Alps 2 Ocean Cycle - Ultimate Explorer

We'll meet you at our Omarama depot early this morning for a pre-ride briefing and bike fitting. If you're arriving by car, you're welcome to leave your vehicle at our base while you're away on the trail. From Omarama, sit back and enjoy a scenic 1.5 hour shuttle ride to Mt Cook Village, where you'll spend the night. On arrival, we'll take you on a short walk to the Tasman Glacier moraine wall, where a steady climb rewards you with sweeping views of the vast glacier and lake. Afterwards, we’ll drop you at your accommodation, and you’ll have free time to explore the village and its surrounds, whether on foot or by bike. Walk to Kea Point or tackle the Sealy Tarns track for stunning panoramic views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. In the evening, unwind over dinner with a view of New Zealand’s highest peaks. Accommodation: Mt Cook Village.

Meals:  D

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before riding 2km to the trailhead at White Horse Hill Campground. From there, enjoy an 8km downhill ride to the Mt Cook Airfield, where you’ll check in at 10:30am for your 11:00am helicopter transfer with Southern Lakes Helicopters. This short scenic flight takes you across the braided Tasman River to the Rotten Tommy landing area, optional extended scenic flights are available if you'd like to take in even more of the dramatic landscape. Back on the ground, continue your ride along the stunning shoreline of Lake Pukaki to Braemar Station, where you'll spend the night surrounded by high-country serenity. Accommodation: Braemar Station

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s ride takes you further along the shores of Lake Pukaki, with its striking alpine views and vivid blue waters. From there, you’ll cross the wide-open Pukaki Flats to reach the township of Twizel. The journey continues along a scenic trail beside the region’s iconic turquoise canals, leading you to the southern edge of Lake Ohau, another highlight of the day’s ride. You will be collected at the Lake Ohau carpark at 3.30pm, and transferred 20 minutes to your accommodation in Twizel for the night. Accommodation: Twizel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, you will be transferred from your Twizel accommodation, back to the Lake Ohau carpark to continue your A2O cycle. From Lake Ohau, begin a steady climb to the highest point on the Alps to Ocean trail, Tarnbrae Saddle, sitting at 900 metres above sea level. The effort is rewarded with sweeping panoramic views back over Lake Ohau and a final, memorable glimpse of Aoraki/Mt Cook. From the summit, descend through a striking landscape of tussock-covered high country before arriving into Omarama, your destination for the day. Take time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of this small high-country town, known for its big skies and clear air. In the late afternoon we'll take you by vehicle to visit the otherworldly Clay Cliffs, dramatic natural pinnacles and sculpted formations, shaped by wind and water over thousands of years. Accommodation: Omarama

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving Omarama, 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. Cross the impressive Benmore hydro 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. Accommodation: Kurow

Meals:  B,L,D

After a relaxed breakfast, take your time to explore Kurow, perhaps visit the local museum before setting off through Pasquale Vineyard and along the banks of the mighty Waitaki River. Your first stop today will be at the River-T winery which is only 5km out of Kurow, where you will be provided with lunch. Continuing on towards the historic town of Duntroon sure to stop and admire the ancient Maori rock drawings, powerful remnants of the region's cultural heritage. 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. Accommodation: Duntroon

Meals:  B,L,D

Your final day on the Alps to Ocean trail begins with a ride through rolling farmland, leading you to the unique limestone formations of Elephant Rock, an iconic geological feature and a great spot for a short break and photos. From here, the trail winds through more farmland and past dramatic limestone escarpments as you continue toward the coast. Approaching Oamaru, you’ll ride through the beautifully maintained Oamaru Public Gardens, one of the oldest in the country, before reaching the trail’s official end at the Oamaru Harbour. We’ll meet you at the A2O photo frame at 2:45pm for bike return and bag collection. Don’t forget to capture a celebratory photo marking the completion of your 300km journey! To toast your achievement, enjoy a well-earned drink on us at Scotts Brewery, just a short stroll from the trail end. Accommodation: Oamaru

Meals:  B,L

There’s no riding scheduled today, giving you time to relax and explore the charming town of Oamaru at your own pace. Wander through the Victorian Precinct, visit the Steampunk HQ museum, or enjoy a coffee by the harbour before continuing your onward travel or making your way home.

Meals:  B