Tastes of the Alps to Ocean with Philippa Cameron

Your food lovers adventure begins at 8am in Central Christchurch. We start with a drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains and along the Inland Scenic Route to the foot of the Southern Alps. We visit Madison Coulter, a fine artist whose work is inspired by life on the farm. Here, we will enjoy refreshments and a garden tour. We continue to arrive in the country town of Geraldine where we enjoy lunch and visit famous Barkers Foodstore & Eatery. 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. 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 from where we drive to our remote farm stay at Braemar Station. This is a trip highlight for many as we are rewarded with panoramic views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki made all the better with a celebratory glass of wine and a cheese platter before being treated to a delicious home cooked dinner. Be sure to take a walk outside after dark to see the incredible starry skies. Please Note: accommodation tonight is split across 2 separate lodges - only some rooms have ensuites, yet the incredible location and views make it worthwhile. Cycling Distance: up to 35km Accommodation: Braemar Station

Meals:  L,D

Our second day starts with some easy riding from the Lake Pukaki viewpoint around the base of the lake to the Pukaki Flats and onto High Country Salmon. Here we meet the team who have won awards filleting salmon and a tasting of the Chinook (King) salmon farm. We learn how New Zealand came to inheriting one of the most beautiful and spectacular fish in the world from the McLeod River, California. Lunch is at the farm's floating cafe. After lunch we commence the fabulous drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park surrounded by glaciated alpine valleys and NZ's highest peaks. We embark on a short but memorable walk to view the Tasman Glacier, and if there is time we can visit one of the visitor centres, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (entrance fee payable) or the excellent National Park Visitor Centre, or enjoy a drink in the bar of the Hermitage Hotel overlooking Aoraki/Mt Cook. We then drive to Twizel where we will overnight, and have dinner in a local restaurant known for its craft beers. Cycling Distance: 25km (Pukaki Viewpoint to High Country Salmon) Accommodation: The Alps Twizel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning the stunning scenery keeps on coming as we ride alongside the Twizel Canals, then around the shore of Lake Ohau, taking a break at the alpine ski lodge for a tasty lunch on the deck overlooking the lake and alpine peaks. Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the highpoint 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. We then load up and drive to the Clay Cliffs a unique geological wonder; ‘bad land’ sharp pinnacles and ridges separated by steep and narrow ravines which look dramatic and 'otherworldly'. By mid afternoon we drive onto Omarama – our 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). Dinner will be served in the newly refurbished Boots & Jandals pub where you will experience true kiwi hospitality. Cycling Distance: 38km (Twizel–Lake Ohau); 41km Lake Ohau–Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle or 23km (Quailburn–Omarama (short option) Accommodation: Sierra Motels

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s ride takes us down the Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. First, we follow the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting where we join a new section of trail which follows Benmore Dam and offers super views, swimming opportunities and arguably some of the best riding of the entire trail. Otematata is the high country station home town of Philippa Cameron and inspiration behind the blog and Instagram account What’s For Smoko. However this mornings smoko will be supplied by Karen at the Hungry Hydro, a place where Philippa spends most of her pocket money on coffee during the warmer months. From her coffee window, Karen is the eyes and ears of Otematata, filled with knowledge of the past dam town and what draws the present residents. We continue to ride across the Benmore Dam wall and follow the trail along Lake Aviemore where at a scenic picnic spot we will enjoy a tasty picnic lunch. We arrive in Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surrounds, or a wine tasting at River-T boutique vineyard. We’ll stay overnight at Waitaki Braids Lodge, an elegant lodge serving dinner showcasing local produce by one of the regions most esteemed chefs. Cycling Distance: Omarama to Kurow - up to 67km Accommodation: Waitaki Braids Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning the cycle trail takes us along the banks of the Waitaki River to a hazelnut farm then we ride past vineyards and a Maori rock art site to reach the small town of Duntroon. From there, we head inland into rolling country and wander around the unique Elephant Rocks, huge formations strewn across a field. Picking up the old railway line, we’ll ride through Raki's tunnel before rolling downhill to the settlement of Windsor where we will receive a warm welcome at our final accommodation at Burnside Homestead. After being greeted by afternoon tea, there will be time to look around the gardens and grounds of this historic Victorian house. The historic homestead is a fitting place for our final night together and a well-deserved night’s sleep after dinner at the local Enfield pub. Cycling Distance: 28km (Kurow–Duntroon) & 35km (Duntroon–Burnside Homestead) Accommodation: Burnside Homestead

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we jump on the bikes for the last ride and 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. We have time to explore Oamaru's Victorian Precinct and harbourside park with its arty shops and galleries, before we visit Whitestone Deli for a delicious cheese tasting. We continue our drive north and to our final foodie experience a celebratory lunch at the award winning Riverstone Kitchen, the perfect way to wrap up the Tastes of the Alps to Ocean cycle adventure! We head across the Canterbury Plains, and arrive in central Christchurch around 6-7pm. Cycling distance: 19km (Windsor–Oamaru)

Meals:  B,L