New Zealand Alps-to-Ocean Adventure Bike Tour

Set off on a New Zealand bucket-list bike ride from the foot of Mt. Cook to the Pacific Ocean, including a helicopter flight if the weather is on our side! Enjoy six days of stunning landscapes, mountains, lakes, rolling countryside, and us taking care of every detail.

Start - End: Christchurch - Christchurch

Total trip: 6 days

Average group size: 12 people

Level: 3

from NZD 8,799/pp including taxes and fees

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Join us on our all-inclusive New Zealand Alps-to-Ocean Adventure Bike Tour, with every detail sorted.

There's no shortage of breathtaking views on our 6-day bike, or optional e-bike, adventure tour through the world-famous Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail – New Zealand's longest continuous cycle trail. After driving from Christchurch to the cozy Mount Cook Village, you'll hop on your bike and enjoy riding under the towering mountains of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. This adventure continues with a helicopter ride across the Tasman River (weather permitting), cycling alongside Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau, enjoying views along the sweeping Waitaki Valley, and ending at the Pacific Ocean in Oamaru. With two guides and plenty of picnic breaks along the way, you'll finish every day of your adventure ride happy and satisfied!

If you're looking for more biking adventures, such as in Vietnam, USA, Netherlands, we recommend exploring our sister brand, Discovery Bicycle Tours.

Note: Upgrades to e-bikes are included in the trip cost.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Scenic helicopter flight over New Zealand's tallest peaks and most spectacular glaciers

Alps 2 Ocean Trail

Cycle through diverse landscapes from towering mountains to the Pacific Coast

Southern Alps to Pacific Ocean

Fully guided with van support if needed

Trip Highlights

Biking

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Pedal beneath New Zealand’s highest peak as you begin your journey surrounded by the dramatic alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Biking

Braemar Road to Twizel

Cycle past shimmering glacial lakes and wide-open tussock plains on this peaceful stretch from Braemar Road to the welcoming town of Twizel.

Biking

Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge

Ride through rolling farmland and alongside sparkling canals before reaching the tranquil shores of Lake Ohau and its cozy lodge retreat.

Biking

Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama

Climb steadily through golden tussock country to reach the high point of the trail before descending to the quiet, alpine-flanked village of Ōmarama.

Biking

Omarama to Otematata

Follow quiet backroads through rugged high-country landscapes and alongside the Ahuriri River on this scenic ride from Omarama to Otematata.

Biking

Otematata to Duntroon

Journey past shimmering hydro lakes and over the rolling hills of the Waitaki Valley, finishing in the charming rural village of Duntroon.

Biking

Duntroon to Oamaru

Cycle through limestone country, past ancient Māori rock art and pastoral landscapes, before arriving at the historic Victorian precinct of Oamaru by the sea.

Plus...

Tasman River Flight

Soar above braided turquoise channels and towering peaks on a scenic Tasman River flight that gives you a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Aoraki/Mount Cook’s wilderness.

Day by day trip

Day 1

Arrive, drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, bike fitting

Leaving the city behind, we’ll head south toward the magnificent Aoraki Mount Cook. Along the way we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps. After being fitted with our bikes, we will journey into Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park where we’ll embark on a scenic ride to White Horse Hill Campground.

We’ll be spending the night at lodgings in Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Get a good sleep tonight, tomorrow our ride to the ocean begins!
Accommodation: Mt Cook Lodge and Motels, Mt Cook
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 4 miles (6 kilometers)
Notes: Test ride on smooth, level terrain.

Day 2

Helicopter flight, ride Braemar Road to Twizel

After breakfast at our accommodation, we’ll top up our packs with snacks for the exciting day of biking ahead. Then we’ll head to White Horse Hill Campground, the start of the iconic Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail! If the weather conditions are safe, we’ll enjoy a short ride to the helipad and take a helicopter transfer with our bikes to “Rotten Tommy,” ready for the next section of the trail. From the air or the ground, you’ll enjoy impressive views of the Tasman River, a powerful, glacier fed braided river that flows from New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier.

Our ride today takes us from the end of Braemar road to Tekapo B Power Station, one of the hydroelectric stations on this network. The system transfers water from Lakes Tekapo and Ohau to lakes Pukaki, Benmore, and Aviemore, and finally along the Waitaki River to the Pacific on the East Coast, and is responsible for generating a vast amount of New Zealand's annual energy requirement. From Tekapo B Power Station, we'll skirt the rest of the east side of Lake Pukaki, but before we leave this lake behind, we'll pause at the lookout point for an opportunity to capture one of the most famous scenes in New Zealand - looking across the cobalt blue water of the lake to Aoraki Mt. Cook, where our ride started yesterday.

Tonight we’ll stay in the Mackenzie Country basin, with stunning views stretching across the Southern Alps. The area is known for the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, with light pollution strictly controlled, so it’s the ideal spot to stargaze!
Accommodation: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: Options:

20.5 miles (33 kilometers)
31 miles (51 kilometers)
45 miles (72 kilometers)

Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 345 feet (105 meters) ascent, 1,155 feet (358 meters) descent
Notes: Our terrain today is rolling with periodic gentle hills and declines. Vehicle support is available at points along the way.

Day 3

Bike from Twizel to Quailburn Road, via Lake Ohau Lodge

Today, under our own steam, we'll travel along the winding canal to the shores of Lake Ohau. We’ll leave behind us the town of Twizel, built initially as a settlement for construction workers working on the hydroelectric scheme, these days Twizel has a character all of its own! Our ride today winds mostly along quiet, sealed roads, though towards the end of our pedal we'll negotiate smooth shingle on the wide biking trail leading up to Ohau Lodge. You can be forgiven for being distracted by the views along this stretch, looking across to Lake Ohau and the surrounding peaks.

If we’re up for it, we’ll conquer the grunty climb up from the Lodge at 1,837 feet (560 meters) to the highest point on the whole trail, Tarnbrae, at 2,953 feet (900 meters). Along the way, we'll cross Parsons, Sawyers, and Freehold Creek, and be able to look across to the route we rode today.

Once we hop over the top, it's a glorious uninterrupted downhill to Quailburn Road where we'll hop on the bus and drive back to Ohau Lodge for the night – if we’re lucky we may be able to relax in the hot tub on the deck! We'll dine together tonight in the Lodge restaurant.
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge, Ohau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: Options:

11 miles (18 kilometers)
23 miles (38 kilometers)
57 miles (35 kilometers)

Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 1,760 feet (520 meters) ascent, 965 feet (295 meters) descent
Notes: To Lake Ohau Lodge (first 38 kilometers), we’ll ride through a diverse landscape of flat, rolling, and hilly sections. Vehicle support is available at points along the way. The final 19 kilometers is unsupported and no vehicle access is available.

Day 4

Bike Quailburn Road to Otematata

Today's section of the Alps to Ocean trail starts where we finished yesterday, with an easy downhill section on Quailburn Road, all the way to Omarama. Omarama is the gliding capital of New Zealand - due to its position on a flat plain surrounded by taller peaks, the thermals here are perfect for flying without an engine, so be sure to look up occasionally!

From Omarama, we'll push on down to Sailor’s Cutting, and our favorite portion of the ride! The trail winds its way around the Ahuriri arm of Lake Benmore, well hidden from the highway, and the trail will take us up to the Benmore Hydro Dam, the largest dam within the Waitaki power scheme.

We’ll hope off our bikes once we arrive in Otematata where we’ll spend the night.
Accommodation: Otematata Lakeside Apartments, Otematata
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: Options:

15 miles (24 kilometers)
22 miles (37 kilometers)
36 miles (59 kilometers)

Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 541 feet (165 meters) ascent, 692 feet (211 meters) descent
Notes: We’ll ride through a diverse landscape of flat, rolling, and hilly sections. Vehicle support is available at points along the way.

Day 5

Bike Otematata to Duntroon via Benmore Hydro Dam and Kurow

Our day starts with a 30-mile (45-kilometer) ride from Otematata to Kurow, and almost all of this section is on low-traffic, tar-sealed roads- which might be a welcome break for your bum after yesterday's climb! We'll pass over the Benmore Hydro Dam, New Zealand's secondlargest hydro station, before skirting the edge of Lake Aviemore and on to Kurow. Kurow is New Zealand's most up-and-coming pinot noir region, the limestone-rich soils have proved a great tonic for the vines.

After a leg stretch, we’ll jump back on our bikes and tackle the second part of the day, a 28-kilometer ride from Kurow to Duntroon. This predominantly gravel trail brings us alongside the Waitaki River and sweeps along the valley. Today is our biggest day in the saddle, so we'll be taking it easy and making sure everyone is well-fuelled and hydrated. There’s plenty to see along this diverse trail - we'll pass vineyards, rivers, and the Takiroa Maori rock art site - a limestone shelter containing several pieces of rock art dating back to between 1400 and 1900 AD.

Once we arrive in Duntroon, we'll continue onto Oamaru, to spend the night and share our last dinner together!
Accommodation: Brydone Hotel, Oamaru
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: Options:

14 miles (23 kilometers)
22 miles (36 kilometers)
39 miles (63 kilometers)

Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 165 feet (50 meters) ascent, 935 feet (285 meters) descent
Notes: Our ride today is predominantly flat terrain with occasional gentle slopes. Vehicle support is available at points along the way.

Day 6

Bike the final leg of the Alps 2 Ocean trail, Duntroon to Oamaru, depart

Today is our last day together, and we'll finish in style - with the final ride from Duntroon to the Pacific Ocean at Oamaru. Today is another big day, but we'll be motivated by the upcoming reward of the Pacific East Coast! Most of our ride today is on smooth shingle and away from traffic. We'll pass through irrigated farmland, as well as Elephant Rocks, so-called because of their likeness to, you guessed it, elephants - this limestone formation was millions of years in the making! We're following an old railway for part of our ride today, which includes a tunnel of around 328 feet in length (100 meters).

When we reach Oamaru, we'll wind our way into Oamaru Gardens, which the trail passes through, and follow our noses through the Victorian Historic Precinct to the harbor where the trail ends at the aptly named 'Friendly Bay'. We'll all have been enriched by new friendships, and by the feeling of achievement that comes with completing New Zealand's longest continuous cycle trail.

After exploring the Victorian Precinct on foot, we'll hit the road back to Christchurch and say our goodbyes.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: Options:

4 miles (7 kilometers)
16 miles (26 kilometers)
33 miles (54 kilometers)

Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 1,215 feet (370 meters) ascent, 1,590 feet (485 meters) descent
Notes: Our ride today is on hilly terrain, characterized by frequent and steeper inclines. Vehicle support is available at points along the way.

This trip includes:

5 nights’ accommodation
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Our own highly experienced guides, driver, and chef - with you from start to finish
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
All activities outlined in the itinerary
Delicious and nutritious snacks to keep you fueled
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Specialized RollElite - excellent lightweight, cross-terrain touring bike with great flexibility
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

FAQs

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, please meet us outside reception at the Merivale Manor at 9:00am, our designated departure point for all guests on your trip. Please make your own arrangements to get there. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Christchurch. Be prepared today with comfortable closed toe footwear for this evening's short ride once we reach Aoraki, Mount Cook.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Christchurch Airport (CHC) in time for flights below or anywhere in Central Christchurch around 6pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Christchurch the day before your trip begins, or earlier, to accommodate potential flight delays and give you time to explore the city before your adventure starts.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Christchurch after 6pm for domestic and 7pm for international departures. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for their stunning settings and adventuresome feel. You’ll love the places you’ll stay in on this trip, but it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in New Zealand.

Laundry facilities will be available at your accommodation on days 2 & 3. Please check with reception on check-in, or we can do that for you.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a good level of fitness for this trip. While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise, ideally on your bike, and incorporating up hills, down hills and decent distances. Advance preparation means you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip even more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Travel in Complete Comfort

Getting from one breathtaking destination to the next in New Zealand means road travel is essential. That’s why having comfortable, reliable transport plays a big role in making your adventure vacation enjoyable.

We own and operate our very own fleet of medium-sized coaches — perfectly suited for New Zealand’s unique roads. They’re ideal for accessing the country’s iconic highlights and venturing off the beaten track to the lesser-known places most travelers miss.

So sit back, relax, and let us take the wheel. Your New Zealand adventure is calling — and we’ll make sure you travel in comfort and style.

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance, you can find details here.

*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.

Photos From New Zealand Alps-to-Ocean Adventure Bike Tour

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Why Travel With Us

A love of adventure, born in New Zealand

Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.

Life-changing, rewarding experiences in breathtaking places

We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.

Expert guides, deep local connections

Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.

Flexible, personalized experiences

We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.

We welcome all adventurers

Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.

All-inclusive

Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.

Getting to New Zealand

New Zealand might feel like a world away, but it’s closer than you think — just a 12-hour direct flight from the Pacific Coast of North America. Major airlines, including Air New Zealand (our national carrier), offer non-stop flights to Auckland on the North Island and Christchurch on the South Island from cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Vancouver.

Need a hand with your travel plans? Like to arrange a tropical stopover? Our trusted partners at Fuzion Travelare here to help make getting to and from New Zealand hassle-free and easy.