Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Stretching 301 kilometres from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is New Zealand’s longest cycle trail and a bucket-list ride for adventure cyclists. This mostly off-road journey follows the braided rivers of the Mackenzie Basin, skirts glacier-fed lakes, and rolls through the limestone landscapes of the Waitaki Valley before reaching the coast at Oamaru. Built on old farm tracks, riverbeds, and rail corridors, it's a well-maintained grade 2-3 trail that suits moderately fit riders. The ever-changing scenery—from Aoraki/Mount Cook’s snow-capped peaks to the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and the quirky Victorian precinct of Oamaru—makes each day distinctly memorable. Self-supported riders will find a string of charming towns with bike-friendly accommodation and hearty cafés; if you don’t have your own wheels, quality e-bikes and mountain bikes are available for hire in Twizel and Ōmarama.

Highlights & What to See

• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: Start (or finish) at the Hermitage Hotel with jaw-dropping views of New Zealand’s highest peak.
• Lake Pukaki: Ride alongside its electric-blue waters, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop—stop at the salmon farm for a fresh snack.
• Twizel River braids: A scenic section crossing wide, shingle riverbeds with mountain panoramas.
• Ōmarama Clay Cliffs: A short detour to otherworldly pinnacles and hoodoos, perfect for a photo stop.
• Waitaki Valley hydro dams: The trail weaves past Benmore, Aviemore, and Waitaki dams, with opportunities to spot rare black stilt (kakī) at the Ahuriri Wetland.
• Oamaru’s Victorian Heritage Precinct: End the ride with a well-earned craft beer and a wander among limestone buildings, home to steampunk galleries and little blue penguins.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most riders complete the trail in 4 to 6 days, covering 50–70 km per day. A 5-day itinerary is ideal: day 1 from Mount Cook Village to Twizel (56 km), day 2 from Twizel to Ōmarama (44 km), day 3 from Ōmarama to Otematata (52 km), day 4 from Otematata to Duntroon (70 km), and day 5 from Duntroon to Oamaru (68 km). Allow an extra day for side trips, such as the Clay Cliffs or a visit to the Moeraki Boulders. E-bike riders can comfortably shorten this to 3–4 days. The trail is rideable year-round, but the best conditions are from October to April; in winter, snow can close high sections.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Whale Watching – Kaikōura’s sperm whales and dusky dolphins are a spectacular marine-life detour, best done before or after the ride.
• Peninsula Walkway – A coastal walk on the Kaikōura Peninsula with seal colonies and sweeping ocean views, ideal for a recovery day.
• Aoraki/Mount Cook Village – Extend your trip with glacier hikes, stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, or a scenic flight over the Tasman Glacier.
• Lake Tekapo – Just north of the trail, this lake offers the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, hot pools, and some of the world’s best stargazing.
• Ōamaru – Beyond the trail’s end, explore the blue penguin colony, steampunk museum, and local cheese and wine producers.

Please check official sources for current details.