A2O Cycle Trips

G

Enjoy your perfect cycling holiday.

Lakeland Explorer specialises in supported cycle trips on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Choose from one day to an entire week for your Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail adventure. We take the hassle and risk out of planning it all, with our pre-arranged trips to ensure you have a wonderful experience.

“Jill from Lakeland Explorer organised the transport, bike hire, accommodation, meals and back-up van for our Alps 2 Ocean trip. From the pre-trip communication through on-trip support and information to the post-trip photos her service was superb. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jill and Lakeland Explorer and would happily use their services again.”

Ele Ludemann

Trip Advisor

The A2O Day Tripper

A day of spectacular scenery, biking along the best A2O lakeside and canal trails.

We provide your bike, equipment, transport and trail support. We will help you choose the best ride for your day’s cycling and provide safe parking for your vehicle in Twizel. The bike is yours for the day, we are a phone call away for assistance. Picnic and dining options available.

Pre-trip: Meet at Twizel for bike and equipment fitting and briefing.

Day trip: Shuttle to Lake Pukaki, cycle A2O Trail to Twizel (25-40km).

Post-trip: Return equipment to designated drop-off location.

Includes:

Bike and equipment, transport to or from the trail, maps, directions, safety information.

Options are available for shorter or longer trips. Ask our team for recommendations.

Variations on the standard ride include:

Aoraki Mount Cook start (55km or 75km), which can include a helicopter flight across the Tasman River
Lake Tekapo (40-55km), the official alternative start of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Optional extras:

Packed lunch, e-bike upgrade.

Lakeland Explorer encourages cyclists to bring their own refillable drink bottles. For environmental reasons we don’t support the use of single-use drink bottles.

Pre-trip: Meet at Twizel for bike and equipment fitting and briefing.

Day trip: Shuttle to Lake Ohau, cycle A2O Trail to Twizel (40km).

Post-trip: Return equipment to designated drop-off location.

Includes:

Bike and equipment, transport, maps, directions, safety information.

Options are available for shorter or longer trips. Ask our team for recommendations.

Variations on the standard ride include:

Twizel – Lake Ohau – Omarama (80km ride, for fit cyclists only)
Lake Ohau – Omarama (40km)

Optional extras:

Packed lunch, e-bike upgrade.

Coffee or lunch at Lake Ohau Lodge.

Soak and relax post-ride at the Omarama Hot Tubs before your return shuttle to Twizel (Omarama rides only).

Lakeland Explorer encourages cyclists to bring their own refillable drink bottles. For environmental reasons we don’t support the use of single-use drink bottles.

Pre-trip: Meet at Twizel for bike and equipment fitting and briefing.

Day trip: Shuttle to Otematata, cycle A2O Trail – Otematata to Lake Benmore Dam to Sailors Cutting to Omarama (36km).

Enjoy an afternoon beverage at the Wrinkly Rams Cafe or Omarama Hotel before your return shuttle to Twizel. Or go for a post-ride soak in the Omarama Hot Tubs.

Post-trip: Return shuttle to Twizel.

Includes:

Bike and equipment, transport, maps, directions, safety information, transport to/from the trail.

Options are available for shorter or longer trips. Ask our team for recommendations.

Variations on the standard ride include:

Omarama – Otematata – return transport from Otematata Lakes Hotel (36km)
Quailburn – Ahuriri River – Omarama – Sailors Cutting – Omarama (40km)
Quailburn – Clay Cliffs – Ahuriri River – Omarama (25km)

Optional extras:

Packed lunch, e-bike upgrade.

Lakeland Explorer encourages cyclists to bring their own refillable drink bottles. For environmental reasons we don’t support the use of single-use drink bottles.

Pricing and Inclusions

Priced from $120 per person (price varies for different segments of the trail). Discount available for groups.

The A2O Weekender

Enjoy a weekend cycling adventure with two days and two nights on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Weekender trips can run from Thursday-Saturday, Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday.

Tekapo to Lake Ohau

Start from the alpine resort town of Takapō / Lake Tekapo, world-famous for its natural beauty and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd.

Scenic views of the Southern Alps and across the Mackenzie Basin, riding alongside the Takapō / Tekapo Canal. Ride the lower reaches of Lake Pukaki, following the flow of ancient glaciers across the Pukaki Flats to the historic hydro town of Twizel.

Ride alongside the Lake Ōhau foreshore, skirting the foot of the Ben Ohau Range to the picturesque alpine resort village of Lake Ohau.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Aoraki Mount Cook to Twizel

Ride from the Southern Alps at New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, alongside the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Ride the lower reaches of Lake Pukaki, following the flow of ancient glaciers across the Pukaki Flats to the historic hydro town of Twizel.

On this epic journey from the Southern Alps into the Mackenzie Country, the ice-blue waters of glacier-fed hydro-lakes and canals nestle into the golden tussock of open high country. If you’re looking for natural grandeur, this ride will deliver it.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Aoraki Mount Cook to Lake Ohau

Ride from the Southern Alps at New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, alongside the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Ride the lower reaches of Lake Pukaki, following the flow of ancient glaciers across the Pukaki Flats to the historic hydro town of Twizel. Then skirt the foot of the Ben Ohau Range to the picturesque alpine resort village of Lake Ohau.

On this epic journey from the Southern Alps into the Mackenzie Country, the ice-blue waters of glacier-fed hydro-lakes and canals nestle into the golden tussock of open high country. If you’re looking for natural grandeur, this ride will deliver it.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Twizel to Omarama

Ride alongside canals and the Lake Ōhau foreshore, taking in scenic views of the Southern Alps. Skirt the foot of the Ben Ohau Range to the picturesque alpine resort village of Lake Ohau.

This section includes a steady 300m climb, spread over a generous 12km, to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail high point, Tarnbrae High Point (900m).

The winding descent travels through golden meadow to quintessentially rural Quailburn Road, passing a beautiful historic woolshed along the way, and the turnoff to see geological wonders, the Omarama Clay Cliffs. Then onward to the country town of Omarama, with its wonderful soothing outdoor hot tubs.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Pricing

Priced from $760 per person (based on double/twin-share accommodation)

Optional extras:

E-bike upgrade
Single room accommodation
Post-trip overnight stay
Vehicle relocation
Post-ride soak and relax at the Omarama Hot Tubs (Omarama trips only)

Contact us for an obligation-free itinerary and quote.

Inclusions

Two days cycling the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
Two nights accommodation, double or twin share, standard or superior level
All trip meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner (excludes pre-trip and post-trip dinner)
Bike and equipment, itinerary, trail notes, maps, directions, safety information
Transport and luggage transfers

Additional Information

We cater for small groups with our personal, friendly service
We take the hassle out of you organising your own trip and bookings.
Accommodation is a mix of motel, hotel, lodge, private cottage, farm-stay, bed and breakfast
Accommodation is a mix of standard level (good quality) and superior level (very good quality)
Meals are a mix of café, restaurant, host-prepared meals, and daily packed lunches
If driving to Twizel, car parking is available while you are on the trail
Public transport available daily from Christchurch Airport or Queenstown Airport to Twizel
Luggage is transferred daily to your accommodation (for health and safety reasons maximum weight per bag of 15kg)

The A2O Long Weekender

Escape to the luxury of a long weekend away biking the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Tekapo – Twizel – Lake Ohau – Omarama

— 3 days, 3 nights

Start from the alpine resort town of Takapō / Lake Tekapo, world-famous for its natural beauty and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd.

Scenic views of the Southern Alps and across the Mackenzie Basin, riding alongside the Takapō / Tekapo Canal. Ride the lower reaches of Lake Pukaki, following the flow of ancient glaciers across the Pukaki Flats to the historic hydro town of Twizel.

Ride alongside the Lake Ōhau foreshore, skirting the foot of the Ben Ohau Range to the picturesque alpine resort village of Lake Ohau.

This section includes a steady 300m climb, spread over a generous 12km, to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail high point, Tarnbrae High Point (900m).

The winding descent travels through golden meadow to quintessentially rural Quailburn Road, passing a beautiful historic woolshed along the way, and the turnoff to see geological wonders, the Omarama Clay Cliffs. Then onward to the country town of Omarama, with its wonderful soothing outdoor hot tubs.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Aoraki Mount Cook – Twizel – Lake Ohau – Omarama

— 3 days, 3 nights

Ride from the Southern Alps at New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, alongside the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki.

Ride the lower reaches of Lake Pukaki, following the flow of ancient glaciers across the Pukaki Flats to the historic hydro town of Twizel.

Ride alongside the Lake Ōhau foreshore, skirting the foot of the Ben Ohau Range to the picturesque alpine resort village of Lake Ohau.

This section includes a steady 300m climb, spread over a generous 12km, to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail high point, Tarnbrae High Point (900m).

The winding descent travels through golden meadow to quintessentially rural Quailburn Road, passing a beautiful historic woolshed along the way, and the turnoff to see geological wonders, the Omarama Clay Cliffs. Then onward to the country town of Omarama, with its wonderful soothing outdoor hot tubs.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Aoraki Mount Cook – Braemar Station – Twizel – Lake Ohau – Omarama

— 4 days, 4 nights

This option includes an overnight farmstay at Braemar Station, a high country station along the shore of Lake Pukaki.

Ride from the Southern Alps at New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, alongside the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki.

Ride the lower reaches of Lake Pukaki, following the flow of ancient glaciers across the Pukaki Flats to the historic hydro town of Twizel.

Ride alongside the Lake Ōhau foreshore, skirting the foot of the Ben Ohau Range to the picturesque alpine resort village of Lake Ohau.

This section includes a steady 300m climb, spread over a generous 12km, to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail high point, Tarnbrae High Point (900m).

The winding descent travels through golden meadow to quintessentially rural Quailburn Road, passing a beautiful historic woolshed along the way, and the turnoff to see geological wonders, the Omarama Clay Cliffs. Then onward to the country town of Omarama, with its wonderful soothing outdoor hot tubs.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Waitaki Valley Long Weekender (Omarama to Oamaru)

— 4 days, 4 nights

The Waitaki Valley delivers a geo-park of wonders.

The ride meanders past hydro lakes and rivers, from golden tussock country to beautiful vineyards. Experience ever-changing vistas on your journey towards the Pacific coast.

Your final destination is Ōamaru, a town famous for its neo classical “Ōamaru Stone” Victorian buildings, art galleries and the little blue penguins.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Alps 2 Ocean Trail Turbo (Aoraki Mount Cook or Tekapo to Oamaru)

— 4 days, 4 nights

Ask us for more information about this trip, designed for fit and fast cyclists who want to ride the entire Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail in four days.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Pricing

Priced from $1090 per person (based on double/twin-share accommodation)

Optional extras:

E-bike upgrade
Single room accommodation
Post-trip overnight stay
Vehicle relocation
Post-ride soak and relax at the Omarama Hot Tubs (Omarama trips only)

Contact us for an obligation-free itinerary and quote.

Inclusions

Three or four days cycling the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (depending on your chosen itinerary)
Three or four nights accommodation (depending on your chosen itinerary), double or twin share, standard or superior level
All trip meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner (excludes pre-trip and post-trip dinner)
Bike and equipment, itinerary, trail notes, maps, directions, safety information
Transport and luggage transfers

Additional Information

We cater for small groups with our personal, friendly service
We take the hassle out of you organising your own trip and bookings.
Accommodation is a mix of motel, hotel, lodge, private cottage, farm-stay, bed and breakfast
Accommodation is a mix of standard level (good quality) and superior level (very good quality)
Meals are a mix of café, restaurant, host-prepared meals, and daily packed lunches
If driving to Twizel, car parking is available while you are on the trail
Public transport available daily from Christchurch Airport or Queenstown Airport to Twizel
Luggage is transferred daily to your accommodation (for health and safety reasons maximum weight per bag of 15kg)

The A2O Week Away

An epic week-long holiday to experience the entire Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

The A2O Week Away can be structured as a 6-day/6-night or 7-day/7-night itinerary.

Tekapo to Oamaru

— 6 days, 6 nights

Start from the alpine resort town of Takapō / Lake Tekapo, world-famous for its natural beauty and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd.

Scenic views of the Southern Alps and across the Mackenzie Basin, riding alongside the Takapō / Tekapo Canal.

Ride the lower reaches of Lake Pukaki, following the flow of ancient glaciers across the Pukaki Flats to the historic hydro town of Twizel.

Ride alongside the Lake Ōhau foreshore, skirting the foot of the Ben Ohau Range to the picturesque alpine resort village of Lake Ohau.

This section includes a steady 300m climb, spread over a generous 12km, to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail high point, Tarnbrae High Point (900m).

The winding descent travels through golden meadow to quintessentially rural Quailburn Road, passing a beautiful historic woolshed along the way, and the turnoff to see geological wonders, the Omarama Clay Cliffs. Then onward to the country town of Omarama, with its wonderful soothing outdoor hot tubs.

Leaving Omarama, the Waitaki Valley delivers a geo-park of wonders.

The ride meanders past hydro lakes and rivers, from golden tussock country to beautiful vineyards. Experience ever-changing vistas on your journey towards the Pacific coast.

Your final destination is Ōamaru, a town famous for its neo classical“Ōamaru Stone”Victorian buildings, art galleries and the little blue penguins.

Contact us for an itinerary and quote.

Aoraki Mount Cook to Oamaru