Alps to Ocean South - 3 Day Omarama to Oamaru

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

Exploring Elephant Rocks on the Alps 2 Ocean | Errol W

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

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

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

Completing the Alps 2 Ocean in Oamaru | Luc S

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

Exploring Elephant Rocks on the Alps 2 Ocean | Errol W

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

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

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

Completing the Alps 2 Ocean in Oamaru | Luc S

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

$1035NZD

View all pricing

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: TJAF

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A2O South 3 Days Omarama to Oamaru 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

This 3-day cycle journey follows the southern section of the iconic Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, riding from the high-country township of Omarama to the Pacific coast at Oamaru. Tracing the Waitaki River downstream, the route showcases the impressive lakes, canals, and dams of the historic hydro scheme developed from the 1920s onwards.

One of the highlights is the stunning ride along Lake Benmore from Sailors Cutting, where a purpose-built cycle trail hugs the shoreline — often described as a must-do among New Zealand’s cycle trails. Cross the Southern Hemisphere’s largest earth dam and uncover the fascinating story behind its construction before rolling onward through expansive, open landscapes.

As the trail descends, you’ll enter the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, a geological wonderland of limestone formations, ancient fossil beds, dramatic escarpments, and the famous Elephant Rocks. Along the way, discover rock art sites that tell the stories of early Maori settlers. The journey finishes in historic Oamaru, renowned for its Victorian architecture carved from local limestone, eclectic galleries, and museums. Mark the end of your adventure at the iconic Alps to Ocean picture frame on the seafront.

Perfect for a long weekend or those short on time, this tour is designed to capture the southern highlights of the Alps to Ocean. The itinerary allows for a relaxed departure from Omarama and conveniently connects with bus services from Christchurch or Queenstown. Return services from Oamaru depart in the late afternoon, making travel logistics simple and seamless.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Omarama to Otematata or Kurow – 35km/69km

We'll meet you at our depot at 16 Chain Hills Highway for your pre-ride briefing and bike fitting at a time that suits your arrival in Omarama. 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
Otematata or Kurow to Duntroon – 68km/28km

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
Duntroon to Oamaru – 54km

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

Electric Bike

Our range of Merida CC XT Step Through E-bike have hydraulic disc brakes, and are high performance hard tail capable of completing each section on one battery with 3 levels of assistance at your fingertips.

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).

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).

Child's Mountain Bike

Quality lightweight kids MTB with rigid fork combined with 24? ‘plus’ tyres for extra grip and comfort & disc brakes

Includes: helmet, puncture repair kit

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.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

The Alps to Ocean Discovery is graded introductory to moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness with an average daily distance of 50km and the longest day up to 68km. 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. There is a moderate section from Sailors Cutting to the Benmore Dam which 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.

Departure dates

Departs daily year round

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Trail Journeys.

Priceper person from

$1035NZD

Options & Supplements*

eBike Upgrade (subject to availability) - FromNZD$195
Pre or Post-Tour Night/Extension in Omarama - Studio, based on twin share inc breakfastNZD$235
Pre or Post-Tour Night/Extension in Omarama - Single supplement in Studio, inc breakfastNZD$430

*Prices listed are per person and also from

A2O South 3 Days Omarama to Oamaru 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.