Overview
Section 1 
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail starts at the White Horse Hill Campground, which is 2km north of Mt Cook Village. From here, a 7.2km off-road trail takes you to Mount Cook Airport [8km], where riders will need to make a short helicopter flight across the Tasman River to Tasman Point. Travelling in a helicopter across a glacially-fed braided river with New Zealand’s highest mountain in view is a must do. The helicopter can carry up to 6 passengers at a time (depending on weight limits).
Heliworks: 0800 666 668 [Mt Cook Airport]
INFLITE Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters: 0800 800 702 [Mt Cook Airport]
Helicopter Line: 0800 650 651 [Glentanner Park Centre]
From Tasman Point it’s 10.6km to the Jollie Car Park at the top of Hayman Rd [18km]. This track is rough in places and includes several creek crossings. On a clear day this section of trail offers views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, which at 3,754 metres towers above a range of snow washed peaks in the Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park. From the car park, it’s 16.8km on gravel road to Braemar Road.
Alternative Routes:
• Lake Tekapo
Follow the Tekapo Canal Road to Lake Pukaki. More info here.
• Tekapo B Power Station
Located near the bottom of Lake Pukaki, close to the start of the off-road section of trail.
• Jollie Carpark
You can ride up to Tasman Point and back [21.2km return].
Highlights Include
- Aoraki/Mt Cook
- Tasman River
- Lake Pukaki
- DOC Visitor Centre
- Glacier Landings
- High Country Stations
- Walking Tracks – Hooker Glacier Terminal Lake, Red Tarns, Governor’s Bush, Blue Lakes, Mueller Hut