Cycle Journeys

If you are looking for a leisurely A2O cycling itinerary, then you have found your trip. Cycle one trail section per day from the foothills of the mighty Aoraki/Mt Cook all the way to the Pacific Ocean, taking the added time to explore the townships along the way. Let us take care of the hard bits while you sit back and pedal through the stunning scenery of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Highlights

• Helicopter flight
• Tarnbrae Highpoint
• Sailors Cutting

Our A2O day ride options are suitable for all levels of riding, so choose from our options below, or talk to us about hiring a bike to explore for the day.

Lake Pukaki to Twizel (24km)

• The ride begins from the base of Tekapo B Power Station where the canal from Tekapo meets Lake Pukaki. While cycling around the lower section of Lake Pukaki you will have stunning views up the lake to Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. More scenic photographs are taken from this section of trail than anywhere else on the Alps to Ocean route. Once reaching the bottom of Lake Pukaki the trail diverts off towards Twizel and zig-zags across an expansive flat tussock plain, terrain typical of this region of New Zealand, and an area encased in superb vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Tekapo to Twizel (55km)

• Begin from Lake Tekapo Village and enjoy an easy cycle following the canal as it flows from Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki. The first highlight is passing the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon farm located in the canal itself, and a few minutes later you will reach the top of Tekapo B Power Station. The 130-metre elevation above Lake Pukaki provides brilliant views of the Southern Alps and surrounding Mackenzie Basin. A few km from here and the trail around the lower section of Lake Pukaki begins. The trail then diverts away from Lake Pukaki and crosses the ‘Twizel Flats’ alpine tussock plain enroute to Twizel township itself.

Lake Ohau to Twizel (38km)

• This ride begins from Lake Ohau Lodge and follows the lake edge with views of the Ben Ohau mountain range and Lake Ohau itself. The smooth flowing track around Lake Ohau is flat and easy and enjoyable for all abilities, and is considered one of the top three lakeside trails of the Alps to Ocean. Maybe take some morning tea or lunch and stop along the lakeside at the halfway point. After crossing the Ohau Weir you will follow the Twizel canal and the quiet rural back-roads heading into Twizel township.

Cycle from the foothills of the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook or Lake Tekapo and wind your way through the golden tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country, through the Waitaki Valley, all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided cycle tour. We will move your luggage, find the best suited accommodation and take care of all the hard bits while you sit back and pedal through the stunning scenery of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Highlights

• Helicopter flight
• Tarnbrae Highpoint
• Sailors Cutting

Cycle from the foothills of the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook, or Lake Tekapo and wind your way through the golden tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country, through the Waitaki Valley, all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided cycle tour. We will move your luggage, find the best suited accommodation and take care of all the hard bits while you sit back and pedal through the stunning scenery of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Highlights

• Helicopter flight
• Tarnbrae Highpoint
• Sailors Cutting

The jewel in the crown of the A2O trail, the Lake Benmore trail section will take you on a route around the lake never before accessible to the public and features a panoramic vista from above the largest water retaining structure in New Zealand, the massive Benmore Dam.

If you are looking for a cycle trip shorter in duration than cycling the entire trail, but one that is condensed with stunning landscapes then choose our A2O Hydro Lakes itinerary.

It is also possible to start from Aoraki Mt Cook if you prefer this option.

Highlights

• Clay Cliffs
• Omarama Hot Tubs
• Sailors Cutting to Benmore trail section

The Women Only Savai'i Escape is a 9-night cycling and cultural journey through Samoa's rugged "Big Island," run by Cycle Journeys in partnership with Outdoor Samoa. Designed for women travelling solo who want built-in companionship, the trip pairs eight days of guided riding (8-42 km per day) with a turtle kayaking day trip through mangroves and out to a lagoon turtle feeding ground.

Along the way riders explore lava fields, blowholes at Taga, waterfalls at Afu Aau and traditional villages, with a cultural village cycle tour led by female Samoan guides. Days mix coastal riding beside lagoons with short, sharp inland climbs, and wrap up with swims, snorkelling and a traditional umu feast.

Accommodation blends air-conditioned twin-share hotel rooms, beachfront fales and one night of communal marae-style lodging, with a support van handling luggage transfers and water top-ups throughout.

Highlights

• Kayak through mangroves to spot a bale of turtles feeding in a lagoon
• Cultural village cycle tour led by female Samoan guides
• Traditional umu feast and a farm tour (as seen on NZ's Country Calendar)
• Explore lava fields, lava caves and the Pe'ape'a bird cave at Letui
• Blowholes at Taga and a swim at the Afu Aau waterfalls
• Snorkelling in coral gardens, with gear provided

Surface and terrain:

Riding is mostly on sealed roads through villages and along the lagoon, with two short unsealed sections (gravel/sand near Falealupo and Cape Mulinuu). Terrain varies day to day: some flatter coastal stretches, gentle undulations through forest, and a few short, sharp inland climbs, including a steep ascent to Aopo followed by a fast, steep descent into Asau. Daily distances range from 8 to 42 km across the 8 riding days.

Weather:

Samoa has a tropical climate year-round with warm, humid conditions; a wetter season runs roughly November to April and a cooler, drier season from May to October.

Suitable for:

Women travelling solo or in a group who want built-in companionship, comfortable with daily rides of 8-42 km and a mix of cycling, kayaking and cultural activities rather than a high-mileage challenge.

Over the course of this trip we have put together the best of the Alps 2 Ocean and will provide you with an appropriate level of support. On this self-guided trip, you will have the freedom to arrange your own schedule of travel while always having the support from Cycle Journeysmaru providing the mighty Waitaki River experience with its dams and beautiful lakes, perhaps as a second visit trail experience.Several different options are possible to mix and match accommodation which will provide a varying length of rides and different overnight locations.

Highlights

• Glacier Explorer Boat Trip
• Sir Edmund Hillary Museum
• Celebratory lunch at the Criterion Hotel

By spending your second night in Hokitika, you have the opportunity to enjoy the beach, visit other local attractions and dine at the many restaurants and cafes on offer.

When shuttling between the trail sections and Hokitika you will also have the opportunity to interact with our friendly local shuttle drivers and hear some amazing stories about the area.

We will move your luggage, find the best-suited accommodation and take care of all the hard bits. Check out the itinerary below and make your next cycling holiday the best yet!

Highlights

• Treetop Walk
• Hokitika Gorge
• Lake Kaniere

Discover historic gold-mining towns, wild native bush and rugged coastlines, all whilst taking in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Southern Alps and the beauty of the Hokitika Gorge. Your trail experience will be highlighted by designing and carving your own Pounamu (also known as NZ Jade or Greenstone) with the assistance of a local carving artist.

Highlights

• Pounamu carving workshop
• Treetop Walk
• Hokitika Gorge experience

You will discover historic gold-mining towns, wild native bush, and rugged coastlines, while taking in awe-inspiring vistas of the Southern Alps along the way.

Highlights

• Treetop Walk
• Lake Kaniere