to our team and customise your A2O cycling holiday.