Alps 2 Ocean Cycle - Omarama to Oamaru Escape

Views from the top of Lake Benmore Dam are a highlight | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycling along the beautiful Benmore Dam on the Alps to Ocean. | Clare Toia-Bailey

Pasquale Kurow Winery | Elaina Culbert

Cycling the incredible Alps to Ocean. | Clare Toia-Bailey

Wall Art depicting the Waitaki hydro scheme along the A2O | Sandra Appleby

Woohoo, we made it to Oamaru! Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. | Elaina Culbert

Views from the top of Lake Benmore Dam are a highlight | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycling along the beautiful Benmore Dam on the Alps to Ocean. | Clare Toia-Bailey

Pasquale Kurow Winery | Elaina Culbert

Cycling the incredible Alps to Ocean. | Clare Toia-Bailey

Wall Art depicting the Waitaki hydro scheme along the A2O | Sandra Appleby

Woohoo, we made it to Oamaru! Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. | Elaina Culbert

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

3 days self-guided cycle

Accommodation

2 nights comfort accommodation, ensuited where available

Meals

1 Dinner
1 Lunch
2 Breakfasts

Price

3 daysfrom

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View Inclusions

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Inclusions
Bike Information
Trail Surface
Accommodation
Suggested extensions
Grading
Departure dates
Videos
FAQs
Trip reviews
Why travel with us
Similar trips

Trip Code: T2O

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Trip highlights

Cycle the Alps 2 Ocean trail from Omarama
Cycle the purpose-built shoreline trail from Sailors Cutting, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s must-do cycle experiences
Follow the Waitaki hydro scheme crossing vast dams and lakes discovering the remarkable engineering and history that shaped the valley
Journey through an ancient limestone landscape featuring fossil beds, dramatic escarpments and the Elephant Rocks
Roll into Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct, famed for its limestone architecture, quirky galleries, and museums

Short on time but wanting to experience one of New Zealand's most iconic trails! Alps 2 Ocean Cycle – Omarama to Oamaru Escape is a rewarding three-day cycling adventure that follows the southern section of New Zealand’s iconic Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, taking riders from the high-country landscapes of Omarama through the Waitaki Valley to the Pacific Ocean at Oamaru. Perfect for a long weekend or travellers short on time, this fully supported journey captures the very best of the trail’s southern highlights while combining peaceful riverside riding, dramatic hydro landscapes, fascinating geology and historic rural towns.

Beginning in Omarama, known for its gliding skies and alpine scenery, the trail traces the Waitaki River downstream through a landscape shaped by the remarkable hydro-electric scheme developed from the 1920s onwards. Along the way, ride beside vivid turquoise lakes, quiet canals and impressive dams that create one of the South Island’s most unique cycling environments.

One of the standout highlights of the journey is the spectacular ride along Lake Benmore from Sailors Cutting, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s must-do cycle trail experiences. Here, a purpose-built cycle trail hugs the shoreline of New Zealand’s largest man-made lake, winding through rugged rocky headlands and remote backcountry landscapes with breathtaking lake views around every corner. Cross the Southern Hemisphere’s largest earth dam at Benmore and discover the fascinating stories behind this incredible engineering project as you continue through the expansive Waitaki landscapes.

As the trail gradually descends towards the coast, the scenery transforms into rolling farmland, limestone country and peaceful river terraces within the remarkable Waitaki Whitestone Geopark. Explore a geological wonderland of dramatic escarpments, ancient fossil beds and the famous Elephant Rocks, one of the region’s most photographed natural attractions. Along the way, discover Maori rock art sites that offer insight into the stories and journeys of the region’s earliest inhabitants.

The adventure finishes in the historic harbour town of Oamaru, renowned for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture built from local limestone, vibrant galleries, quirky museums and famous little blue penguins. Celebrate the end of your journey with a photo at the iconic Alps 2 Ocean picture frame on the seafront — the perfect finale to an unforgettable mountains-to-sea ride.

With manageable daily distances, seamless support and convenient travel connections from Christchurch and Queenstown, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle – Omarama to Oamaru Escape is ideal for cyclists wanting a rewarding and achievable South Island cycling adventure packed with scenery, history and unforgettable trail experiences.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Cycle from Omarama to Otematata or Kurow (35 or 69km/21.74 or 42.87mi)

We'll meet you at our Omarama depot for a pre-ride briefing and bike fitting this morning. After setting away, the first 5km leads you to the top of the Chain Hills, where breathtaking views await you. Descend to the shimmering edge of Lake Benmore, where you'll find the perfect campsite at Sailors Cutting. From here, the trail meanders along the lake's shoreline, immersing you in a true wilderness experience. As you zigzag over headlands, prepare to be awestruck by the incredible vistas that unfold at every turn. If staying in Otematata, on reaching the impressive Benmore hydro dam, take the steep road downhill, which soon becomes trail. You will wind your way alongside Lake Aviemore to reach the main highway in Otematata after 6km. Turn left to head into the township. Early starters riding to Kurow will cross the dam and continue riding beside Lakes Aviemore and Waitaki on a scenic stretch of sealed road. The final 16km unfolds along a smooth, flowing trail that leads you into the charming township of Kurow, your next well-earned stop.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle from Otematata or Kurow to Duntroon (68 or 28km/42.25 or17.39mi)

If departing from Otematata, head back up the trail alongside the Aviemore wetland to cross the dam and continue riding beside Lakes Aviemore and Waitaki on a scenic stretch of sealed road. Then follow 16km along a smooth, flowing trail that leads you into the charming township of Kurow which makes a good destination for lunch. Leaving from Kurow the trail travels around the Pasquale Vineyard and along the banks of the mighty Waitaki River. Consider a break at River-T Winery 5km out of Kurow offering wine-tasting, delicious platters and refreshments. Be sure to stop and admire the ancient Maori rock drawings, powerful remnants of the region’s cultural heritage, before continuing on to the historic town of Duntroon. In Duntroon, a visit to the Vanished World Museum is highly recommended. It offers fascinating geological insights that set the stage perfectly for the next part of your ride through this unique and ancient limestone landscape.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Cycle from Duntroon to the end of the trail in Oamaru (54km/33.55mi)

Your final day takes you through undulating scenery surrounded by limestone escarpments to the unique rock formations known as Elephant Rocks. You’ll pass through an old railway tunnel and follow remnants of the historic railway line that will bring you into Oamaru. Taking in the beautifully manicured Oamaru Public Gardens and into the interesting Victorian Precinct, you’ll reach the end of the A2O trail at the famous picture frame on the waterfront. We’ll meet you here at 2:45pm for bike return and luggage collection, with the shuttle back to Omarama (if booked) departing promptly at 3:00pm. You can also connect with public buses to Dunedin, Queenstown and Christchurch.

Meals: B,L

Inclusions

What's included

Standard bike hire for 3 days, including helmet, repair kit and carrier bag or pannier
2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
2 nights comfortable accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available
Daily luggage transfers (one bag 15kg max)
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Cycle breakdown and rider support service

What's not included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages (except with breakfast)
Excess luggage
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

Bike information

Hybrid Touring Bike

Our range of Merida Crossway 100 are comfortable hybrid touring bikes with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, 27 speed

Standard equipment included: rear trunk bag with drop-down sides, helmet, gel seat, bottle cage, hi-visibility vest, pump and spare tube (one per two bikes).

Electric Bike

Our E-bikes (if you have chosen the upgrade) - are a Jaunt EZ 3.5 Auto or similar. Its spacious full step-through frame and suspension dropper seat post offer easy mounting and dismounting for riders of all levels. With advanced automatic gear shifting, you’re always in the perfect gear, enhancing comfort and efficiency. Equipped with Shimano’s Link-Glide technology for smooth, durable performance and a 630Wh battery, the Jaunt EZ 3.5 Auto provides pedal assistance up to 32 km/h.

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel 45%

45% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is compacted gravel. Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and aware that riding on this surface will reduce cycling speeds.

Rough Shingle 6%

6% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is rough shingle. This can include rocks and rough terrain. Some cyclists will choose to walk these sections.

Gravel Road 18%

18% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is gravel road. This is manageable for most, however cyclists need to be comfortable riding on rougher gravel surfaces including graded roads and deeper gravel.

Sealed Road 30%

30% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is Sealed Road. Most of these roads are quiet back-roads. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Accommodation

Comfort Accommodation (Included)

Our Comfort level accommodation has been carefully selected for its welcoming atmosphere, quality amenities and convenient locations along the trail. Expect a mix of hotels, motels, country lodges and bed and breakfasts, ensuite rooms (where available), comfortable beds and warm hospitality. While each property has its own unique style and character, all provide a relaxing place to unwind after a day on the trail.

Add on a Night

Additional nights at the start or end of your trip can be added onto any package, just ask us.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle is graded introductory to moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness with an average daily distance of 60km and the longest day up to 81km. We suggest 90 minutes of cycling three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Some of the sections are on seal or hard packed gravel and are relatively easy to ride. Other sections are on looser gravel which can be rough and uneven in places. The moderate sections over the Tarnbrae Saddle and from Sailors Cutting to the Benmore Dam include narrower tracks with some switchbacks and exposure in places. There are also plenty of hills so cycling up hills and on gravel and rougher terrain before your tour will enable you to really enjoy the fantastic riding and diverse scenery.

Videos

Alps to Ocean | Webinar Replay | Trail Journeys

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

First On The Trail

Trail Journeys is the largest and longest serving bike hire business on the Otago Central Rail Trail. We have helped more cyclists explore our region since the trail opened in 2000 than any other company.

EXPERT LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about the Central Otago Region and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for your needs.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. With regular bag, passenger and bike transport services, expert cycle mechanics and experienced consultants, enjoy a stress free cycling trip with Trail Journeys.