Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

New Zealand's longest cycle trail, the Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) is a 300+ km journey from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. Beginning near Aoraki/Mount Cook, the trail winds through braided river valleys, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows before reaching the coast at Oamaru. This is a bucket-list ride for cyclists of all abilities, with well-graded gravel paths and stunning scenery that changes daily.

Highlights & What to See

• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – start at the foot of New Zealand's highest peak, with views of the Tasman Glacier and its terminal lake.
• Lake Pukaki – ride alongside this milky-turquoise lake, fed by glacial flour, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop.
• Twizel – a charming town with great cafes and the famous salmon farms; try fresh salmon sashimi.
• Ohau and Tekapo canals – follow the hydro canals where you can spot salmon and take in wide-open skies.
• Waitaki Valley – pedal through dramatic limestone gorges, vineyards, and historic gold-mining settlements.
• Oamaru – end at the Victorian precinct and the blue penguin colony; celebrate with a local craft beer.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 4–6 days to ride the full trail at a comfortable pace, covering 50–70 km per day. Most riders start in Aoraki/Mount Cook and head south, taking advantage of prevailing tailwinds. You can also tackle shorter sections as day rides – the twisty section from Twizel to Lake Ohau is a popular half-day option. Plan for a mix of accommodation: holiday parks, B&Bs, and lodges along the way.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – after the ride, head west for glacier hikes and rainforest walks.
• Queenstown & Wanaka – 2–3 hours south for bungee jumping, wine tours, and lake views.
• Hanmer Springs – soak in thermal pools after the ride, about 2 hours north.
• Christchurch – start or end your South Island adventure in the garden city, 3 hours north of Oamaru.
• Dunedin – a detour to the wildlife capital for albatross, penguins, and Scottish heritage.

Please check official sources for current details.