The Alps To Ocean is New Zealand’s longest cycle trail, it serves up epic vistas on its way from the foot of the Southern Alps all the way to the Pacific Ocean. New Zealand’s highest mountain – Aoraki/Mt Cook – is just one of many stunning sights on this unforgettable journey to the sea. Amidst the grandeur of braided rivers, glacier-carved valleys, turquoise hydro-lakes, tussock-covered highlands and rural plains are plenty of off-the-bike activities including wine-tasting, penguin-spotting, glider flights and soaking in alfresco hot tubs.With Ventouro's signature trail support you will be able to enjoy each moment of the ride. Your every need is catered for, whether it be a homemade snack while on the bike, tailored tips and information from your local guide or a perfectly selected meal to complete your day.Non-riding partners are also very welcome, at a discounted price you will get to explore South Canterbury just as much as the riders, and have time to delve deeper into historic towns such as Oamaru and enjoy other local activities. For more information on itinerary, dates, food and accommodation email [email protected] Trip Details Trip HighlightsThe scenery from the sky to seaSurreal turquoise lakesBackcountry trailsDetails of the trip6 nightsRides between 39 to 77kmMax group size of 14Non-riding partners welcomeGuided rides most daysCouples or shared roomsSingle supplement appliesAirport transfersAll food includedSports nutritionDaily laundryVentouro goodie bagVentouro T-shirtBike hire included Itinerary ArrivalDirect flights into Queenstown from both Auckland and Australia mean there will be time to explore the town. Transfer from Queenstown to Mt Cook Village via Tarrus and Pukaki 4h drive The drive to Mt Cook will really get you excited for the days ahead. We will stop for lunch, along the way and see the beautiful turquoise water of Lake Pukaki. From here we have a short 1hr drive onto our accommodation for the night at Mt Cook Village. Depending on time and daylight, we recommend one of the stunning short walks (1hr) up the glacial valleys towards the base of Mt Cook itself or just enjoy some time browsing the museum and information centre in the village.Lodging: The HermitageDay 1Mt Cook - TwizelDistance 77km, Grade 2 EasyA short warm-up ride from The Hermitage takes you down to Mt Cook Airport. Here a helicopter awaits to fly you a short 10min trip over the Tasman River with spectacular views of the mountains. From here the trail heads towards Braemar Rd on the edge of Lake Pukaki to the Pakaki Flats into Twizel.Lodging: TwizelDay 2Twizel - Lake OhauDistance 38km, Grade 2 EasyAs we leave the town centre private canal roads take us towards the shores of Lake Ohau. From here, the trail runs along the lake edge up to the iconic Lake Oahu Lodge for a delicious home-cooked meal.Lodging: Lake Ohau Lodge Day 3Lake Ohau - Omarama Distance 41km, Grade 3 IntermediateThe trail starts at the base of the road up to the Lake Ohau Ski Field. From here we climb up the highest point on the trail as it traverses the lower slopes of the Ruataniwha Conservation Park. A small detour gives us the option to visit the naturally formed ‘Clay Cliffs’ before a flat run into Omarama.Lodging: OmaramaDay 4Omarama - Campbell Park via Otematata Distance 70km, Grade 2 - 3 Easy/IntermediateHere the trail follows the highway towards Chain Hill. A purpose made shingle track provides views of Lake Benmore before we rejoin the road at Sailors Cutting and head towards the top of Benmore Dam. As we descend the other side we skirt around the edge of Lake Aviemore towards Kurow.Lodging: Campbell ParkDay 5Campbell Park - Oamaru Distance 65km, Grade 2 - 3 Easy/IntermediateOur final day on the trails has a little bit of everything. We leave our accommodation on the road and head past the mysterious elephant rocks. Then it is on to a combination of trails, road and farmland before the historic Rakis Railway Tunnel and a beautiful shingle path all the way into Oamaru.Lodging: Oamaru Day 6Transfer from Oamaru - Queenstown Today is the end of our tour, after spending a lovely evening in the historic town of Oamaru we will have a relaxed departure before starting our drive back to Queenstown. You will be back in Queenstown by 1pmLodging: n/aTotal Distance 301km, Grade 2 - 3 Easy/Intermediate
