fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Cycle New Zealand: Alps 2 Ocean

Cycle New Zealand: Alps 2 Ocean

From $ 2,795 AUD

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
,

Description

Take on New Zealand’s Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail over six unforgettable days. This active adventure strikes just the right balance between rewarding climbs and easier days where you can really take in all the scenery from the saddle – with stops at Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Lake Ohau and Lake Benmore, this trip is full of unforgettable vistas. Cycle up to a 900-m-high lookout for dramatic views of Ben Ohau, explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park on foot and opt to cycle to the remarkable Omarama Clay Cliffs. The path is set – are you ready to join the adventure of a lifetime?

Trip Name
Cycle New Zealand: Alps 2 Ocean
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
6
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Cycle one of New Zealand’s Great Rides, following mostly car-free trails from scenic lakes and the mighty Southern Alps to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Spend time exploring off the bike, too – go on a short hike in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, visit film set locations and maybe even make a detour to the Omarama Clay Cliffs.
  • Taste some of New Zealand’s best produce when you make stops to try lake-caught salmon and sample drops from the country’s newest wine region (before the rest of the world discovers it!).
  • Experience firsthand the warm local hospitality, with memorable stays in lakeside lodges and charming guesthouses.
  • Gaze up at a sky full of stars when you spend a night in the town of Twizel, located in the renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Christchurch
Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Christchurch. You’ll be picked up at 8 am and transferred to Lake Tekapo, where your cycling journey officially kicks off. Today’s easy, scenic ride along the Tekapo Canal to Lake Pukaki is a great chance to get to know the terrain and get a sense of what’s in store over the next six days. Along the trail, you’ll stop by the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Farm, then continue to the Tekapo B Power Station. Sitting 130 m above Lake Pukaki, this spot has excellent views over the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie Basin. Continue riding down to the lakeshore before crossing the Twizel Flats. This alpine tussock plain leads you to the town of Twizel, where you’ll settle in for the night after an exciting first day on the bike. Don’t forget to look up tonight – Twizel is located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, so the views of the night sky here are spectacular.
Day 2 - Lake Ohau
This morning, drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. This is one of the four national parks that make up the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to New Zealand’s tallest mountains and largest glaciers. Mt Cook itself towers at 3724 m (12,217 ft), and a total of 19 of the park’s peaks exceed 3000 m. Go on a short walk to take in the raw natural beauty, then return to Twizel and hop back on the saddle. Follow a sealed road to the Ohau Canal, taking in views of the mighty Ben Ohau on the way to Lake Ohau. Cycle around the lake, soaking up the tranquil surrounds as you ride past the clear, still waters. After, check into your lakeside lodge for the night and get some rest – your adventure ramps up tomorrow with a ride that's set to be a bit more challenging.
Day 3 - Omarama
Gear up for a thrilling day as you take on the first real climb of the trip. Say farewell to Lake Ohau and make the easy ride to Freehold Creek, giving you a new viewpoint back across to Ben Ohau, then begin your climb up the rocky sigletrack trail through native beech forest to the Tarnbrae Pass, the highest point of the trail. Once you've surmounted the 900-m-high lookout, you’ll be rewarded with views over the Mackenzie Basin, Ben Ohau, Lake Ohau and Lake Ruataniwha. Then, descend to the remains of the historic woolshed at Quailburn Road, where you’ll stop for a packed lunch. It’s a gentle ride from here, taking you along a quiet backroad and a side trail that leads to the small town of Omarama. You’ll have the option to cycle to the Omarama Clay Cliffs – it’s an extra 14 km, but the sight of these towering cliffs separated by narrow ravines is well worth it.
Day 4 - Kurow
Today will be your longest day on the bike, with a challenging but rewarding start to the day riding through some truly stunning scenery. Leave Omarama and cycle through lake country, riding east down the Waitaki Valley, past the Chain Hills Viewpoint, then follow the edge of Lake Benmore – New Zealand’s largest artificial lake – to Pumpkin Point. Along the way, you’ll follow a route through the Benmore Gorge to reach the top of Benmore Dam for dramatic views of the lake below. After lunch, continue your ride, leaving the town of Otematata and following the southern shore of Lake Aviemore. Cycle right up to the dam wall, then continue along the final stretch, past the Wharekuri ruins – the stone buildings of an abandoned 19th-century village – to the town of Kurow, where you’ll stay for the night. Located on the banks of the Waitaki River, this is the perfect spot to put your feet up and maybe have a drink at one of the local wineries.
Day 5 - Duntroon
Leave Kurow this morning and cycle down through the valley along the Waitaki River. Pass rolling vineyards and stop in at River-T Estate Wines, before continuing to the Takiroa Maori rock art site – an important landmark for the Ngai Tahu Whanui people. Ride on to the Duntroon Wetlands before arriving at Duntroon, where you might like to have some lunch at the Duntroon Hotel. After lunch, hop back on your bike to make a detour from the official trail, veering into Otago to visit the Elephant Rocks site. This was used as a filming location for the first Chronicles of Narnia movie. After, cycle back to the Duntroon Hotel – your accommodation for the night. If you arrive back with enough time, why not head to a local winery and end the day with a glass or two.
Day 6 - Oamaru
Rise and shine for your final day on the bike, bound for the South Pacific Coast. Have an early breakfast, then leave Duntroon and get back on the trail, passing through the historic Rakis Railway Tunnel and following the old railway line to Windsor, then all the way through to Enfield. Stop for an early lunch, then ride the final stretch to the seaside town of Oamaru via the Botanical Gardens and the Oamaru Heritage Precinct. Finish up at Oamaru Harbour. Oamaru is known for its remarkable collection of Victorian buildings built from Oamaru whitestone and is full of nods to the Victorian period, with a local bookbinding shop, a cobbler, various boutiques and even the occasional penny farthing bike roaming the streets – the town even hosts an annual Victorian fete which includes the New Zealand National Penny Farthing Championships. When you arrive, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Christchurch where your trip comes to an end.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-01-202705-02-2027AUD $ 2,880-
14-02-202719-02-2027AUD $ 2,880-
14-03-202719-03-2027AUD $ 2,795-
07-11-202712-11-2027AUD $ 2,795-
21-11-202726-11-2027AUD $ 2,795-
05-12-202710-12-2027AUD $ 2,795-
09-01-202814-01-2028AUD $ 2,795-
30-01-202804-02-2028AUD $ 2,880-
13-02-202818-02-2028AUD $ 2,880-
27-02-202803-03-2028AUD $ 2,880-
12-03-202817-03-2028AUD $ 2,795-

Accommodation

Hotel/Guesthouse (3 nights), Lodge (1 night), Guesthouse with shared facilities (1 night)

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike available, subject to availability), support vehicle

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Intrepid New Zealand
More of activity:
Cycling