NZ Cycle
Alps to Ocean
Nov 29 - Dec 8 2026
$4130.00
(Incl Return flights on Air New Zealand. Final pricing based on airfare pricing at time of booking flights)
$400.00 initial deposit required to secure your place
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Nov 29 Fly Brisbane to Christchurch
Day 2: At Leisure in Christchurch
Day 3: Intercity bus from Christchurch to Tekapo
Day 4: Start Bike ride - Tekapo to Twizel
Day 5: Twizel to Lake Ohau
DAY 6: Lake Ohau to Omarama
Day 7: Omarama to Kurow
Day 8: Kurow to Oamaru
Day 9: Intercity bus from Oamaru to Christchurch
Day 10: Dec 6 Fly from Christchurch to Brisbane
Inclusions:
x9 nights accommodation as per itinerary - share twin
x5 breakfasts, x2 lunches, x1 dinner - while on the bike ride
Luggage transport during the bike ride (1 bag pp 15kg max)
Standard bike hire with ebike upgrade available for $260 pp or
Intercity bus transfers from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo and from Oamaru Christchurch
Flights from Brisbane to Christchurch return are included on Air New Zealand - Works Package(based on pricing at time of writing. Check current price on booking)
Exclusions:
Meals/food not included in itinerary
Drinks & drink bottles
Personal expenses
Transfers to and from airport and to and from the Intercity bus terminal in Christchurch. We will use taxi or uber
Full Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly Brisbane to Christchurch
Check into the motel, evening at leisure in The Garden City
Day 2 - At Leisure in Christchurch
Do as much or as little as you like in Christchurch for the day
Day 3 - Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Your journey begins with a bus trip from central Christchurch arriving in Tekapo around lunchtime. Take the afternoon to explore some of the fantastic experiences Tekapo has to offer. Optional activities could include a hike up Mt John to the summit for extraordinary views and a well deserved coffee at the Summit Café (approx. 3 hr circuit hike), or talk to us about booking you an experience at the Dark Sky Project – the star gazing in the area is unparalleled on a clear night, or an Aoraki/Mt Cook sightseeing flight (optional activities not included in tour price.) Dinner is at your leisure tonight.
Cycling: None
Accommodation: The Godley Hotel/Lake Tekapo Village Motel
Meals: No meals included today to allow for flexibility
Day 4 - Lake Tekapo to Twizel
This morning, you will meet our the cycling company in Tekapo, who will unite you with your hire bikes, and will then transfer your luggage on to Twizel. Now it’s time for your first day riding on the trail! Cycling from Lake Tekapo - the lake famous for its turquoise waters - the ride takes in golden tussock land, surreal blue canals, and one of the trail’s best lookouts overlooking Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mt Cook. The final leg of cycling today is across Pukaki Flats – an expansive area of dry grasslands that are characteristic of the Mackenzie landscape. Your ride ends in Twizel, where you spend the night.
Cycling: 54km - Grade 2/Easy
Accommodation: The Distinction Mackenzie Country Twizel/The Lakes Motel/The Alps Motel
Meals: No meals included today to allow for flexibility
Day 5 - Twizel to Lake Ohau
This morning breakfast is on your own, and then it’s time to hit the trail again for another spectacular day of riding. The ride begins with easy riding along the beautiful canals until you reach the edge of Lake Ohau, where the off-road trail begins. The Ben Ohau range makes for an incredible backdrop and is worthy of (at least) a thousand photo’s. The ride along the beautiful lake foreshore passes the Te Maiharoa Pou and soon after, meets up with the sealed Lake Ohau Road. Follow the road for the final 10km past Lake Ohau village and onto Lake Ohau Lodge, in time for a late lunch (not included in tour package).
Cycling: 38km - Grade 2/Easy
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge
Meals: Breakfast in Twizel, Dinner at Lake Ohau Lodge
Day 6 - Lake Ohau to Omarama
Starting from the Lake Ohau Lodge, the trail traverses the lower slopes of the Ohau Range. Some easy cycling will take you to Freehold Creek where the track narrows and it’s a steady climb to the highest point on the entire Trail at 900m. Once at the high point, it is a rolling descent to the historic woolshed at the top of Quailburn Road. On the way down to Omarama, your destination for the evening, you can take a side trip to see the Clay Cliffs (14km return).
CAUTION: The downhill from Tarnbrae summit is MODERATELY TECHNICAL with some rough and loose areas. Please take care, ride with caution and within your ability or dismount for the first descending kilometer from the summit if you are unsure of your ability.
Cycling: 44 km - Grade 3/Intermediate plus optional addition of 14kms to Clay Cliffs
Accommodation: Heritage Omarama/Sierra Motel and Apartments
Meals: Breakfast at Ohau Lodge, packed lunch from Ohau Lodge to eat on the trail
Day 7 - Omarama – Kurow
Today is a long riding day – and one of the most scenic - so time to get those legs pumping! Cycling along Lake Benmore and then taking in the newly opened section from Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam is an incredible experience with amazing scenery. As always, ride within your abilities and savour every moment. Cross over the dam at Lake Benmore, and continue your journey down the North side of Lake Aviemore until you reach Western House B&B, 2.5 km outside of Kurow, your destination for the evening.
Cycling: 67km - Grade 2-3/Easy-Intermediate
Accommodation: Western House B&B
Meals: Breakfast at Omarama Hotel
Day 8 - Kurow to Oamaru
The final day of riding awaits, and it won’t disappoint. Following the Waitaki River down the valley out of Kurow, you’ll pass through a winery and eventually arrive at the Takiroa Maori Rock Art Site (across the road from the trail.) Ride through the Duntroon Wetlands before arriving in Duntroon. Then, leave the valley and continue through farmland to unique rock formations known as Elephant Rocks and onwards through the Rakis Railway Tunnel. Following the trail you eventually reach beautiful Oamaru - the end of the ride! After the well-deserved photo stop at the trail’s end, drop your bikes back at the depot and then head up to your hotel for the night (approx. 15-20 min walk, but plenty of refreshment options along the way). Dinner tonight is on your own – a perfect opportunity to unwind and reward yourself for your hard work
Cycling: 82km - Grade 2/Easy
Accommodation: Poshtel Hotel
Meals: Breakfast at B&B & packed lunch to eat on the trail
Day 9 - Oamaru to Christchurch
Today after checking out from your hotel, you head to the Intercity bus stop which is a conveniently located 1 minute walk from the hotel, to catch your bus to Christchurch. Congratulations on completing one of New Zealand’s greatest bike trails!
Cycling: No Cycling today
Accommodation: Motel in Christchurch
Meals: Continental breakfast at hotel
Driving: Bus from Oamaru to Christchurch
Day 10 - Flight from Christchurch to Brisbane
You have the morning at leisure before we head to the airport in the afternoon for our flight home