Trail alerts

Planned road closures by Meridian at Aviemore Dam on Monday, March 11th, and Friday, March 15th from 08:00 am – 15:00 pm

Firefighters have now fully contained vegetation fires in the Waitaki District, and they are continuing to work to extinguish hotspots. It is safe to ride the Duntroon area of the trail.

Section 2: There are some tourists participating in a run along the Trail, around Lake Pukaki on Friday, 15 March, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. The trail remains open, but kindly watch out for the runners. See Trail conditions for details.


The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is the longest of the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand serving up epic vistas from Aoraki Mount Cook all the way to arty Ōamaru beside the Pacific Ocean.  It is one of New Zealand’s truly Great Rides; the crème de la crème of multi-day cycling experiences in NZ for the iconic southern landscapes traversed and easily navigated by a wide demographic.

The Trail is broken into nine sections.  Ride the full length over five to seven days for the depth of experience and huge sense of accomplishment, or pick one or two sections and ride them as day trips from local towns. The variety of terrain means there is a mix of easy to intermediate trail riding.

The Cycle Trail starts at the base of the majestic Aoraki Mt Cook in the National Park or alternatively at Takapō, with both routes meeting on the shores of the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki.  From there the Trail takes in Twizel and the shoreline of Lake Ōhau before climbing to the highest point on the Trail where you view the magnificence of the Mackenzie basin before dropping down to Ōmarama.  The Waitaki Valley delivers a geo-park of wonders, you meander past more lakes and rivers, ride through vineyards and experience ever changing vistas on you way towards the Pacific coast.  Your final destination is Ōamaru, a town famous for its neo classical 'Ōamaru Stone' Victorian buildings, art galleries and the little blue penguins.

Allow 5-7 days to cycle the entire trail and remember to add some time to investigate the region while you are here.  Alternatively, if time is at a premium, simply make a day excursion or tick off a section or two over a long weekend...  What better way to reconnect friends and family or simply get away from it all, either way, you will be enjoying genuine hospitality in some of the best scenery that the South Island of New Zealand has to offer.

Whichever option you choose, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is sure to be a great destination and a most memorable experience.

 
Section 1: Aoraki-Mt Cook to Braemar Road

Ride from the Southern Alps at Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park, alongside the stunning Lake Pukaki.

Distance: 35km | Fitness: Easy | Skill: Moderate | Traffic: Low | Grade: 2

35km
 
Section 2: Braemar Road to Twizel

Ride the lower reaches of Lake Pukaki, and across the Pukaki Flats.

Distance: 40km | Fitness: Easy | Skill: Easy | Traffic: Low | Grade: 2

40km
 
Alt Route: Lake Takapō to Twizel

Scenic views of the Southern Alps and across the Mackenzie Basin, riding alongside the Takapō Canal.

Distance: 55km | Fitness: Easy | Skill: Easy | Traffic: Low | Grade: 2

55km
 
Section 3: Twizel to Lake Ōhau Lodge

Ride alongside canals and Lake Ōhau foreshore, taking in scenic views of the Southern Alps.

Distance: 38km | Fitness: Easy | Skill: Easy | Traffic: Low | Grade: 2

38km
 
Section 4: Lake Ōhau Lodge to Ōmarama

Traverse the lower slopes of the Ōhau Range.

Distance: 43km | Fitness: Intermediate | Skill: Intermediate | Traffic: Low | Grade: 3

43km
 
Section 5: Ōmarama to Ōtematata

Ride from Ōmarama, on the hills and alongside the foreshore of Lake Benmore.

Distance: 35km | Fitness: Intermediate | Skill: Intermediate | Traffic: Low | Grade: 3

35km
 
Section 6: Ōtematata to Kurow

Ride alongside the scenic foreshores of Lake Aviemore and Lake Waitaki.

Distance: 44km | Fitness: Easy | Skill: Easy | Traffic: High | Grade: 3

44km
 
Section 7: Kurow to Duntroon

Follow the Waitaki River and environs between Kurow and Duntroon.

Distance: 27km | Fitness: Easy | Skill: Easy | Traffic: Low | Grade: 2

27km
 
Section 8: Duntroon to Ōamaru

Ride through rock formations, valleys and former railway routes to Ōamaru.

Distance: 54km | Fitness: Intermediate | Skill: Easy | Traffic: Medium | Grade: 3

54km

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