New Zealand Alps to the Ocean
New Zealand Bike Tours
Bike this world famous cycling trail in New Zealand
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length7 days
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Prices fromNZ$4250 Rates
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Overview
This scenic bike tour in New Zealand leads along the world-famous 'Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail', linking the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. Your ride will be one of beauty and color, from the highest mountains down to the ocean.
You will journey in the shadow of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, along azure glacial lakes and stunning braided rivers, highlighted by varied and dramatic vistas.
This is a small group experience that highlights the entire trail with fantastic and varied accommodations and great food!
Highlights
- The wonderful dedicated bike trail
- Unsurpassed scenery
- Helicopter flight over the Tasman river
- Boutique vineyards
- Guide and support...all you need to do is arrive!
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Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch/Queenstown - Lake Tekapo - Twizel, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 2: Mt. Cook - Twizel, 33 mi. (51 km)
Day 3: Twizel - Lake Ohau Lodge, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Ohau - Omarama, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Omarama - Kurow, 42 mi. (68 km)
Day 6: Kurow - Enfield, 41 mi. (67 km)
Day 7: Enfield - Oamaru, 8 mi. (12 km). Transfer back to Christchurch, end of tourAll distances are approximate.
Day 1: Christchurch/Queenstown - Lake Tekapo - Twizel, 26 mi. (42 km)
Group departure is from Christchurch city center (you will be informed of exact location) at 7:30 for the drive to Lake Tekapo. The transfer can take up to 4 hours, After a lunch stop in Tekapo, you'll take a ride to Lake Pukaki. Enjoy dinner tonight in Twizel.Day 2: Twizel - Mt. Cook - Twizel, 33 mi. (51 km)
Today, begins with a transfer to Aoraki Mt Cook, where a helicopter will drop you off at a secluded section of the trail. Then cycle along the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, following both a gravel road and a smooth cycle path. As you ride, you'll be guided by the majestic Ben Ohau mountain range on the opposite side of the lake, moving away from Aoraki Mt Cook. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy a picnic lunch. After leaving the lake, you'll head directly to Twizel, crossing the Pukaki Flats. To end the day, we'll dine at one of Twizel's top restaurants.Day 3: Twizel - Lake Ohau Lodge, 25 mi. (40 km)
After breakfast, cycle through Twizel along the paved Ohau Canal road. Meet at Lake Ohau, situated beneath the Ben Ohau mountain, for morning tea. From there, follow the picturesque and smooth cycle trail around Lake Ohau. You'll pause at Lake Middleton for a delightful picnic lunch. A brief ride on the quiet, paved Ohau road will bring you to this evening’s destination at Lake Ohau Lodge. Tonight, enjoy the Lodge’s high country fare in their dining room. After dinner, unwind with a drink at the bar or relax in the hot tubs as you recount the day’s adventures.Day 4: Ohau - Omarama, 28 mi. (45 km)
After breakfast, you will ride to the trail's highest point, Tambrae point. The gentle gradient gains 350 m and provides amazing vistas over the Mackenzie basin. As the expression goes, ‘What goes up must come down’, but please be careful with your speed as you whizz down to Quailburn. Omarama Hot Tubs is the key to relaxing any sore muscles and is included in your tour. Tonight you will eat out at a local cafe.Day 5: Omarama - Kurow, 42 mi. (68 km)
Omarama marks the halfway point of the trail, making it the perfect spot for breakfast at the Wrinkly Rams Cafe. After Omarama, the scenery shifts to reveal the impressive Waitaki Hydro Electric Scheme and its impact on the landscape. As you continue towards Kurow, cycle past the beautiful Lakes Benmore, Aviemore, and Waitaki. The trail varies from smooth shingle to sealed road, with the new Sailors Cutting section being particularly exceptional. This evening, enjoy a wine tasting at The River T Winery.Day 6: Kurow - Enfield, 41 mi. (67 km)
The trail winds alongside the braided river to Duntroon, then ascends into the hills, passing the unique and fascinating Elephant Rocks. Cycle through stunning limestone formations and, on clear days, catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean over the coastal plains. Finally, enjoy a downhill ride to your accommodation through the Rakis Tunnel.Day 7: Enfield - Oamaru, 8 mi. (12 km). Transfer back to Christchurch, end of tour.
Savor the final kilometers of the trail as it meanders through pastures and farmland, leading you to the trail's end. Spend a little time exploring Oamaru before celebrating with a delicious pizza lunch at a local craft brewery. Afterward, you'll be transfered back to Christchurch or Queenstown, arriving around 4:30 PM.View all our featured trips, including hiking, biking, multi-adventure & more!
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Map
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Accommodation
You will stay in handpicked accommodations to provide you with quality and variety. Please see each day’s details for the preferred accommodations. Due to the limited accommodation on the trail, there are evenings when facilities may be shared, specifically in Braemer Station Lodge, and based on availability, perhaps on other nights as well. You will be provided with a final hotel list upon confirmation
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 6 nights in cottages, lodges, B&Bs, and historic homesteads
- All meals from the evening meal on day 1 to lunch on day 7
- Return transfer to the airport
- Bike & helmet rental
- Helicopter flight over the Tasman river (weather permitting)
- Vehicle support with a local tour guide
- Luggage transfer
- Omarama Hot Tubs
- Wine tasting in Kurow
What’s Not Included
- Arrival airport transfer
- Scenic flights/gliding
- SteamPunk HQ
- Penguin tour in Oamaru
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Jan 18, Feb 1, Mar 1, 15, 29; Apr 12, 26
- 2025 Jan 18, Feb 1, Mar 1, 15, 29; Apr 12, 26 from NZ$ 42942025 departures: Jan 18, Feb 1, Mar 1, 15, 29; Apr 12, 26
2025 January Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 February Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Twin/double NZ$ 4294 Single supplement NZ$ 4944 Bike rental Price Standard bike Included Electric bike NZ$ 350
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- 2025 Jan 18, Feb 1, Mar 1, 15, 29; Apr 12, 26 from NZ$ 4294
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This tour is rated easy to moderate. On each day’s itinerary, you will find details regarding the difficulty level and skill required. Distances range from 19 to 34 mi. (31 to 54 km).
Airport Info
Fly into and out of Christchurch International Airport (CHC), located just 11 km from the center of Christchurch. It is also possible to arrive in Queenstown.
Local Travel
We suggest that you fly into Christchurch one or two days earlier than your tour start. An overnight here is not included in the itinerary, but you will want to explore! You can also fly into the smaller, Queenstown airport. While this can be more expensive, it is a shorter transfer.
Public transportation
Regular Metro Red Bus services connect the airport to the city center and many other locations in Christchurch. Both the Purple Line and the Number 29 buses go via the city center. You can buy your tickets from the driver. Tickets cost $8.50 one way. Both buses depart from the northern end of the International Arrivals Hall, between the terminal and the Long Stay car park (exit through Door 9 past the Vodafone counter).
Taxi
Taxi stands are located outside arrivals.
Shuttle service
Super Shuttle provides airport transfers.Climate
Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand has a reversed order of seasons. Christchurch has a temperate oceanic climate with a mild summer, cool winter, and regular moderate rainfall. You will be riding in a mountain environment for most of the trail. The conditions can change quickly so please pack accordingly, plan on layering, and don’t forget your raingear.
Recommended
Please note that the overnight accommodations in Christchurch (at the beginning and the end) are not included in your tour price. You will especially need accommodation before your tour as the group meets early in the morning in Christchurch for departure to Braemer Station. May we suggest Booking.com for arranging your overnight accommodations?
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
Optional Excursions
Scenic flights/gliding: These vary in price. Most popular is mountain soaring in Omarama, the costs are from $368 for 30 mins in the air. This can be booked during the start of the week as it is weather dependent.
SteamPunk HQ: Based in Oamaru at the end of the trail. Price on request.
Penguin tour in Oamaru: Booking needs to be arranged during the tour as it can clash with evening dining times. Price on request.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Vertical Ventures.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
![Admiring the view on this New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
![Fresh grouper in New Zealand. Flickr:James Onfink]()
![Capturing the moment on this New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
![Seafood sandwich in Christchurch, New Zealand. Flickr:othree]()
![Just passing through on the New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
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![Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel, New Zealand will not disappoint. Flickr:Ben]()
![Storm a-brewing on the New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
![Scenic backdrops on the New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
![Near Omarama in New Zealand. Flickr:Sally]()
![Helicopter ride drop-off to start our adventure on the New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
![Quiet bike paths make up the New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
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![Helicopter ride is included in the New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
![Plenty of lakes on the New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
![Overlooking Oamaru, New Zealand. Flickr:itravelNZ]()
![Beer tasting in New Zealand. Flickr:Brad Fults]()
![Catching our breath on the New Zealand Alps to Ocean Bike Tour.]()
![Bike rest in Kurow, New Zealand. Flickr:Bryce Edwards]()
![Christchurch Cathedral is a highlight of this New Zealand city, the 2nd largest on South Island. Flickr:savannahgrandfather]()
![Fresh seafood in New Zealand. Flickr:Marc Veraart]()
![Christchurch in New Zealand. Flickr:Jim & Robin Kunze]()
![Twizel, New Zealand. Flickr:Bernard Spragg. NZ]()
![Charcuterie in New Zealand. Flickr:Jessica Spengler]()
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![Lake Tekapo by Mt Cook in New Zealand. Flickr:Bernard Spragg. NZ]()
![Kurow, Canterbury, New Zealand. Flickr:Matt]()
![Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook in New Zealand. Flickr:Bernard Spragg. NZ]()
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![Bike rest in Braemar Station, New Zealand. Flickr:Mountain Bike Mt Cook]()
![Beautiful Christchurch in New Zealand. Flickr:Harshil Shah]()
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Reviews
Edwin (Wynn) W.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Edwin (Wynn) W.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
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