Alps to Ocean Cycling Holiday

We will collect you from the centre of Christchurch this morning and drive south to Geraldine. From here, you will cycle quiet sealed roads through picturesque countryside, before stopping for lunch in Fairlie.

After lunch we will drive to Lake Tekapo Village. Its picturesque lake is the first of the storage lakes which feed the hydro schemes in the basin and down the Waitaki Valley. Here you take your first ride from the alternate start on the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, on the quiet roads that follow the turquoise blue waters of the canal system.

You will finish the ride in Tepako and have the option to visit the local hot pools to ease any first day muscle aches.

After breakfast, we’ll venture northward to the breathtaking Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, just an hour’s drive away. Today is all about soaking in the stunning alpine scenery of New Zealand’s highest peaks. We’ll kick things off with the Hooker Valley walk, where impressive swing bridges and towering summits, including the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, guide us to a serene glacial lake. This is where we’ll pause for lunch, surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas.

Once we’ve retraced our steps, it’s time to hop on our bikes and pedal towards the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. A short stroll to the lookout rewards us with spectacular views of New Zealand’s longest glacier and the Tasman Lake. Back on our bikes, we ride southwards towards the airport, concluding this section of the Alps to Ocean trail.

If the weather isn’t on our side, we’ll explore the visitor centre and Edmund Hilary Museum, which boasts a planetarium. As the afternoon winds down, we return to Twizel for our second night’s stay.

The stunning scenery keeps rolling in as we ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals, all set against a vast mountainous backdrop. We’ll then reach the picturesque Lake Ohau, where we’ll pause for a delightful lunch.

For those of you feeling confident, the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m) awaits. This is the highpoint of the Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) trail, and the vast Mackenzie Country views are just reward for the climb. Alternatively, you can opt for a transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn, where a much easier ride down to Omarama awaits – our stop for the night.

Omarama, translating from Maori as ‘place of light,’ is renowned for its extraordinarily clear skies, offering incredible stargazing opportunities at night.

Today’s ride takes you down the magnificent Waitaki Valley, renowned for its hydro lakes and dams. We start by following the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, we’ll traverse the lakeshore, navigating around rocky outcrops, little beaches, and even tree-covered islands. The trail then descends from above the Benmore Dam, rejoining the quiet lakeside road.

For those of you who prefer a less technical section, there's an easier option available. Once we’re all regrouped, it’s a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where we’ll enjoy a delightful picnic by the lake.

Arriving in Kurow, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the town’s charming surrounds. Highlights include the beautifully restored St Albans Church and wine-tasting at local vineyards. We’ll spend the night in Kurow at an elegant lodge, where dinner will showcase delicious local produce.

This morning, our cycle trail takes us along the scenic banks of the Waitaki River, passing by picturesque vineyards and a fascinating Maori rock art site before reaching the quaint town of Duntroon. From there, we head inland into the rolling countryside and explore the unique Elephant Rocks, a captivating field of huge limestone formations.

Next, we pick up the old railway line, riding through Raki’s tunnel before enjoying a gentle downhill to the settlement of Windsor. Our final night will be spent at the historic Burnside Homestead, a fitting end to our adventure, where we’ll savour a well-deserved night’s sleep after a hearty dinner at the local Enfield pub.

Today we are bound for Christchurch but not before we finish our Alps to Ocean journey with a final ride. Cycling from our accommodation we ride through picturesque rolling rural countryside and pass the Oamaru Stone quarry. Oamaru Stone has been extracted from the district since the 19th Century and its influence on local architecture is clearly seen as we ride our final section into the harbourside town of Oamaru. Here there is time to explore the old Victorian Precinct with its many galleries, shops and cafes. There may also be time for an optional visit to the fascinating Steampunk Museum (own expense). After a late lunch we will travel back to Christchurch, passing through some of the rich agricultural regions of the Canterbury Plains.

The tour ends today so you can either make your own arrangements this evening or we can help you.