Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Stretching from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is New Zealand's longest cycle trail, offering an epic journey through the heart of the South Island. This 300+ km route takes you from Aoraki/Mount Cook to Oamaru, weaving through glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, and high-country sheep stations. It's a bucket-list ride for cyclists of all levels, with mostly easy to moderate terrain and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn.

Highlights & What to See

• Braided rivers and glacial lakes – Pedal alongside the braided Tasman and Tekapo rivers, with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook on clear days.
• Lake Pukaki – The surreal milky-blue water is a photographer's dream; stop at the viewpoints along the trail.
• Twizel – A friendly town with great cafés and the perfect spot to refuel or break the ride.
• Omarama Clay Cliffs – A short detour leads to otherworldly pinnacles and hoodoos.
• Lake Benmore and the Waitaki Valley – Ride along the shores of New Zealand's largest man-made lake, with hydro dams and picnic spots.
• Oamaru's Victorian precinct – The trail ends in this charming town, famous for its limestone buildings, steampunk vibe, and little blue penguins.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most cyclists take 4–6 days to complete the full trail, riding 50–70 km per day. This allows time to soak in the scenery, stop for photos, and enjoy side trips. If you're short on time, you can pick a section – the stretch from Twizel to Oamaru is particularly rewarding for a 2–3 day ride. Shuttle services and luggage transfers make it easy to go point-to-point.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Start your journey with a hike to the Tasman Glacier or a scenic flight over the peaks.
• Lake Tekapo – Famous for the Church of the Good Shepherd and incredible stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
• Wanaka – A scenic drive away, offering lakefront walks, the Puzzling World, and mountain biking trails.
• Queenstown – The adventure capital, perfect for bungee jumping, jet boating, and more cycle trails.
• Oamaru – Explore the historic harbour, the steampunk museum, and the blue penguin colony at dusk.

Please check official sources for current details.