ALPS TO OCEAN TRAIL

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS – 316 KMS

Our A2O Express trip is a self-guided cycle tour that has been designed using our most popular cycling itinerary that lets you see all the magic of the entire trail in just one week. Cycle from the foothills of the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook or Lake Tekapo and wind your way through the golden tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country, through the Waitaki Valley, all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided cycle tour. We will move your luggage, find the best suited accommodation, and take care of all the hard bits while you sit back and pedal through the stunning scenery of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Trips operate between October – Mid May.

Inclusions:

Standard bike hire for 6 days - including helmet & rear rack bag. Upgrades are avail. (Own bike & gear is also an option)

• Shuttle from Twizel to your Alps 2 Ocean Trail Start

Luggage Transfers each day (Max 15KG per bag)

6 nights’ accommodation (Standard & Superior options avail.)

3 Dinners, 3 Breakfasts & 2 Packed Lunches (Standard or Superior Level) or 2 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts & 1 Packed Lunch (Economy or Family Level)

• Trip itinerary, directions, and trail map info

• Helicopter flight over the Tasman River is incl. with the Mt Cook start

Waitakaruru is worth visiting, on the opposite side of the road is a country store for ice-cream which is treat in the hot summer days. Have lunch at the Bugger Cafe which is a very popular spot for good food. From the Kopu Bridge the trail turns north to reach Thames. Built on the pioneering industries of gold mining and kauri logging, it’s full of character with plenty of dining and accommodation options. As you approach the town centre, stop and enjoy the many sculptures along the community’s Arts Trail. Overnight stay in Thames.

DAY 2: Thames to Paeroa -Distance: 34 kms

This richly historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers, Waihou and Hikutaia. The section of trail begins at first following the old railway line out of Thames town and through lush farmland with memorable views across the Hauraki Plains and forested Kaimai Ranges. Starting in Thames you ride through our beautiful countryside passing small rural communities enjoying the back-country Kiwi experience. Have morning tea at the award winning Matatoki Cheese Barn, and just 45-60 mins in to your journey. Then ride on to your first destination, the historic town of Paeroa, where the ‘world famous in New Zealand’ L&P (Lemon and Paeroa) drink was founded, a true kiwi icon. Paeroa is also the ‘Antique’ town of New Zealand. You will have time to browse the quirky antique shops. Overnight stay in Paeroa.

DAY 3: Paeora to Waihi - Distance: 24 kms

The most popular section of the Rail Trail follows the Ohinemuri River through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge. A deep canyon cut through the Kaimai Ranges. This distinctly different landscape includes the cascading Owharoa waterfall, photogenic gold mining sites, the charmingly old- fashioned Victoria Battery museum, and freaky Windows Walkway that burrows through a shadowy side-gorge. The pièce de résistance is an amazing 1100-metre long railway tunnel, wobbled through with the aid of a torch or headlamp. Halfway is Waikino Station where there’s a charming railway cafe. Enjoy lunch at the Waikino Station Cafe or the Falls Retreat where you can enjoy amazing food from a stunning menu including gourmet wood fired pizzas. When you reach Waihi you will put everything you saw into perspective by visiting the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre. Don’t rushyou are cycling through here again the next day. Overnight stay in Waihi.

DAY 3: Waihi to Te Aroha - Distance: 47 kms

Ride back to Paeroa through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge which gives you another chance to stop at the many breathtaking spots. From Paeroa you head then on to Te Aroha, it’s an easy journey down to the township of Te Aroha. Heading south, this leisurely section passes through lush Waikato farmland dotted with dairy cows and farm animals. The Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and Mt Te Aroha (952m The Mountain of Love), and expansive views over the Hauraki Plains are a feast for the eyes. Te Aroha is a small and rural town. Its historic mineral spas are a great way to soothe pedal-weary muscles. Te Aroha has a lovely town domain, and is home to some great walkways, quirky art and cafes. A shuttle will take you back to Thames departing at 4pm.

Offered by Jolly Bikes Per person

Adult – Standard Bike $848

Adult – E Bike $925

DAY 1: Arrive in Twizel & get ready for your cycling holiday

We recommend allowing a day of travel to get to Twizel from Christchurch or Queenstown. Take the afternoon to explore this rural township before spending the night in Twizel.

DAY 2: Mt Cook Village

Our morning shuttle will take you to your chosen starting point on the trail. Cycle the golden tussock and lakeside trails through the Mackenzie Country to Twizel. Spend the night in Twizel.

Day 3: Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge (38km)

Cycle the sealed canal roads from Twizel to edge of Lake Ohau before following the dedicated lakeside cycle trail around to Lake Ohau Lodge. Stay the night at Lake Ohau Lodge

Day 4: Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama (45km)

Cycle to the top of the Tarnbrae highpoint, overlooking Lake Ohau and the Mackenzie plains before heading downhill through the Quailburn. Take a 7km detour to the Clay Cliff rock formations if you have time, or relax in the wood fired Omarama Hot Tubs in town. Spend the night in Omarama.

Day 5: Omarama to Kurow (67km)

One of the most scenic days on the trail, todays ride takes you along stunning backcountry roads of Lake Benmore, and Lake Aviemore. Take in the spectacular views of the Waitaki Valley from the top of the Benmore Dam and cycle through to Kurow. Spend the night in Kurow.

Day 6: Kurow to Duntroon (28km)

Follow the trail along the Waitaki River, passing through the vineyard just out of Kurow’s township (a great spot for a coffee stop!). After about 23km you will come to the Maori Rock art site before continuing on through the wetlands into Duntroon.

Depending on the accommodation available – spend the night in Duntroon or Rural Duntroon. Todays cycling distance can vary from 28km to 45km based on where you stay.

Day 7: Duntroon to Oamaru (54km)

The final day on the trail will take you through sweeping farmlands, past the Elephant Rock formations and Rakis Railway Tunnel, and into the seaside town of Oamaru where the trail ends at Friendly Bay at the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a celebratory drink at Scott’s Brewery or explore Oamaru’s unique Victorian precinct. Finish your journey here, or add an extra night’s accommodation in Oamaru.

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