ALPS 2 OCEAN
Riders on the Pūkaki foreshore © Rachel Gillespie BELOW: Southern Alps © George Empson
Cycle Trail GREAT RIDE • ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL
BEST FOR: Discovering New Zealand’s staggeringly diverse landscape in one, ultimate trip.
AORAKI MT COOK VILLAGE to ŌAMARU 6 days
306km
Are you ready for pit stops like no other? From picnics under snow-capped mountains to refreshing swims in alpine lakes, things are about to get extraordinary. Currently New Zealand’s longest cycling trail, this one takes you from the Alps to the ocean over six incredible days.
TOP TIP – If you decide to start from Aoraki Mt Cook, a helicopter flight is required to cross the Tasman River after an initial 7km of cycling.
110
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he trail is split into nine parts ranging from easy to intermediate, so it’s also possible to create a day trip. Alternatively, you could tick off a couple of sections over the course of a weekend. The benefit of making it a multi-day affair is staying at various lodges, motels and cosy B&Bs. Riders can start from either Tekapō or Aoraki Mt Cook from where a mix of sealed road, dirt and grass pathways, as well as smooth and rough shingle make up the route. Tracks wander below chalky-white mountains of Mt Cook National Park, vast open plains such as the Pūkaki Flats, springy forest trail and six expansive lakes, including the phenomenally blue lakes of Pūkaki and Tekapō. You’ll take in the lofty views of Aoraki Mt Cook reflecting in Lake Pūkaki, and a small detour leads to the hoodoo-style rock formations at Clay Cliffs. You’ll climb to the highest point on the trail to marvel at the Mackenzie Basin and enjoy long stretches of fast downhill. This ride also takes in as many small towns, pubs, cafés and vineyards (specifically in Waitaki wine country) as it does natural highlights, so you’re never too far from good food and a yarn with the locals. Your ride concludes when you reach the Pacific Ocean next to Ōamaru.
