At a Glance
Embark on an intimate journey through New Zealand South Island's most spectacular landscapes on a fully guided and supported Alps to Ocean (A2O) Cycle trip. With just a small group, cycle the full length of A2O from end to end as you unveil its hidden gems, from wine-tasting at local vineyards to relaxing in hot pools, discovering Maori rock art, and marveling at otherworldly limestone outcrops. Along the way, you'll experience warm hospitality in accommodations brimming with heritage charm.
Your exciting adventure starts in Christchurch with a transfer to Tekapo. We traverse the golden expanses of the Mackenzie Country along canal paths leading to the pristine waters of Lake Pukaki. The journey continues into the breathtaking Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, where a walk through the Hooker Valley reveals awe-inspiring views of ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights' accommodation in comfortable lodges on a twin-share basis
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bike rental (E-Bike upgrade is available at an additional cost)
- Tasty and nutritious snacks and drinks as well as morning and afternoon teas
- Experienced guides (2 guides for a group of 8 or more people)
- Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
- Transport from Christchurch (return)
- Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
- Rider fees paid to the A2O Trail Trust for ongoing maintenance and improvements
- Small group of max. 14 people
Itinerary
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Cycling Distance: Approx. 55 km (34 miles) biking We start our adventure early by driving across the scenic Canterbury Plains. We enjoy some refreshments in the country town of Geraldine before navigating winding farmland to arrive at Burke's Pass, the gateway to Mackenzie Country—Lake Tekapo soon appears, glistening like a bright blue jewel. After a brief meeting and taking group photos, we savour lunch before cycling around the lakeside to see the magnificent Church of the Good Shepherd. We keep going until we get to the start of the Alps to Ocean Ride. We pedal alongside the dramatic hydro canals to reach a high terrace overlooking Lake Pukaki and the neighbouring mountains. The trail then plunges to meet the lakeshore, providing breathtaking views of the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, and then across sweeping tussock land to reach Twizel, the largest town in the Mackenzie District, where we spend the next two nights. Tonight, we have our first group dinner in our alpine lodge with an easy-living design, where we socialise and learn more about the week's cycling ahead. |
The Alps, Twizel
Lunch, Dinner |
Cycling Distance: Approx. 20 km (12 miles) biking. Approx 10 (6 miles) walking After a hearty breakfast, we head northward to the remarkable Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, about an hour's drive away. We dedicate the day to absorbing the gorgeous alpine landscape of New Zealand's highest peaks. We begin with the Hooker Valley trek, which takes us over magnificent swing bridges and beneath striking summits, including the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, to a serene glacial lake. We take a break here and eat lunch amid the jaw-dropping scenery. Retracing our steps, we ride our bikes and cycle towards the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. A short stroll to a lookout rewards us with panoramic vistas of NZ's longest glacier and the Tasman Lake. We hop on our bikes and ride southwards towards the airport where this section of the Alps to Ocean trail ends. If the weather isn't great, we will explore the visitors' centre and Edmund Hilary Museum, which houses a planetarium. We return to Twizel late afternoon for our second night's stay. |
The Alps, TwizelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Wake up to a fulfilling breakfast this morning before heading out. We encounter gorgeous scenery as we ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals with an expansive mountainous backdrop, then Lake Ohau, where we pause for lunch. Confident riders can keep going on the train to Tarnbrae Saddle (900 m), the high point of the A20. The sweeping Mackenzie Country views make the perfect reward for the climb. |
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If you aren't down for that, you can opt for the historic woodshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride down to Omarama, our stop for the night. Omarama, translating to "place of light" in Maori, is famed for its spectacularly clear skies, providing incredible stargazing opportunities at night. Our home for tonight is the Sierra Motel in town. Settle in, soak in the dramatic high-country scenery, and perhaps visit the famed Hot Tubs Omarama, just a two-minute drive away. |
Sierra Motel, OmaramaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cycling Distance: Approx. 67 km (42 miles) biking Today's ride leads us down the Waitaki Valley, famed for its hydro lakes and dams. We begin by navigating the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, we join the lakeshore to tour the shoreline of the craggy outcrops, small beaches, and islands adorned with trees. The trail puts us down from above the Benmore Dam to rejoin the serene lakeside road. There is an easier option for riders who may prefer to avoid this technical section. We regroup and pedal downhill towards Aviemore Dam, where we relish a picnic by the lake. |
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We arrive at Kurow with enough time to explore the town's surroundings. Highlights include an exceptionally restored St Albans Church and wine tasting at local vineyards. We stay in a luxurious lodge, the Waitiki Braids Lodge located in Kurow, in the thrilling Waitaki Valley. Our unique accommodation, with the atmosphere of a home, is run by its owners and will serve delicious meals. |
Waitaki Braids Lodge, KurowBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cycling Distance: Approx. 68 km (42 miles) biking We pedal 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 go inland into the winding country and wander around the peculiar Elephant Rocks, giant formations scattered across a field. Picking up the old railway line, we bike through Raki's tunnel before rolling downhill to the settlement of Windsor. |
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The landmark Burnside Homestead, the picturesque historic abode, is the perfect place for our final night together and a well-deserved night's sleep after dinner at the local Enfield pub. |
Burnside Homestead, OamaruBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cycling Distance: Approx. 19 km (12 miles) biking We savour one last ride on the A20 before heading back to Christchurch. Heading out of the accommodation, we pass Oamaru Stone quarry, where stones have been extracted since the 19th century. You'll notice its influence on local architecture once we arrive at Oamaru. After riding through the town's stunning municipal gardens, we reach the Victorian Precinct and harbourside park, where the A20 finish line sign provides the perfect background for a photo-op. Explore the shops and galleries or visit the mind-blowing Steampunk HQ Museum if time permits. After having lunch on your own, we gather and begin our journey across the Canterbury Plains, arriving in central Christchurch early in the evening. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures or group bookings. Single supplement is available at an additional cost. E-bike rental is available at an additional cost.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Christchurch
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Christchurch.
As a general rule, November to April are the most ideal months for travelling in New Zealand’sstunning outdoors. One of the most important things travellers need to know about the New Zealand climate is that it’s a maritime climate, as opposed to the continental climate typical of larger landmasses. Thanks to its position in the path of the ‘Roaring 40s’ and mountainous terrain, New Zealand’s weather can frequently change with amazing rapidity. Because the weather can change so unexpectedly you should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions. This basically means having a good waterproof jacket and some warm clothing. You don’t need to bring your winter wardrobe but a good fleece/jumper and good thermals are a must. The temperature during the South Island summers range from 10‑30 ºC, with a pleasant 40‑50% humidity. Higher altitudes are always considerably cooler and snowfall is not uncommon even in summer.
The Southern Alps act as a barrier to the moisture laden winds coming west across the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate on the west side of the mountains and a drier climate on the east side. The geography also creates a wind pattern, which can in summer be very hot, dry and fierce. Maximum temperatures we may encounter range up to 30°C. Minimum temperatures expected in the Southern Alps in Summer time are around ‑5°C. Weather is an integral facet of any mountain range and getting to understand and work with this major environmental factor is what will make you more prepared for your tour.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
