The Alps To Ocean is New Zealand’s longest cycle trail, it serves up epic vistas on its way from the foot of the Southern Alps all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
New Zealand’s highest mountain – Aoraki/Mt Cook – is just one of many stunning sights on this unforgettable journey to the sea. Amidst the grandeur of braided rivers, glacier-carved valleys, turquoise hydro-lakes, tussock-covered highlands and rural plains are plenty of off-the-bike activities including wine-tasting, penguin-spotting, glider flights and soaking in alfresco hot tubs.
With Ventouro's signature trail support you will be able to enjoy each moment of the ride. Your every need is catered for, whether it be a homemade snack while on the bike, tailored tips and information from your local guide or a perfectly selected meal to complete your day.
Non-riding partners are also very welcome, at a discounted price you will get to explore South Canterbury just as much as the riders, and have time to delve deeper into historic towns such as Oamaru and enjoy other local activities.
For more information on itinerary, dates, food and accommodation email info@ventouro.com
Trip Details
Trip Highlights
The scenery from the sky to sea
Surreal turquoise lakes
Backcountry trails
Details of the trip
6 nights
Rides between 39 to 77km
Max group size of 14
Non-riding partners welcome
Guided rides most days
Couples or shared rooms
Single supplement applies
Airport transfers
All food included
Sports nutrition
Daily laundry
Ventouro goodie bag
Ventouro T-shirt
Bike hire included
Itinerary
Arrival
Direct flights into Queenstown from both Auckland and Australia mean there will be time to explore the town.
Transfer from Queenstown to Mt Cook Village via Tarrus and Pukaki
4h drive
The drive to Mt Cook will really get you excited for the days ahead. We will stop for lunch, along the way and see the beautiful turquoise water of Lake Pukaki. From here we have a short 1hr drive onto our accommodation for the night at Mt Cook Village. Depending on time and daylight, we recommend one of the stunning short walks (1hr) up the glacial valleys towards the base of Mt Cook itself or just enjoy some time browsing the museum and information centre in the village.
Lodging: The Hermitage
Day 1
Mt Cook - Twizel
Distance 77km, Grade 2 Easy
A short warm-up ride from The Hermitage takes you down to Mt Cook Airport. Here a helicopter awaits to fly you a short 10min trip over the Tasman River with spectacular views of the mountains. From here the trail heads towards Braemar Rd on the edge of Lake Pukaki to the Pakaki Flats into Twizel.
Lodging: Twizel
Day 2
Twizel - Lake Ohau
Distance 38km, Grade 2 Easy
As we leave the town centre private canal roads take us towards the shores of Lake Ohau. From here, the trail runs along the lake edge up to the iconic Lake Oahu Lodge for a delicious home-cooked meal.
Lodging: Lake Ohau Lodge
Day 3
Lake Ohau - Omarama
Distance 41km, Grade 3 Intermediate
The trail starts at the base of the road up to the Lake Ohau Ski Field. From here we climb up the highest point on the trail as it traverses the lower slopes of the Ruataniwha Conservation Park. A small detour gives us the option to visit the naturally formed ‘Clay Cliffs’ before a flat run into Omarama.
Lodging: Omarama
Day 4
Omarama - Campbell Park via Otematata
Distance 70km, Grade 2 - 3 Easy/Intermediate
Here the trail follows the highway towards Chain Hill. A purpose made shingle track provides views of Lake Benmore before we rejoin the road at Sailors Cutting and head towards the top of Benmore Dam. As we descend the other side we skirt around the edge of Lake Aviemore towards Kurow.
Lodging: Campbell Park
Day 5
Campbell Park - Oamaru
Distance 65km, Grade 2 - 3 Easy/Intermediate
Our final day on the trails has a little bit of everything. We leave our accommodation on the road and head past the mysterious elephant rocks. Then it is on to a combination of trails, road and farmland before the historic Rakis Railway Tunnel and a beautiful shingle path all the way into Oamaru.
Lodging: Oamaru
Day 6
Transfer from Oamaru - Queenstown
Today is the end of our tour, after spending a lovely evening in the historic town of Oamaru we will have a relaxed departure before starting our drive back to Queenstown. You will be back in Queenstown by 1pm
Lodging: n/a
Total Distance 301km, Grade 2 - 3 Easy/Intermediate
