At a Glance
Hop on your bike and set out to uncover some of New Zealand’s most incredible landscapes on this 6-day, fully guided and supported Alps to Ocean (A2O) cycling adventure of the South Island.
Cycle Route: Christchurch - Tekapo - Twizel - Omarama - Kurow - Enfield - Christchurch
Departing from Christchurch, head down to Tekapo, passing through the Canterbury Plains to the golden Mackenzie Country. Explore the breathtaking Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, marvel at the sky-scraping peaks and unwind in the region’s geothermal hot pools. Journey on to Twizel and follow the ancient pathways through the Waitaki Valley, where you will be awe-struck by spectacular lakes, fascinating hyrdro dams and charming vineyards. A leisurely ride through storybook countryside leads to the historic port town of Oamaru and the finish line. Highlights along the way include ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Private support vehicle with one professional, qualified driver/guide
- 5 x nights hand picked boutique accommodation on a twin share basis
- 5 x cooked breakfasts, 6 x gourmet packed lunches/picnics, 5 x three-course dinners
- Luggage and trail transfers
- Bike and helmet rental (e-Bike upgrade is available at an additional cost)
- Pickup and drop-off Christchurch
- Healthy snacks and fruit while cycling
- Entry to hot tubs at Omarama
- Concession fees paid to Department of Conservation and Alps to Ocean trail fees
Itinerary
Cycling Distance 55km (34 miles) Departing from Christchurch, begin your Alps to Ocean adventure with a leisurely cycle across the picturesque Canterbury Plains. Pass through small country towns – Geraldine – and take in sweeping views of rolling hills and charming colonial farms and houses. Cross Burke’s Pass and enter into the famous Mackenzie Country, where Lake Tekapo soon appears as a bright blue jewel. Turquoise hydro-canal paths lead to Tekapo Village. We'll have lunch and after a briefing and group photos we'll set off cycling around the lakeside to see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, continuing to the start of the Alps to Ocean ride. We follow alongside the vivid hydro canals to reach a high terrace overlooking Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. The trail then dips down to meet the lakeshore offering incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and then across expansive tussockland to reach Twizel. |
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You will stay at Matuka Luxury Lodge for two nights - a luxury lodge in the heart of the Southern Alps, in Lake Pukaki and Twizel area. Take in the breathtaking views at this 5-star luxury lodge. Enjoy three-course dinner. |
Cycling Distance 20km (12 miles) | Hooker Valley Walk 10km After breakfast, set out for a scenic drive northward to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Today is dedicated to immersing ourselves in the stunning alpine landscape of New Zealand's highest peaks. We start with the famous Hooker Valley walk (10km), which takes us over impressive swing bridges and beneath towering summits including the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook to a serene glacial lake. Here, we'll pause for lunch amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. Retracing our steps, we'll hop on our bikes and pedal towards the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. A brief stroll to a lookout rewards us with vistas of NZ's longest glacier and the Tasman Lake. Back on our bikes we ride southwards towards the Mt Cook airport where this section of Alps to Ocean trail concludes (20km riding). In less favourable weather conditions, we will have the opportunity to explore the visitors center and Edmund Hilary Museum which features a planetarium. In the late afternoon we return to Twizel for our second night's stay. Enjoy three-course dinner and starry night in the Southern Alps. |
Cycling Distance: Enjoy more incredible views cycling along Lake Ruataniwha, then Lake Ohau. Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the pinnacle of the Alps to Ocean, where the magnificent Mackenzie Country stretches on as far as the eye can see. Alternatively, transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride down to Omarama, the stopping point for the night. Known in the Maori language as ‘place of light’, Omarama is famous for its extraordinary clear skies, which are best appreciated from the local hot pools where you can soak in fresh, mountain water. |
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Reward yourself to an unforgettable luxury experience at Hot Tubs Omarama after completing today's riding. Hot Tubs Omarama has been meticulously designed to create a healthy spa facility that offers landscaped sites and combines the virtues of immersing in pure mountain water with the upper Waitaki/Mackenzie country scenery around you. Create stunning memories with your cycling buddy and soak away as you sit back. |
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Your stay is either at Omarama Station Farmstay or Merino Lodge depending on the availability. At Omarama Station Farmstay, you will you meet the station host and learn about a rich history alongside merino wool and natural production systems of this high country farmstay. Merino Lodge is also in the heart of the high country among the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. No matter which place you stay, you will enjoy high country hospitality at its finest. Enjoy three-course dinner. |
Cycling Distance 67km (41.6 miles) Venture down into the Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. Follow the trail along the edge of Lake Benmore to Sailor’s Cutting where you have the option to tackle the ascent to Otematata Saddle or kick back in the van. Regrouped, enjoy a fun downhill to Aviemore Dam and later Kurow, with plenty of time left in the day to explore the town: the beautifully restored St Albans Church and wine-tasting at local vineyards. You will stay overnight in Kurow in an elegant lodge serving three-course dinner showcasing local produce. |
Cycling Distance 70km (43 miles) Follow the trail along the banks of the Waitaki River, a rare braided river that is only found in Alaska, Canada, the Himalayas and here in the South Island of New Zealand. Cruise past manicured vineyards and a Maori rock art site to the small town of Duntroon before heading inland to rolling country, where you can stop to explore the unique Elephant Rocks, huge formations strewn across a field. Picking up the old railway line, cycle through Raki’s tunnel before rolling downhill to the settlement of Enfield, where you will spend the night in a beautifully converted old schoolhouse. Enjoy three-course dinner. |
Cycling Distance 12km (7.5 miles Finish off strong with a picturesque ride through rural countryside to Oamaru, a delightful Victorian town. Along the way, pass the Oamaru stone quarry where stone has been extracted since the 19th century to create the area’s stunning stone buildings. Cruise through Oamaru’s delightful municipal gardens to the Victorian Precinct and harbour where the Alps to Ocean finish-line sign provides the perfect photo-op. If time allows, explore the local galleries and stores or visit the mind-boggling Steampunk HQ museum. After lunch, bundle into the supporting van to complete your journey back to Christchurch. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Peak season rates and minimum stay requirements apply over Christmas holidays and other public holiday and event dates. If you have a group of 4 or more people, please contact us for quote and private group bookings.
More Info
The tour starts and ends in Christchurch, New Zealand. The main airport – Christchurch Airport (CHC) – receives domestic and international flights. Arrive in Christchurch the day before the tour departure, as your guide will collect you from central Christchurch on the first morning of the tour. At the end of the tour, your guide will return you to Central Christchurch. It is strongly recommended that you do not book domestic flights earlier than 7pm and do not book international flights until the following day.
New Zealand’s maritime climate makes November to April the most ideal months for travelling to the country.
The South Island’s temperature during summer ranges from 1030 ºC, with a pleasant 40 50% humidity. However, the country’s mountainous terrain and position in the path of the ‘Roaring 40s’ means its weather changes frequently, sometimes unexpectedly. Higher altitudes are always considerably cooler, and snowfall is not uncommon, even in summer. Ergo, you should ensure you have a good waterproof jacket and warm clothing.
Day 1 Christchurch to Tekapo: Distance 35km | Difficutly Easy
Day 2 Tekapo to Twizel: Distance 41km | Difficulty Easy
Day 3 Twizel to Omarama: Distance 38km or 61km (900m elevation) depending on route | Difficulty Easy
Day 4 Omarama to Kurow: Distance 47km | Difficulty Easy
Day 5 Kurow to Enfield: Distance 63km | Difficulty Easy
Day 6 Enfield to Christchurch via Oamaru: Distance 25km | Difficulty Easy
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 35% 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
- Deposits are non-refundable once paid
- 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.