Alps to Ocean End to End

You will be collected by your guide from a central location in Queenstown around 8:00am. We start our journey with a warm up ride from the old gold mining town of Arrowtown. Our route follows a trail high above the Arrow River, crossing 5 impressive bridges. On reaching the historic Kawarau Bridge, where we can watch the brave bungy jumpers, we load up the bikes and drive towards Aoraki/Mt Cook Village; the official start to the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. We have the option to visit the famous Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (own expense) or the informative Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre (free of charge). You'll also have the chance to put your walking shoes on and take in the stunning glacier and mountain views from the Tasman Glacier Track. In the evening we will meet for our first group dinner. Cycle Distance: Arrow River Trail - 14km Hiking Distance: up to 10km Accommodation: Aoraki Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook

Meals:  D

After breakfast this morning we have time to explore the village some more. We then hop on our bikes and cycle the first 7km to the airport. Using Heliworks Mount Cook we take a short (but breath-taking) heli-flight with our bikes to meet up with the trail on the other side of the Tasman River. We then cycle along the edge of Lake Pukaki, taking in views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. After a picnic lunch we continue cycling to Braemar Road and on to the backcountry farmstay, Braemar Station. This is a trip highlight for many as we are rewarded with fantastic views over Lake Pukaki and treated to a delicious home cooked dinner. Cycle Distance: Aoraki/Mt Cook Village to Braemar Station - 38km Please note: Heliworks Mount Cook is operated by Southern Lakes Helicopters an established NZ owned helicopter company with an excellent reputation for flying excellence. They use As350B2 Squirrels for this service. Heliworks focus on achieving the highest standards of safety to ensure all our clients’ needs and expectations are both met and exceeded. Accommodation: Braemar Station, Lake Pukaki. NB: Braemar Station feature shared bathroom facilities, their stunning locations enhance the overall experience, making it worthwhile.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast, we leave Braemar Station and start our ride for the day. The trail winds around the edge of Lake Pukaki to the visitors centre before crossing the extensive tussock-lands of Pukaki flats to Twizel. After lunch we cycle alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals, then Lake Ohau and then onto Lake Ohau Lodge, where we stay tonight. This evening there is time to unwind and soak in the onsite hot tubs while overlooking the lake. Cycle Distance: Braemar Station to Twizel - 42km Twizel to Lake Ohau - 38km Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

After we've refuelled our bodies with breakfast, those who would like a challenge can continue on the trail, which starts as a steady climb up to the Tambrae Saddle. At 900m this is the highpoint of the whole Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail and your efforts are rewarded with stunning views across the Mackenzie Basin. The rough shingle Tarnbrae track is steep and narrow and is suited to the more confident and fitter riders. Alternatively for those who want a relaxing afternoon there is the option to transfer by coach and enjoy a final, mostly downhill and flat ride on the trail from the historic wool shed at Quailburn into Omarama, our stop for the night. Omarama is called "Place of Light" in Maori terminology, a reference to its extraordinarily pure and clear sky. This region is also famous for gliding due to some unique air wave systems and feisty thermals. This evening enjoy an optional soak in a private hot tub of fresh mountain water (subject to availability and at own expense). Cycle Distance: Lake Ohau to Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle - 44km Short Option: Quailburn to Omarama - 26km Accommodation: Sierra Motel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we follow the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From there, we join the lakeshore to traverse around the shoreline of rocky outcrops, little beaches and even tree covered islands. The trail then drops us down from above the Benmore Dam to rejoin the quiet lakeside road. There is an easier option for less confident riders who would prefer to avoid this more technical section. Regrouped, it’s a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where we’ll enjoy a picnic by the lake, before our final scenic ride into the small settlement of Kurow. There may be time to explore the town's surrounds or enjoy a wine-tasting at a local vineyard. We stay at the luxurious Valley Views Glamping where your own private tent awaits. Don't be fooled by the word 'tent' as you'll enjoy all your creature comforts. Each tent has a king size bed or 2 single beds with luxury down duvets, lighting, cell phone charger and a private balcony. This is the perfect place to relax whilst recovering from a great days biking. Cycle Distance: Omarama - Kurow 71km Kurow to Valley Views: 13km (option to ride in the support vehicle) Accommodation: Valley Views Glamping, Kurow. NB: Valley Views feature shared bathroom facilities, their stunning locations enhance the overall experience, making it worthwhile.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we hop back on the bike for our last ride towards the Pacific Ocean. We pass by a Maori rock art site before reaching Duntroon where we turn inland to cycle on a mixture of trail and quiet rural roads. A walk among the unusual rock formations known locally as Elephant Rocks is a must-do on the way past. Following a short section of an old branch railway line we cycle through Raki's tunnel before a downhill ride into the settlement of Windsor. After lunch we cycle through picturesque rolling rural countryside, past the Oamaru stone quarry to Friendly Bay and the end of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. We celebrate our cycling achievements with a group photo at the famous picture frame and a final group dinner. Our boutique accommodation is within convenient walking distance to the historic precinct and Steampunk HQ. Cycle Distance: Kurow to Oamaru - 77km Accommodation: Poshtel, Oamaru

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we are bound for Christchurch but not before exploring the white-stone township of Oamaru. Here there is time to browse around the old Victorian Precinct with its many galleries, shops and cafes. There may also be time for an optional visit to the fascinating Steampunk Museum (own expense). We then travel back to Christchurch, passing through some of the rich agricultural regions of the Canterbury Plains, arriving at our destination around 3pm, where the tour concludes. No cycling today

Meals:  B,L