Cycle New Zealand: Alps to Ocean
Cycle New Zealand: Alps to Ocean
Cycle New Zealand: Alps to Ocean
6 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Oamaru, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Twizel, Lake Ohau, Omarama, Kurow, Duntroon, Tokarahi, Oamaru
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHXA
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 11
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
If there’s a land made for cycling, this is it. After a visit and short hike in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park follow the path of the bright blue waters of Lake Pukaki near Twizel as it flows down from the Southern Alps, twisting through valleys, passing through lakes, and rolling out into the open Pacific Ocean at Oamaru. Jump on the saddle and you’ll flow down descents from forested summits, twist along roads squeezed between peaks and shores, and roll along backroads, side trails and the official Alps 2 Ocean trail. With an expert leader directing the pack, the only directions you’ll need is when to detour to the best trails and special stops only the locals know. With memorable accommodation and tastes of New Zealand along the way, this is a real gateway to some seriously great outdoors.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Christchurch - Aoraki (Mt Cook) Np - Twizel
Location: Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Twizel
Accommodation: Hotel, or Guesthouse
Meals Included: No Meals
Kia-ora! Welcome to Christchurch. This cycling adventure from the Alps to the Ocean kicks off with a pick-up at 8am. After the meeting you’ll jump in a private vehicle to head past Lake Tekapo (approximately 4 hours), and on to the southern shores of the turquoise-coloured Lake Pukaki. With the stunning peaks of the Southern Alps and the towering Mt Cook close by, it’s a truly remarkable sight. Continue to nearby Twizel for a quick bite for lunch then be fitted with your bike. After lunch drive north (approximately 1 hour) to the iconic Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and swap your biking shoes for hiking shoes and enjoy a short hike in the national park along part of the Hooker Valley Track. The views of Mt Cook are nothing short of spectacular. Afterwards return to Twizel and perhaps join the locals for dinner (the locally caught trout and salmon are amazing!) before settling in for a well-earned sleep.
Accommodation
Hotel/Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
1-2 Hour Hike
6 Days Bicycle Hire
5 Days Guided Cycling
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
There is no included cycling today. It’s very important that you are at the designated meeting point at the assigned time. We will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your booking agent know.
Pickup will be at 8am outside the Canterbury Museum at 11 Rolleston Avenue.
Day 2 : Twizel - Lake Ohau
Location: Twizel, Lake Ohau
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the cafe next door then take the short drive (approximately 20 mins) to the eastern shores of Lake Pukaki for your first ride, a flat and leisurely 24 kilometre cycle back down to Twizel, arriving in time for lunch. From here set off on a longer ride (approximately 38 kilometres) from Twizel to the western shore of Lake Ohau, where the clear waters of the Hopkins and Dobson Rivers flow directly off the Southern Alps. While longer in distance this is an easy ride as you make your way in the shadows of the Ben Ohau mountain range along flat sealed road beside the Pukaki canal and past Loch Cameron and the Ohau canal. Leave the tarmac and take the smooth gravel road that skirts the south shore of Lake Ohau, passing a property known as Maori swamp. Re-join the tarmac and enjoy some stunning views of the crystal-clear lake on your right and the brooding mountains on your left – truly spectacular. Cycle on to your secluded home for the night, the locally owned and spectacularly located Lake Ohau Lodge.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Special Information
Riding Distance: Today's riding distance is approximately 62 kilometres, mostly flat, along approx. 70% sealed and 30% gravel roads.
Day 3 : Lake Ohau - Omarama
Location: Lake Ohau, Omarama
Accommodation: Hotel, or Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is a tougher and slightly more technical day as you leave Lake Ohau behind and enjoy an easy cycle to Freehold Creek (with stunning views back across to the Ben Ohau Mountain Range) before starting your first real climb of the trip. Test your fitness (or e-bike battery) among the native Beech forests as you cycle up (approximately 11 kilometres) to the highest point of the trail. At 900 metres above sea level the magnificent views over the Mackenzie Basin, Ben Ohau and Lake Ohau and Lake Ruataniwha make the climb worthwhile. As does the rolling descent to the historic woolshed at Quailburn Road where you'll pause for a well-earned packed lunch. From here it is a gentle ride on a quiet backroad and a short side trail to take you all the way into the small town of Omarama. Depending on the fitness and preferences of the group, there is an option to use the support vehicle for the harder parts of the trail. There is also an option today to cycle to the nearby Omarama Clay Cliffs. This side trip will add an extra 14 kilometres, but the sight of these surreal cliffs – tall pinnacles separated by narrow ravines – makes it a worthwhile diversion.
Accommodation
Hotel/Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Special Information
Riding Distance: Today's riding distance is approximately 45 kilometres, including a long uphill of approx. 11kms followed by rolling descents, along approx. 20% sealed and 80% gravel/shingle roads and tracks
Day 4 : Omarama - Kurow
Location: Omarama, Kurow
Accommodation: Hotel, or Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s your longest day in the saddle today – around 67 kilometres in total but not overly strenuous or technical – as you make your way through lake country along 30 kilometres of dedicated trail from Omarama. Ride east down the Waitaki Valley, past the Chain Hills Viewpoint, then follow the edge of Lake Benmore to the oddly named Pumpkin Point (seriously, we’ve never seen a single pumpkin here!). This section includes a new route through the Benmore Gorge onto the top of the dramatic Benmore Dam. After lunch enjoy the quiet sealed road from Otematata alongside the southern shore of Lake Aviemore, once again cycling right up to the Hydro-dam wall before enjoying the last 16 kilometres of dedicated trail, past the haunting Wharekuri ruins, mostly downhill to Kurow. On the banks of the braided Waitaki River which separates the Canterbury and Otago provinces, Kurow (birthplace of the legendary All Black Ritchie McCaw) is an ideal place to simply put your feet up at the end of a long day’s ride, and perhaps enjoy a well-earned drink from one of the local producers in New Zealand’s newest wine region.
Accommodation
Hotel/Guesthouse with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Riding Distance: Today's riding distance is approximately 67kilometres, mostly undulating and slightly downhill, along approx. 40% sealed and 60% gravel roads.
Day 5 : Kurow - Duntroon - Tokarahi
Location: Kurow, Duntroon, Tokarahi
Accommodation: Hut with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving sleepy Kurow behind you, enjoy a relaxed ride of 28 kilometres down the valley on the mostly traffic-free smooth shingle road alongside the Waitaki River. Pass vineyards (stopping at the River-T winery), the Takiroa Maori rock art site and Duntroon Wetlands, before arriving into Duntroon itself just in time for lunch (not included) at the charming and iconic Duntroon Hotel. No need to worry about your sweaty cycling clothes here as the local proprietors are incredibly welcoming to cyclists of all kinds. After lunch it’s back onto the bikes as you deviate slightly from the official trail and take an 19-kilometre side trip into Otago to your home for the night, the historic and welcoming Tokarahi Huts. Built by one of Oamaru's finest craftsmen using salvaged materials from the original building that once stood on the site, and with a welcome from the farm owner himself, this is one of the best examples of locally owned and operated sustainable businesses in the region, and one we’re proud to be associated with.
Accommodation
Hut with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today's riding distance is approximately 47 kilometres, mostly flat/downhill, on smooth gravel/shingle roads.
Day 6 : Tokarari - Oamaru
Location: Tokarahi, Oamaru
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is your last day on the bike as you make your way to the South Pacific Coast and the charming seaside town of Oamaru. After a good early breakfast leave Tokarari behind and rejoin the ‘official’ trail, passing through the historic Rakis Railway Tunnel and following the old railway line to Windsor and all the way through to Enfield. Take an early lunch then enjoy your final ride of the trip with a last 12 kilometres into Oamaru via the Botanical gardens – the oldest such gardens in New Zealand – and Historic Victorian precinct, with a stunning finish at Oamaru Harbour and the shores of the Pacific Ocean itself.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today's riding distance is approximately 44 kilometres, mostly flat/downhill, mostly on smooth gravel/shingle roads. Please note that the trip finishes on arrival into Oamaru and no accommodation is included in Oamaru tonight. For those wanting to continue on to Christchurch, Dunedin or Queenstown, there are a number of public transport options available including the Intercity or Atomic bus company (not included). If you plan to stay on in Oamaru there is plenty to see and do, including a visit to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony and the unique Steampunk HQ.
What's Included
-
1-2 Hour Hike
-
6 Days Bicycle Hire
-
5 Days Guided Cycling
-
Meals
5 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners
-
Accommodation
Hotel/Guesthouse (3 nts), Lodge (1nt), Hut (1 nt)
-
Transport
Bicycle (e-bike available, subject to availability), Minivan
What's Not Included
-
International Travel
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Transport
- Bicycle (e-bike available , subject to availability) , minivan
Accommodation
- Hotel/Guesthouse (3 nts), Lodge (1nt), Hut (1 nt)
Check out our Q&As
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are international flights included in this tour?
No
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."