Alps to Ocean End to End Tour

Package Overview

Explore the adventure capital of the world in Queenstown
Cycle the full length of the Alps to Ocean trail from end to end
Enjoy a breathtaking heli-flight over the Tasman River from Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
Hike beneath Aoraki/Mt Cook in the World Heritage National Park
Stay in premium backcountry accommodation with uninterrupted views of Lake Pukaki
Cycle along the edges of Lakes Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore
Soak in the hot tubs at Lake Ohau
Spend a night in a luxurious Glamping tent
Explore the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru

Our Alps to Ocean End to End is a 7 day cycling adventure allowing you time to fully appreciate the trail from the foot of Aoraki/Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean. The itinerary has been designed so we cycle the entire length of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, covering 320km of spectacular and diverse country from the official trail start at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village along with exploring some added highlights along the trail. Meeting in Queenstown, we drive to the base of the mighty Southern Alps. Our journey begins with a stunning heli-flight across the Tasman river before cycling through the vast tussock-lands of the Mackenzie Country, along the braided rivers and vineyards of the Waitaki Valley, all the way to the white-stone township of Oamaru. A highlight of this trip is the hand picked accommodation where we stay at a mix of lodges, premium backcountry farmstays, motels and luxurious glamping tents. We also offer a shorter 6 day Alps to Ocean Cycle itinerary that begins from the alternate trail start at Lake Tekapo.


Trip Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. The Alps to Ocean End to End is graded moderate. An average day cycling distance on this trip is 60km, but you will need to be comfortable riding up to 80km per day if you are planning to cycle the entire trail. With that said, you can cycle at your own pace and any tired legs can be rested on the nearby support-vehicle. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest an hour of cycling 2-3 times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. On two of the days there will be up to 80km of riding although the support vehicle is always nearby. Much of the trail is on hard packed gravel - if you can get in some cycling on gravel before your tour it will make the experience a lot more fun.International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Bike hire (including helmet)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities (eg. Omarama hot tubs, Steampunk Gallery)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)
Tips

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Queenstown to Aoraki/ Mt Cook Village

  You will be collected by your guide from a central location in Queenstown around 10.30am and we will have a tour briefing and then a bike fitting. We then drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village which is the official start to the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. We have the option to visit the famous Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (own expense) or the informative Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre (free of charge). You'll also have the chance to put your walking shoes on and take in the stunning glacier and mountain views from the Hooker Valley Track or Tasman Glacier Track. Hiking Distance: up to 10km

• Day 2 : Aoraki/ Mt Cook Village to Braemar Station

  After breakfast this morning we have time to explore the village some more. We then hop on our bikes and cycle the first 7km to the airport where we take a short (but breath-taking) heli-flight with our bikes to meet up with the trail on the other side of the Tasman River. We then cycle along the edge of Lake Pukaki, taking in views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. After a picnic lunch we continue cycling to Braemar Road and on to the backcountry farmstay, Braemar Station. This is a trip highlight for many as we are rewarded with fantastic views over Lake Pukaki and treated to a delicious home cooked dinner. Cycle Distance: Aoraki/Mt Cook Village to Braemar Station - 38km

• Day 3 : Braemar Station to Lake Ohau

  After a hearty breakfast, we leave Braemar Station and start our ride for the day. The trail winds around the edge of Lake Pukaki to the visitors centre before crossing the extensive tussock-lands of Pukaki flats to Twizel. After lunch we cycle past lakes Ruataniwha and Ohau to Lake Ohau Lodge, where we stay tonight. This evening there is time to unwind and soak in the onsite hot tubs while overlooking the lake. Cycle Distance: Braemar Station to Twizel - 42km Twizel to Lake Ohau - 38km

• Day 4 : Lake Ohau to Omarama

  After we've refuelled our bodies with breakfast, those who would like a challenge can continue on the trail, which starts as a steady climb up to the Tambrae Saddle. At 900m this is the highpoint of the whole Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail and your efforts are rewarded with stunning views across the Mackenzie Basin. Alternatively for those who want a relaxing afternoon there is the option to transfer by coach and enjoy a mostly downhill and flat ride on the trail into Omarama, our stop for the night. Omarama is called "Place of Light" in Maori terminology, a reference to its extraordinarily pure and clear sky. This region is also famous for gliding due to some unique air wave systems and feisty thermals. This evening enjoy an optional soak in a private hot tub of fresh mountain water (own expense). Cycle Distance: Lake Ohau to Omarama - 41km Short Option: Quailburn to Omarama - 23km

• Day 5 : Omarama to Kurow

  We set off on our bikes from our accommodation this morning, following the trail to Sailors Cutting, along the shores of Lake Benmore. From here, there is the option to climb to the Otematata saddle or to take the support van to the top and enjoy a fabulous downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where we will enjoy a lakeside picnic. We then cycle into Kurow before riding along the banks of the Waitaki River and through the Kurow vineyard to tonight's accommodation. We stay at the luxurious Valley Views Glamping where your own private tent awaits. Don't be fooled by the word 'tent' as you'll enjoy all your creature comforts. Each tent has a king size bed or 2 single beds with luxury down duvets, lighting, cell phone charger, an ensuite toilet and a private balcony. This is the perfect place to relax whilst recovering from a great days biking. Cycle Distance: Omarama - Kurow 68km (optional climb to Otematata saddle - 5km) Kurow to Valley Views: 13km (option to ride in the support vehicle)

• Day 6 : Kurow to Oamaru

  After breakfast, we hop back on the bike for our last ride towards the Pacific Ocean. We pass by a Maori rock art site before reaching Duntroon where we turn inland to cycle on a mixture of trail and quiet rural roads. A walk among the unusual rock formations known locally as Elephant Rocks is a must-do on the way past. Following a short section of an old branch railway line we cycle through Raki's tunnel before a downhill ride into the settlement of Windsor. After lunch we cycle through picturesque rolling rural countryside, past the Oamaru stone quarry to Friendly Bay and the end of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. We celebrate our cycling achievements with a group photo at the famous picture frame and a final group dinner. Cycle Distance: Valley Views to Oamaru - 74km

• Day 7 : Oamaru to Christchurch

  Today we are bound for Christchurch but not before exploring the white-stone township of Oamaru. Here there is time to browse around 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). We then travel back to Christchurch, passing through some of the rich agricultural regions of the Canterbury Plains, arriving at our destination around 3pm, where the tour concludes. No cycling today

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
• 7 nights hotel/motel accommodation on twin share basis
• Professional qualified driver/guide
• 2 professional guides/drivers on trips with 8 or more people
• Heli-flight across the Tasman River with bikes to the official start point
• Private vehicle transport/support vehicle
• Water and snacks while cycling
• Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Exclusions

• International or domestic flights and taxes
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• All beverages, other than breakfast
• Bike hire (including helmet)
• Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
• Optional activities (eg. Omarama hot tubs, Steampunk Gallery)
• Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
• Travel insurance
• Visa (if required)
• Tips

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

This Tour is Offered by

Adventure South Ltd View Profile

0 / 5

• Phillipstown, Christchurch, New Zealand - 8145
• XXXXXX1222 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@adventuresouth.co.nz View Mail ID

About Adventure South Ltd

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Interested in This Tour?

• Requests are send directly to the tour operator
• We recommend to request quotes from 3 operators