Internationally recognised as one of New Zealand's Great rides, the Alps to Ocean cycle trail journeys from the base of the mighty Southern Alps to the vibrant coastal town of Oamaru. 

Our Alps to Ocean tours have an itinerary for every traveller, from the bike enthusiast to the foodie lover or the accomplished cyclist looking for a challenge. 

This article will explain the main things to consider when deciding which Alps to Ocean cycling tour will best suit you. Find out what's different about each of our itineraries below.
 

Complete the trail with our most popular tour

Start: Christchurch
Finish: Christchurch

Weaving through some of the most diverse and unique landscapes in New Zealand, there's no questioning why our 6-day Alps to Ocean Cycle is our most popular trip.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider is how far you are comfortable riding. This trip is graded moderate and has an average cycling distance of 40km per day. The longest day is 80km from Twizel to Omarama although it can be shortened to 60km. You'll cycle every day on this 6-day trip.
 

Alps to Ocean Trail Map

• We start the trail from Tekapo Village, allowing us to shorten the first days ride from 80km down to 30km, while still cycling what is arguably the most scenic spot along the trail along the edge of Lake Pukaki looking back to Aoraki/Mt Cook.
• Starting and ending in Christchurch makes getting here easy. Domestic and international flights fly regularly into Christchurch airport.
• We drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village on day 2 thanks to our support vehicle where you'll have the chance to swap your bike for walking shoes and explore the Hooker Valley or Tasman Glacier.
• Stay in comfortable and hand-picked accommodation including the elegant Waitaki Braids Lodge and the charming Burnside Homestead.

 
View the full trip itinerary as well as dates and pricing here.
 

Foodie lover? Taste your way along the trail

Start: Christchurch
Finish: Christchurch

If you appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy indulging in New Zealand's local produce, this trip is perfect for you. Eat, taste and ebike your way along the famous cycle trail. You'll have the opportunity to meet the growers/ producers of hazelnuts, salmon, gin, cheese and wine and encounter some well-known names. 

This whole experience includes an ebike so you'll enjoy effortlessly cycling the trail as you indulge in gourmet food.
Following the Classic Alps to Ocean trip, this itinerary adds a foodie twist along the way including: 

• Visiting NZ's renowned author and foodie, Philippa Cameron's high country station for an exclusive meet and greet as she hosts a delicious morning tea.   
• Discover the secrets behind some of the best chutneys, preserves and cheeses in the region on a guided tour and tasting at Whitestone Cheese Factory
• Learn about the meticulous care that goes into running a hazelnut orchard as you taste your way through the farm.
• Watch the award-winning High Country Salmon team in awe as they professionally fillet and serve up a Chinook (King) salmon.
• Indulge at Riverstone Kitchen, Ostler Vineyards, Rangiatea Farm, Boots & Jandals pub, experience a prestigious merino farm and more.
• Enjoy our handpicked accommodation including the high-country Braemar Station with breathtaking views overlooking Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook, Waitaki Braids Lodge and Burnside Homestead
• Sinch ebikes are included

 
View the full trip itinerary as well as dates and pricing here.
 

Need a challenge? Cycle the complete trail from end to end

Start: Queenstown 
Finish: Christchurch

We understand some cyclists want to complete the full A2O cycling trail and enjoy a bit of a challenge, so we designed the Alps to Ocean End to End.

• Although this is a 7-day tour, you'll only be cycling for 5 days which is why we've graded this trip moderate. The average cycling distance is 65km per day with two 80km days meaning you need to be comfortable riding on gravel surfaces for 6-8 hours per day.
• This itinerary covers the full 310+ kilometers of the official trail, starting at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and includes a breathtaking heli-flight over the Tasman River with views of the snow-capped Southern Alps to join up with the trail on the other side.
• The Queenstown start gives you the opportunity to extend your stay and explore the adventure capital of New Zealand before your trip. See our guide to spending 24 hours in Queenstown here.
• On day 1, there will be time to explore the walking trails of Aoraki/Mt Cook Village at your leisure, before staying the night in the village itself.
• Enjoy our handpicked and comfortable accommodation including the cozy high-country Braemar Station overlooking Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook. Then enjoy views of the mighty Waitaki River from a private luxurious lotus belle 'tent' which is equipped with everything you need to feel at home at Valley Views Glamping.

 
View the full trip itinerary as well as dates and pricing here.
 

Cycle New Zealand's winter wonderland

Start: Christchurch
Finish: Christchurch

Our Winter Alps to Ocean Cycle is a special version of our 6-day itinerary, with late morning starts, hot pools, mulled wine and warm fires thrown in.  

• Fresh, sunny days in winter are a delight with snow-capped mountains and crisp blue skies. It can be cold, and sometimes wet, but there's nothing that warm, quality winter cycling gear can't fix. 
• Like our other tours, our support vehicle is never far away to take you to the comfort of a warm fire, hot pool or cosy accommodation. We also carry plenty of snacks, a never-ending hot drink supply and hot water bottles. 
• Stay the night at the unique and cosy Lake Ohau Lodge and Burnside Homestead. 
• Starting and ending in Christchurch makes getting here easy. Domestic and international flights fly regularly into Christchurch airport.

 
View the full trip itinerary as well as dates and pricing here.
 

Cycle the trail in reverse for a change of scenery 

Start: Christchurch
Finish: Christchurch

Cycle the iconic trail in reverse on our 7-day Ocean to Alps tour. This is essentially the same as our Alps to Ocean Classic, but we've made it for cyclists seeking a fresh perspective of the trail. 

• You'll meet like-minded cyclists and not have to worry about separating from the group with our support vehicle always close by.
• We've saved the best location for last with a spectacular heli-flight across the Tasman River and a memorable walk up the Hooker Valley or to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint.
• Starting and ending in Christchurch makes getting here easy. Domestic and international flights fly regularly into Christchurch airport.
   

View the full trip itinerary as well as dates and pricing here.

Watch our full Alps to Ocean video for more inspiration.

All of our Alps to Ocean itineraries are fully supported and include accommodation, a support vehicle, experienced guides & most meals. Ebikes are available for hire on all of the above itineraries. 

>> View all our Alps to Ocean cycling trips here.

Additional Articles

>> Read our Alps to Ocean FAQ's.

>> Watch what to expect on our Alps to Ocean Cycling Tour