Alps to Ocean (A2O) End to End 7D6N, Small Group & Fully Guided

ONE BIKING OPTION:
Level 1, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 1-2 hours biking

ONE HIKING OPTION:
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking

On the first day of the trip, at about 8:00 am, a guide will transfer you from a central location in Queenstown to the old gold mining town of Arrowtown. Here, we do a dry run for the main expedition by cycling on a trail overlooking the Arrow River, crossing 5 iconic bridges. When we get to one of the bridges – the majestic and historic Kawarau Bridge, everyone stops to admire the active scene of bungee jumpers throwing caution to the winds in jaw-dropping adventures. After satiating the sights, we load your bikes and drive towards Aoraki/Mt Cook Village – the official embarkation point of the grandeur Alps to Ocean Trail.

You can visit the famed Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center at your own expense. Otherwise, you can learn more about the park and the area at the free Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre.

Afterwards, you can gear up with your walking shoes and feast on the magnificent glaciers and mountains from the Glacier Track. At sunset, we converge to enjoy our first dinner and make acquaintances before retiring to our accommodation: the Aoraki Alpine Lodge.

The Lodge is as cosy as they come, sporting a rustic charm. Large windows expose picturesque alpine scenery. Rooms are thoughtfully appointed for unencumbered comfort, featuring smart TVs, wireless internet, and bathroom amenities. The Large outdoor sundeck makes the sunset over the Alps otherworldly. After settling down, we savour a delectable alpine lodge dinner tonight.

Level 2, Approx. 38 km (23 miles), 2-3 hours biking

A refreshing breakfast this morning opens the day on a cheerful note and sets you up for the day's adventure. After breakfast, you'll have a little time to explore the mountain village before we hop on our bikes and cover the first 7 km cycling expedition to the airport. Next, we patronise the reputable Heliworks Mount Cook, which takes us alongside our bikes on a short but enthralling and unforgettable sky cruise above the gorgeous Tasman River to the other side of the river, where we arrive in Grand style to conquer the day's trail.

On arrival, we cycle along the edge of Lake Pukaki, basking in the scintillating views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Afterwards, we take a lunch break along the banks of the lake and proceed on the cycling adventure to Braemar Road to terminate at the backcountry farm stay – Braemar Station. Cycling on this route is an experience many look forward to and relish as it spoils you with mesmerising views of the azure waters of Lake Pukaki and caps off with a tantalising home-cooked dinner. At the Farm Stay, each cottage inspires a traditional farm life vibe but does better with comforting interiors, while views of Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki, and the Southern Alps keep you spellbound and impressed.

Note: Braemar Station feature shared bathroom facilities, their stunning locations enhance the overall experience, making it worthwhile.

Level 4, Approx. 80 km (50 miles), 4-6 hours biking

This morning, a tantalising breakfast provides the energy to cycle the longest stretch of the trail, 80 km. Following breakfast, we exit Braemar Station and begin the ride to Lake Ohau. The trail follows the fringes of Lake Pukaki, elegantly coloured by mirror images of the southern Alps on its shimmering surface. We head to the visitor centre before traversing the massive tussock lands of Pukaki flats to the charming little town of Twizel, marking the first lap of the day’s cycling pursuit.

A lunch break is the reward for completing this first 38 km and ensures you refill and rejuvenate for the next and final lap. After lunch, we pedal along the borders of scenic, aquamarine Pukaki and Ohau canals before cycling around Lake Ohau to be dazed by its astonishing beauty. We stop at Ohau Lodge, our accommodation for the night. Before bedtime, spend the rest of the evening lounging and soaking in the onsite hot bathtubs with idyllic vistas of the lake below.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 26 km (16 miles), 1-2 hours biking
Level 2, Approx. 44 km (26 miles), 2-3 hours biking

After a refreshing breakfast, we start the day in high spirits today. For those up for a challenging experience, prove your mettle on the tracks by following the trail to Tambrae Saddle, the highest point on the Alps to Ocean route. At 900 metres (2,953 feet) above sea level, views from here are ecstatic and chilling, unveiling the sensationally elegant Mackenzie Basin's full glory. Be careful of the rough shingle Tarnbrae track, which is steep, narrow, and more suited to experienced and confident riders. Take the easier and cosy option, a coach train to Omarama, coursing through the downhill, followed by a linear and smoother ride on the trail from the historic woolshed at Quailburn.

Our destination, Omarama, merits the name, a term for “Place of Light” in the Maori language, for its picturesque and clear sky. The region is also in the spotlight as a gliding destination due to its extraordinary air wave systems and aggressive heat. Spend the rest of the evening leisurely at our accommodation for the night – Sierra Motel, enjoying an exclusive hot tub of fresh mountain water. Please note: this pleasurable experience is subject to availability and entirely at your expense.

Level 3, Approx. 67 km (42 miles), 3-4 hours biking

This morning, we will follow the trail on the shores of Lake Benmore, New Zealand’s largest artificial lake, to Sailor's Cutting, where we connect with the Lakeshore trail to explore a fairytale-like scenery. As you conquer the shoreline, pedalling your way through each kilometre, the intimidating vistas of rocky ledges and outcrops unfold like 3D motion pictures alongside scenic small beaches and islands dotted with lush trees. The trail then leads us downward from the elevated Lake Benmore to reconnect with the serene and lovely lakeside road.

An easier option for riders not up for more technical and challenging adventures is available. After regrouping from both options, we cycle downhill in style and bliss to Aviemore Lake, where we disembark the saddle to enjoy a picnic by the lake before proceeding on the final lap of this cycling to the quaint hamlet of Kurow. There’s a possibility of having spare time to explore this laid-back village and its surroundings or partake in a wine-tasting experiment at a local vineyard.

The night will be spent at the luxury Valley View Glamp, where your private tent awaits to snuggle you in warmth and prime comfort. Don't mind the word "tent;" this accommodation promises to be as soothing, comforting, and sensational as any luxury retreat. The tent is your perfect nest to rest after a long day on two wheels, exploring the allure of the great outdoors. Each tent has king-size or two single beds with quilted luxury duvets, a cell phone charger, shared bathroom facilities, lighting, and a balcony. The enchanting location of these tents, which are at the backdrop of mountains and have views of the Waitaki valley, makes them uniquely interesting and memorable

Level 4, Approx. 77 km (48 miles), 4-6 hours biking

Today marks our last ride heading for the Pacific Ocean and begins with a vitalising breakfast that gets you pumped up for the task ahead. We hop on our bikes and pedal away, passing through a Maori rock art site to arrive at the historic town of Duntroon, where we detour inland to cycle through a blend of solitary rural roads and trails. It would be inexcusable to miss walking between the imposing and awe-inspiring rock formations locally known as Elephant Rock as they stand like guards over hikers. Next, we follow a brief segment of an old branch railway line and cycle through Raki’s Tunnel to relish a downhill ride to Windsor settlement.

We pause in this settlement for a refreshing lunch and proceed along the scenic rolling landscapes of the rural countryside, bypassing the Oamaru stone quarry to stop at Friendly Bay. This bay marks the glorious and hard-to-forget Alps to Ocean Cycle trail. To celebrate this milestone cycling achievement, we pose for a group photograph at the famous picture frame and savour our final dinner for the trip. We lodge in accommodation for the night – Poshtel, Oamaru, within walking distance from the historic precinct and Steampunk Headquarters. Unwind at the bar with a sootjing drink or mingle with fellow bikers by the cosy lounge area.

This morning, we will enjoy our last breakfast of the cycling expedition with our minds in Christchurch. Before travelling, there is time to explore the historic and white-stone town of Oamaru. Roam this old Victorian precinct dotted with cafes, boutiques, galleries, and storefronts. Before we travel back to Christchurch, there may be time to visit the Steampunk Museum at your own expense. On the journey, adorable vistas of the agricultural splendour of the Canterbury Plains meet your eyes and fade into the background. We arrive at about 3 pm and draw the curtain for the tour. The last day will be void of cycling activities.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.