Itinerary
Trip Highlights
~ Cycle the spectacular trails of the Alps to Ocean from Tekapo
~ Hike in Aoraki/Mt Cook World Heritage National Park
~ Cycle the shoreline of surreal turquoise hydro lakes
~ Explore Oamaru’s charming Victorian Precinct
~ Stargaze across world-renowned night skies
~ Enjoy good company, & eat delicious food
~ Soak in the hot pools at Lake Tekapo (optional)
Day 1 Travel Christchurch – Tekapo
Your Alps to Ocean (A2O) adventure begins with the drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains. After refreshments in the country town of Geraldine, continue through rolling farmland to reach Fairlie where we stop for lunch.
The scenic journey over Burke’s Pass is a fitting introduction to the famous Mackenzie Country, where Lake Tekapo soon appears as a bright blue jewel. From here, warm your legs up with a ride on quiet backroads to Lake Alexandrina, a serene high country lake. Back at Tekapo Village, there’s time to wander along the lakeside to see the Church of the Good Shepherd, then soak away any first-day aches in Tekapo Springs outdoor hot pools or take a night-sky tour.
Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Motel/Lodge ensuite
Cycling Distance: up to 44 KM
Day 2 Tekapo – Twizel
The second day marks the start of our Alps to Ocean journey with a ride along the hydro canals to reach a high terrace overlooking Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains.
The A2O then dips down to meet the lakeshore and across expansive tussockland to reach Twizel. From here we drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park where there is the chance to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (own expense) or the excellent national park visitor centre (free of charge) before we embark on a short but memorable walk. Then head back to Twizel, the friendly wee town that’s your stopping point for the night.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Motel/Lodge ensuite
Cycling Distance: 55 KM
Day 3 Twizel – Omarama
The stunning scenery keeps coming as you ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals, then Lake Ohau where lunch is. Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the high point of the A2O. The vast Mackenzie Country views are just reward for the climb.
Alternatively, riders can transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride down to Omarama – your stop for the night. Translating as ‘place of light’, Omarama is known for its extraordinarily clear skies. They are best appreciated at the local hot pools where you can soak in fresh, mountain water (own expense).
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Motel/Lodge ensuite
Cycling Distance: 64 KM or 83 KM
Day 4 Omarama – Kurow
Today’s ride takes you down the Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. First, follow the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, join the lakeshore to traverse around the shoreline of rocky outcrops, little beaches and even tree-covered islands. The trail then drops down from above the Benmore Dam to rejoin the quiet lakeside road.
Regrouped, it is a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where you will enjoy a picnic by the lake. Arrive at Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surrounds. Highlights include beautifully restored St Albans Church and wine-tasting at local vineyards. Stay overnight in Kurow in an elegant lodge serving dinner showcasing local produce.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Motel/Lodge ensuite
Cycling Distance: 67 KM
Day 5 Kurow – Burnside
This morning the cycle trail takes you along the banks of the Waitaki River, past vineyards and a Maori rock art site to reach the small town of Duntroon. From there, head inland into rolling country and wander around the unique Elephant Rocks, huge formations strewn across a field.
Picking up the old railway line, ride through Raki’s tunnel before rolling downhill to the settlement of Windsor. The historic Burnside Homestead is a fitting place for your final dinner together and a well-deserved night’s sleep.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Motel/Lodge ensuite
Cycling Distance: 68 KM
Day 6 Windsor – Christchurch, via Oamaru
You get to enjoy one more ride on the A2O before your road trip back to Christchurch. Setting off from your accommodation, keep on rolling through picturesque rural countryside. Pass Oamaru Stone quarry, where stone has been extracted since the nineteenth century. See its influence on local architecture once reaching Oamaru.
After riding through the town’s delightful municipal gardens, you reach the Victorian Precinct and harbourside park where the A2O finish-line sign offers the perfect photo-op. If time allows, explore the shops and galleries or visit the mind-boggling Steampunk HQ museum. After a late lunch, begin your journey north across the Canterbury Plains, arriving in central Christchurch early evening.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: Nil
Cycling Distance: 19 KM
Inclusions
~ Return transport from Christchurch;
~ 5 nights comfortable motel/lodge ensuite accommodation on twin share basis;
~ 5 breakfats, 5 lunches, 4 dinners;
~ Hybrid mountain bicycle rental;
~ Experienced cycling guides;
~ Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats during cycling;
~ Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage;
~ Pre-departure information kit to help you plan and prepare;
~ Rider fees paid to the A2O Trail Trust for ongoing maintenance and improvements.
Exclusions
~ Meals not mentioned in the itinerary;
~ All beverages, other than breakfast;
~ Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle);
~ Optional activities (eg. Tekapo hot pools, Omarama hot tubs, Steampunk Gallery);
~ Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc);
~ Travel insurance;
~ Tourist visa (if required).
Important Notes
~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 80 days prior to departure.
~ This trip requires minimum 4 cyclists to go and takes up to maximum 14 cyclists per departure.
~ Should you require a visa to enter New Zealand, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply your visa HERE if you require.
~ E-bike rental is available at additional cost. Pannier bag rental can be added at extra cost.
~ All cyclists are strongly encouraged to wear helmets and covered shoes when cycling.
~ Because cycling requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to ride.
~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered by the Travel Wander due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ A mixture of comfortable accommodation will be provided. They can be motels, lodges, cottages, Bed & Breakfast.
~ Option to extend your stay in New Zealand.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander and the Co-ordinator. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.
~ If cyclist presents difficulty in completing the ride of the day, we strongly discourage the cyclist from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the cyclist (and travel companions) in mind.
~ Cyclist may choose to terminate the ride early during any time of the planned cycling day or make it a rest day. Should the cyclist wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the cyclist’s own expense.
~ There is no refund for uncompleted cycling distances or missed inclusions.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
