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Alps to Ocean Classic

Name: Alps to Ocean Classic
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 2069 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

New Zealand

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

34344

Operator:

Adventure South
Length:

6 days
Group size:

14 pax
Age:

16 to 99

10.08-15.08.25 scheduled
21.09-26.09.25 guaranteed
19.10-24.10.25 scheduled
26.10-31.10.25 guaranteed
02.11-07.11.25 guaranteed
16.11-21.11.25 guaranteed
23.11-28.11.25 guaranteed
30.11-05.12.25 guaranteed
07.12-12.12.25 guaranteed
14.12-19.12.25 scheduled
27.12-01.01.26 guaranteed
04.01-09.01.26 guaranteed
11.01-16.01.26 guaranteed
18.01-23.01.26 guaranteed
01.02-06.02.26 guaranteed
22.02-27.02.26 guaranteed
01.03-06.03.26 guaranteed
06.03-11.03.26 guaranteed
15.03-20.03.26 guaranteed
22.03-27.03.26 guaranteed
05.04-10.04.26 guaranteed
12.04-17.04.26 guaranteed
19.04-24.04.26 guaranteed
26.04-01.05.26 scheduled
03.05-08.05.26 scheduled
14.06-19.06.26 scheduled
05.07-10.07.26 scheduled
09.08-14.08.26 scheduled
01.11-06.11.26 scheduled
22.11-27.11.26 scheduled
29.11-04.12.26 scheduled
06.12-11.12.26 scheduled
13.12-18.12.26 scheduled
27.12-01.01.27 scheduled
03.01-08.01.27 scheduled
10.01-15.01.27 scheduled
17.01-22.01.27 scheduled
31.01-05.02.27 scheduled
07.02-12.02.27 scheduled
14.02-19.02.27 scheduled
21.02-26.02.27 scheduled
23.02-28.02.27 scheduled
28.02-05.03.27 scheduled
07.03-12.03.27 scheduled
14.03-19.03.27 scheduled
21.03-26.03.27 scheduled
23.03-28.03.27 scheduled
04.04-09.04.27 scheduled
11.04-16.04.27 scheduled
18.04-23.04.27 scheduled
25.04-30.04.27 scheduled
02.05-07.05.27 scheduled

Itinerary

Explore some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes by bike on our fully guided and supported Alps to Ocean Cycle tour. From Tekapo, we head through the golden Mackenzie Country on canal paths to Lake Pukaki and the mountainous landscape around Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Walking options in the Park give us immense views of these majestic peaks. From Twizel, the trail follows ancient pathways through the Waitaki Valley where you’ll be wowed by stunning lakes, fascinating hydro dams and picturesque vineyards. A ride through rolling countryside leads down to the historic port town of Oamaru. Our expert guides will show you the A2O’s best trailside highlights including wine-tasting, hot pools, Maori rock art and otherworldly limestone outcrops. You’ll also enjoy warm hospitality in accommodation full of heritage charm.

Tour program

Day 1

Travel Christchurch to Tekapo - 34km Cycle to Lake Pukaki

Following an early start, our adventure begins with the drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains. After refreshments in the country town of Geraldine, we’ll continue through rolling farmland to reach Burke’s Pass the gateway to Mackenzie Country, and Lake Tekapo soon appears as a bright blue jewel. We’ll have lunch and after a briefing and group photos we’ll set off cycling around the lakeside to see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, continuing to the start of the Alps to Ocean ride. We follow alongside the vivid hydro canals to reach a high terrace overlooking Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. The trail then dips down to meet the lakeshore, offering incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Here we load up and have a short drive to Twizel, where we will spend the next 2 nights. Tonight we have our first group dinner where we can learn more about the week’s cycling ahead. Cycling Distance: Tekapo to Twizel - up to 34km Accommodation : The Alps, Twizel

Day 2

Visit Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park - 20km Cycle, Upto 10km Walk

After breakfast, we head back to the Lake Pukaki and hop back on our bikes to ride the lakeside track before heading across expansive tussockland back to our accommodation in Twizel. After a quick clothing change, we will venture north to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, around an hour's drive. This afternoon is dedicated to immersing ourselves in the stunning alpine landscape of New Zealand's highest peaks. After a picnic lunch, options include the Red Tarns Track with beautiful views of alpine tarns and Aoraki; Kea Point Track to the foot on Mt Sefton and it's beautiful glacier; Tasman Glacier Viewpoint, with vistas of NZ's longest glacier and the Tasman Lake; or Mueller Lake Lookout via Hooker Track. You can choose any of these and still allow time to also visit the impressive Department of Conservation Visitors' Centre. (The full Hooker Valley Track is closed at the first swing bridge until April 2026. A new second bridge is being installed. You are still able to walk out to the Mueller Lake Lookout before the first bridge.) In less favourable weather conditions, we will have the opportunity to explore the visitors centre and the Edmund Hilary Museum which features a planetarium. In the late afternoon we return to Twizel for our second night's stay. Cycling Distance: approx 19km Hiking Distances: Kea Point Track: 5km/2hr return from Village; Red Tarns Track: 3.7km/2hr (330m gain); Mueller Lake Lookout via Hooker Track: 1.8km/30min; Tasman Glacier Viewpoint : - 3km/45 mins (includes 300 steps); Accommodation : The Alps, Twizel

Day 3

Twizel to Omarama - 64 or 83km Cycle

The stunning scenery keeps coming as we ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals with a vast mountainous backdrop, then Lake Ohau where we stop for lunch. Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the highpoint of the A2O. The vast Mackenzie Country views are just reward for the climb. Alternatively, riders can transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride down to Omarama – our stop for the night. Translating from Maori as ‘place of light’, Omarama is known for its extraordinarily clear skies, offering incredible star gazing opportunities at night. This evening enjoy an optional soak in a private hot tub of fresh mountain water (subject to availability and at own expense). Cycling Distance: 38km (Twizel–Lake Ohau); 44km Lake Ohau–Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle or 26km (Quailburn–Omarama (short option) Accommodation : Sierra Motel, Omarama

Day 4

Omarama to Kurow - 67km Cycle

Today’s ride takes us down the Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. First, we follow the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, we follow the lakeshore, winding around rocky outcrops, secluded beaches, and scenic views of lush, isolated islands. The trail then drops us down from above the Benmore Dam to rejoin the quiet lakeside road. There is an easier option for less confident riders who would prefer to avoid this more technical section. Regrouped, it’s a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where we’ll enjoy a picnic by the lake. We’ll arrive at Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surrounds. Highlights include beautifully restored St Albans Church and wine-tasting at local vineyards. We’ll stay overnight in Kurow in an elegant lodge serving dinner showcasing local produce. Cycling Distance: 67km Accommodation : Waitaki Braids Lodge, Kurow

Day 5

Kurow to Windsor - 68km Cycle

This morning the cycle trail takes us along the banks of the Waitaki River, past vineyards and a Maori rock art site to reach the small town of Duntroon. From there, we head inland into rolling country and wander around the unique Elephant Rocks, huge formations strewn across a field. Picking up the old railway line, we’ll ride through Raki's tunnel before rolling downhill to the settlement of Windsor. The historic Burnside Homestead is a fitting place for our final night together and a well-deserved night’s sleep after dinner at the local Enfield pub. Cycling Distance: 28km (Kurow–Duntroon) & 40km (Duntroon–Burnside Homestead) Accommodation : Burnside Homestead

Day 6

Windsor to Christchurch, via Oamaru - 19km Cycle

We get to enjoy one more ride on the A2O before we begin our road trip back to Christchurch. Setting off from our accommodation, we keep on rolling through picturesque rural countryside. We pass Oamaru Stone quarry, where stone has been extracted since the nineteenth century. We’ll see its influence on local architecture once we reach Oamaru. After riding through the town’s delightful municipal gardens, we’ll reach the Victorian Precinct and harbourside park where the A2O finish-line sign offers the perfect photo-op. If time allows, explore the shops and galleries or visit the mind-boggling Steampunk HQ museum. After a late lunch, we’ll begin our journey north across the Canterbury Plains, arriving in central Christchurch early evening. Cycling Distance: 19km (Burnside–Oamaru)

Tour Details

accommodation

5 nights hotel/motel

others

<ul> <li>5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners</li> <li>Private transport & support vehicle</li> <li>Professional driver-guide/s</li> <li>Accommodation on a twin share basis with private bathroom facilities</li> <li>Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation</li> <li>NZ Goods and Service Tax (GST)</li> </ul>

Good to know

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

New Zealand

Plugs and adapters

Plug type I

Customer reviews

Overall

Itinerary

4.5

Guide

4.5

Transport

4.5

Accommodation

4.5

Food

4.5

Operator

Faq Tour

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You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

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Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.