3
Moderate
Activities
  • 6 day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$NZD

Trip Code: SOG7749

Ocean to Alps Trip highlights


  • Fundraising for Wishbone and promoting orthopaedic research
  • Cycle the spectacular trails of the Alps to Ocean Great Ride in reverse
  • Cycle the rolling countryside of the Waitaki Valley, passing natural limestone sculptures, stunning lakes and spectacular hydro dams.
  • Cycle the shoreline of surreal turquoise hydro lakes
  • Explore Oamaru’s charming Victorian Precinct
  • Stargaze across night skies of world renown

Wishbone NZ Logo

Join Wishbone's Perry Turner and Ian Galley on leg 3 of their Length of NZ relay. This is a 6 day, fully supported cycling adventure following the entire length of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail in reverse, from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Starting from the historic port town of Oamaru we ride through rolling countryside and ancient pathways along the Waitaki Valley where you'll be wowed by stunning lakes, fascinating hydro dams and picturesque vineyards. From Omarama we head over the Tarnbrae saddle to Lake Ohau, follow canal paths to Twizel, and cycle across golden tussock-lands to the strikingly turquoise Lake Pukaki.

We visit Aoraki/Mt Cook village which nestles at the foot of the mighty Aoraki/Mt Cook itself and then our final day takes us alongside the vivid blue hydro canals to the end of our ride at Lake Tekapo.

Our expert guides will show you the best trailside highlights including wine-tasting, hot pools, Maori rock art and otherworldly limestone outcrops.


Your Alps to Ocean adventure begins with a drive down the coast to the historic Victorian town of Oamaru. After lunch and time to explore the delightful Victorian Precinct or the mind-boggling Steampunk HQ musem we'll gather at the official 'finish' line at the harbourside for a photo-op to mark the start of our adventure. Setting off we'll ride through the Precinct and main street full of stunning 19th Century architecture showcasing the local Oamaru stone. Riding through the delightful municipal gardens we'll then head out of town and into picturesque rural countryside. Riding along an old tram line we'll then duck through the town of Weston before arriving at Enfield. We have special permission to divert off the trail and ride through the grounds of the Elderslie Estate, once home in the late 19th Century to one of the district's original farming families. The same family also built historic Burnside Homestead where we will finish our ride and enjoy our first overnight stay. Cycle distance: 19km (Oamaru-Burnside)

Meals:  L,D

This morning the cycle trail takes us through the settlement of Windsor and then back on the old railway line through Raki's tunnel. A climb to the ridgeline delivers stunning views across pastoral land developed by early settlers in the area. What goes up generally comes down and we drop into a pretty valley before emerging into rolling country and the first signs of some of the incredible natural limestone formations responsible for the area recently achieving UNESCO Geopark status. One such landmark, the unique Elephant Rocks, is particularly impressive with huge formations strewn across a field and worth a stop to explore before dropping into the small town of Duntroon. From here we ride along the banks of the Waitaki River, negotiating some river crossings and passing vineyards before finally arriving in Kurow. Cycle distance: 40km (Burnside Homestead-Duntroon) 28km (Duntroon–Kurow)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s stunning ride introduces us to the Waitaki Hydro scheme with its impressive dams and the beautiful man-made lakes of Aviemore and Benmore. From Aviemore Dam we follow the quiet lakeside road leading to Benmore Dam, the largest earth dam in the country. Climbing up through bush with stunning views across the lakes and rolling countryside the trail then drops to the lakeshore to traverse around the shoreline of rock outcrops, little beaches and tree covered islands before popping out at Sailors Cutting. Less confident riders can choose a shorter, easier option from Benmore Dam if they prefer to avoid the more technical section. Our final ride continues along the shores of Lake Benmore before turning away from the Lake and riding alongside farming country before emerging into Omarama, a small town nestled in a broad basin between mountain ranges. 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 (own expense). Cycle distance: 67km

Meals:  B,L,D

From Omarama a short off-road trail takes us through to the Quailburn Road which is a quiet gravel road passing through rolling farmland leading to a historic woolshed. Confident riders can continue on the trail from the woolshed, a steady climb to the Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the highpoint of the Alps to Ocean providing vast Mackenzie Country views as just reward for the climb. This section is moderately technical and steep in places with some rough and loose areas, so less confident riders may prefer to take the alternative route which involves a short ride in the van to the Lake Ohau Road. From the Saddle high point it is a rolling descent with the Southern Alps and Lake Ohau ready to welcome you at the bottom. After lunch, we leave Lake Ohau Lodge and cycle around the lakeshore firstly on a quiet country road and then a delightful single track which pops out at the back of Twizel and alongside the Ohau and Pukaki canals brings us into Twizel itself where we overnight. Cycle distance: 44km Omarama-Lake Ohau via Tarnbrae Saddle or via Lake Ohau Road Lake Ohau to Twizel - 38km

Meals:  B,L,D

Early this morning we drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park to see the alps up close. 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. We'll then head back to Twizel to get back on our bikes and complete the final section of the trail. We cross the extensive tussock-lands of Pukaki flats to Lake Pukaki before following a trail around the edge of the lake. We climb up a high terrace for expansive views back over the lake and surrounding mountains and then the hydro canals lead us towards Tekapo. Tonight we celebrate our 6 day Alps to Ocean adventure with Perry at our final group dinner. Cycle Distance: Twizel to Tekapo - 55km

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we are bound for Christchurch but not before a final 'warm down' ride on quiet backroads to Lake Alexandrina, a serene high country lake. We then travel back to Christchurch via Burke's Pass and across the Canterbury Plains. We'll visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and stop for lunch, and we will expect to return to Christchurch around 6pm.

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • NZ$300 per person donation to Wishbone, plus NZ$100 for every bike hired
  • Tasty breakfasts (x5), lunches (x6), dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 5 nights comfortable hotel/motel/lodge accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories
  • Commemorative Wishbone performance T-shirt
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Transport from Christchurch (return)
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Rider fees paid to the A2O Trail Trust for ongoing maintenance and improvements
  • Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • 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. Oamaru Steampunk Museum, Omarama hot tubs)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance

About Your Leader

Perry has set himself (often together with his family) the challenge of completing all the South Island legs (even adding in some great bits in-between) and Ian will be joining as many of the North Island legs as he & his family can. They are both pouring vast amounts of time & energy into organising this Wishbone Relay – Why?

“My main motivation was to bring all those involved in care of our patients together and share what orthopaedic surgery is achieving in NZ with the public. I want to help bring us together in a fun activity and common goal.” – Ian

“This is an opportunity for myself and my family to give back to a job and career that has given us so much.” – Perry

Health & Safety and Contracting Parties:

Take note that Wishbone Trust and the NZ Orthopaedic Association Inc are not organising the trips and they or their staff or officers have no role to play in providing the trips or managing any aspects of Health & Safety in relation to the trips. Wishbone Trust is only acting as the recipient of donations made by those choosing to participate in a trip.

You must follow all Health and Safety requirements of the trip organiser (Adventure South NZ) and any other provider of services or other organisations with any H&S responsibilities during the trip. Adventure South NZ have experienced guides supporting you on the journey whose goal is purely to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. All their guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics.


Accommodation


Bike information


Trail Surface


Grading

Moderate  
3

The Alps to Ocean is graded moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness with an average daily distance of 60km and the longest day upto 80km. We suggest 90 minutes of cycling three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Some of the sections are on seal or hard packed gravel and are relatively easy to ride. Other sections are on looser gravel which can be rough and uneven in places. The moderate sections over the Tarnbrae Saddle and from Benmore Dam to Sailors Cutting include narrower tracks with some switchbacks and exposure in places. There are also plenty of hills so cycling up hills and on gravel and rougher terrain before your tour will enable you to really enjoy the fantastic riding and diverse scenery. With the trip being fully supported, less confident riders can choose to miss the moderate sections with easier options available.


Departure dates


Notes

BP
Base Price

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementNZD$795
  • e-Bike HireNZD$600
  • Mountain Bike HireNZD$180
*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Wishbone Relay - Alps to Ocean Cycle trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Ocean to Alps Trip reviews


Ocean to Alps Videos

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail with Adventure South NZ

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