Alt Route: Lake Tekapo to Twizel [54km]

Alternative Route

The alternative route begins in the Tekapo township near the pollice station. There is an off-road track just up the road. Follow this track until you reach Aorangi Crescent [0.2km]. Following the red arrows, turn left and continue along Aorangi Crescent until it turns into Andrew Don Drive [0.5km]. Eventually Andrew Don Drive becomes a gravel road [0.8km]. Passing Tekapo A Power Station [3km] continue along the Tekapo Canal Road to the gate where vehicles are excluded [9km].

Take care crossing SH8 [15km] then continue on past the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon farm and the toilet [24km], before dropping down to Lake Pukaki [30km]. Turn left onto Hayman Road and ride to the start of the off-road trail on your right [35km], which follows the Lake Pukaki shoreline. With Aoraki/Mt Cook as a backdrop, the trail passes over the Pukaki dam, taking you to the car park at the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon shop [44km]. You then cross the highway and follow the trail across Pukaki Flats - an expansive area of dry grasslands that are characteristic of the Mackenzie landscape. This takes you to the town of Twizel [54km]. Take care crossing the State Highway.

Section Map