Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
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09:00–17:00
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Tom W
Ann Arbor, MI3 bidrag
mar. 2023
We used CycleVentures for this trip and it was absolutely fantastic! This made our trip to New Zealand so much more informative and interesting by riding a bike through the landscape and staying at local hotels and bed and breakfasts. Mark and Lewis at Cycle Ventures were just over the top with their customer service and guiding. We felt like we were saying goodbye to close friends by the time we left. Book directly with CycleVentures for the best rates.
We can't recommend CycleVentures and this ride too highly! Seriously.
We can't recommend CycleVentures and this ride too highly! Seriously.
Skrevet 12. mars 2023
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tibou73
North Narrabeen, Australia80 bidrag
jan. 2023 • Familie
I did the trail as a mum with her 9 year old son. We totally loved it even though it was challenging at times and will give some tips here :-
- buy sun block lip balm from day one;
- yes to padded seat and shorts but chaffing cream not really needed;
- check if the company are providing pedal assist e bikes or true e bikes as the ones we had did not have a lot of power;
- if you are worried it is too long, the best part to skip is between kurow and Duntroon (very flat and you only miss a few hydro stations);
- don’t stay in otetemetala- only one restaurant / hotel and not good place, best to push through and go straight to kurow.
Mariner suites at Oamaru at end was a lovely way to finish .
- buy sun block lip balm from day one;
- yes to padded seat and shorts but chaffing cream not really needed;
- check if the company are providing pedal assist e bikes or true e bikes as the ones we had did not have a lot of power;
- if you are worried it is too long, the best part to skip is between kurow and Duntroon (very flat and you only miss a few hydro stations);
- don’t stay in otetemetala- only one restaurant / hotel and not good place, best to push through and go straight to kurow.
Mariner suites at Oamaru at end was a lovely way to finish .
Skrevet 6. januar 2023
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travelbug_aegn
Melbourne, Australia73 bidrag
des. 2022
We had an amazing 4 days cycling part of Alps 2 Ocean as a family group, 3 adults, 2 14 year olds, a 12 year old, a 10 year old and a 9 year old. I was the only person with an e bike which most of the time I used in Eco mode, just a very welcome help, but a couple of places was very necessary due to the steep uphill and rough terrain.
The 9 year old and myself cycled from Tekapo B Power Station to Twizel on the first day (just 26km) while the rest of the group cycled from Lake Tekapo (50km) day. Starting at Tekapo B was a very good choice for our 9 year old who while comfortable on a bike was not used to cycling on gravel. Stunning vistas as we travelled around Lake Pukaki
Day 2 we cycled from Twizel to Lake Ohau staying at Lake Ohau Lodge. Totally recommend the lodge will review separately.
Day 3 we cycled from Lake Ohau to Omarama.
Day 4 we cycled from Omarama to Benmore Dam. As others have said, this day was truly spectacular scenery, and a little bit scary at times. However, my cautious 9 year old managed just fine so I would say be careful but enjoy it. This day had some very punishing gravel sections which ended up in a fair bit of pushing for the kids with less fitness. It didn’t matter, everyone enjoyed the day.
Half the group hired bikes in Twizel, the other half had their own. We shuttled cars each night, and stayed in motels along the way. There is no food or water during the day, so you need to bring everything you need during the day on the bike with you.
A wonderful visually stunning experience.
For me, with dodgy knees, the e bike was an absolute lifesaver. But probably not necessary for most fairly active cyclists. However, a bit of practice on rough gravel would have been really helpful beforehand for the kids.
The 9 year old and myself cycled from Tekapo B Power Station to Twizel on the first day (just 26km) while the rest of the group cycled from Lake Tekapo (50km) day. Starting at Tekapo B was a very good choice for our 9 year old who while comfortable on a bike was not used to cycling on gravel. Stunning vistas as we travelled around Lake Pukaki
Day 2 we cycled from Twizel to Lake Ohau staying at Lake Ohau Lodge. Totally recommend the lodge will review separately.
Day 3 we cycled from Lake Ohau to Omarama.
Day 4 we cycled from Omarama to Benmore Dam. As others have said, this day was truly spectacular scenery, and a little bit scary at times. However, my cautious 9 year old managed just fine so I would say be careful but enjoy it. This day had some very punishing gravel sections which ended up in a fair bit of pushing for the kids with less fitness. It didn’t matter, everyone enjoyed the day.
Half the group hired bikes in Twizel, the other half had their own. We shuttled cars each night, and stayed in motels along the way. There is no food or water during the day, so you need to bring everything you need during the day on the bike with you.
A wonderful visually stunning experience.
For me, with dodgy knees, the e bike was an absolute lifesaver. But probably not necessary for most fairly active cyclists. However, a bit of practice on rough gravel would have been really helpful beforehand for the kids.
Skrevet 3. januar 2023
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Liz
1 bidrag
des. 2022
We did 4 out of the 6 days on the Alps2Ocean cycle trail self-guided and supported by Cycle Journeys. It was spectacular. Each day we thought the scenery and experience couldn't get better, but it did. Just be warned that there is some serious mountain biking here that was both hard and scary. Ultimately, I'm glad I did it, but had I known in advance, I might not have. I got an ebike for the first time and am really glad I did. I'm a strong rider, but at age 66, it was at times a real stretch.
Skrevet 31. desember 2022
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Neil B
Auckland, New Zealand1Â 145 bidrag
okt. 2022 • Familie
An amazing adventure. We cycled the trail as a three-generation family group, the oldest 57 years and the youngest 14 months. The toddler alternated between a Thule bike trailer and a standard bike seat. We started at the Tekapo alternative start and cycled seven days, riding between ~30 and 50km per day. The rider towing the trailer used an e-bike, while the rest of us went for standard pedal power.
The A2O was fantastic and crosses through some stunning scenery. The trail surface ranges from road (sealed and unsealed) to finely graded gravel to a couple of more challenging rocky sections. As you’d expect from the trail name, the gradient is generally downhill, although there are a couple of sections with decent climbs, particularly on leaving Lake Ohau Lodge. All of it is easily doable with a moderate level of fitness and cycling experience. We heard that the traditional Mt Cook start point begins with a much tougher section that would not have been suitable for our trailer.
While there are food and drink places at all the recommended overnight stopping points, there is not much in between. Make sure you have lunch and snacks with you before setting out each day.
We used Trail Adventures to organise our trip. They arranged bikes, shuttles, accommodation and helped with itinerary planning. They were brilliant and I’d highly recommend them. When we first started thinking about this ride, I sent enquiry emails to three firms listed on the official A2O site and asked them about doing the ride with a toddler. One of them didn’t reply, one came back with a ‘it’s too hard, we’re not really interested’ sort of response and then there was Aimee at Trail Adventures, who was very positive and supportive, sharing her own experiences of riding on the trail with her young daughter.
The A2O was fantastic and crosses through some stunning scenery. The trail surface ranges from road (sealed and unsealed) to finely graded gravel to a couple of more challenging rocky sections. As you’d expect from the trail name, the gradient is generally downhill, although there are a couple of sections with decent climbs, particularly on leaving Lake Ohau Lodge. All of it is easily doable with a moderate level of fitness and cycling experience. We heard that the traditional Mt Cook start point begins with a much tougher section that would not have been suitable for our trailer.
While there are food and drink places at all the recommended overnight stopping points, there is not much in between. Make sure you have lunch and snacks with you before setting out each day.
We used Trail Adventures to organise our trip. They arranged bikes, shuttles, accommodation and helped with itinerary planning. They were brilliant and I’d highly recommend them. When we first started thinking about this ride, I sent enquiry emails to three firms listed on the official A2O site and asked them about doing the ride with a toddler. One of them didn’t reply, one came back with a ‘it’s too hard, we’re not really interested’ sort of response and then there was Aimee at Trail Adventures, who was very positive and supportive, sharing her own experiences of riding on the trail with her young daughter.
Skrevet 14. oktober 2022
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Grant T
33 bidrag
mar. 2022 • Par
We are on the wrong side of the 60s and 70s age bracket and rode the full A2O from the Whitehorse Campground after riding from the Hermitage to the start sign. Our destination was Twizel. We had bought our own emtbs from the North Island. We rode to Mt Cook airport where we caught the chopper across the Tasman river. This was a oncer so why skimp. Awesome until we got onto Braymar / Hayman road which was badly corrugated for 30-40 kms and we had a head wind which didnt help but glad of full suspension which took a hammering. This was the worst part of the whole trail with this and dust from passing vehicles and 25c temps. Arrived in Twizel after 82.06kms and 5.5hrs. Mileage boards need correcting on this leg. At Whitehorse campground the start board states Oamaru is 301kms, after riding 8kms to the airport and crossing the river the board at Rotten Tommy says Oamaru is 300kms away. We seem to be going backwards.
Day 2 to Lake Ohau was mainly an easy on road ride but also so pleasant single track. This was 40.31kms and 2.50hrs. Awesome Ohau Lodge, well worth it.
Day 3 to Omarama was over the Tarnbrae summit in heavy fog, no views at all, the track was very rocky and would be a challenge to some bikes but we throughly enjoyed this section as our bikes are built for this sort of riding. At the far end was Quailburn Road which was a long unsealed road but easier than day 1 with a nice bit of single track at the end. We didn't detour to the Clay Cliffs but returned after we finished the A2O as our car was based at Twizel. We are glad we did it this way after seeing the road. We arrived in Omarama after 46.62km and 3.20hrs. The Ahuriri motels are a great base and right next to the trail
Day 4 to rural Kurow was the day we felt would challenge our batteries so leaving Omarama we rode economically for the first 15kms in using our batteries which paid dividends later in the day. Our destination was rural Kurow. We absolutely loved the Benmore section and as experienced mountain bikers it's a must do. The weather turned on us before we got to the dam so we had to kit up with wet weather gear.
After the dam we had 40kph+ ( we were told later) head winds for 30+ kms around the back of the lake . Obviously it would have been more enjoyable without the wind but the sealed road was quiet and the 3 dams were awesome. We arrived at our accomodation at Settlement View which was an awesome and highly recommended place to stay and after doing 74.2km and 7.15hrs later. My battery was down to its last 15%.
Day 5 from Kurow to Rural Duntroon. Started with steady rain and and 6kms of muddy unsealed road, we crossed some creeks and one was too deep to ride so carried our bikes over. We crossed several muddy cow races covered in excrement, visited Elephant rocks and so that's how we were when arriving at our final accomodationm the Tokorahi Huts some 14kms from Duntroon after 46.6kms and 3.5hrs. The last 50mtrs of driveway also covered in excrement. Unfortunately this accomodation was not geared for cyclists wet, cold and muddy. No laundry or drying facilities other than one centralized fireplace with a broken clothes rack. The temps were around 9-11c at one point and although there was a hose for cleaning mud off bikes, and undercover storage, there was very little opportunity to clean and dry gear although we did manage this. This is probably a great place in warm dry weather.
Day 6 to Oamaru dawned wet and foggy and we were relying on Fort Enfield for a food and drink break only to find it closed. Again take nothing for granted. We arrived in Oamaru off an unsealed trail onto a main road to find no directional signage. A passing motorist was kind enough to point us in the right direction. Signage through town was good. We arrived after 47kms and 3.45hrs at the A2O frame on the beach front. And 337km total on one of the most awesome bike adventures you could wish for. Five of the six night had excellent accommodation, Weather ranged from 9c to 25c, fog, rain, sun, strong headwinds, flooded creeks, and dust. The trail conditions were great with some challenges for less experienced riders.
No injuries, no break downs, tender butts and big smiles. A must do for anybody who has an interest in off road biking(there is plenty of on road) especially mountain biking. Would we do it again. If we were younger "hell yes"
Day 2 to Lake Ohau was mainly an easy on road ride but also so pleasant single track. This was 40.31kms and 2.50hrs. Awesome Ohau Lodge, well worth it.
Day 3 to Omarama was over the Tarnbrae summit in heavy fog, no views at all, the track was very rocky and would be a challenge to some bikes but we throughly enjoyed this section as our bikes are built for this sort of riding. At the far end was Quailburn Road which was a long unsealed road but easier than day 1 with a nice bit of single track at the end. We didn't detour to the Clay Cliffs but returned after we finished the A2O as our car was based at Twizel. We are glad we did it this way after seeing the road. We arrived in Omarama after 46.62km and 3.20hrs. The Ahuriri motels are a great base and right next to the trail
Day 4 to rural Kurow was the day we felt would challenge our batteries so leaving Omarama we rode economically for the first 15kms in using our batteries which paid dividends later in the day. Our destination was rural Kurow. We absolutely loved the Benmore section and as experienced mountain bikers it's a must do. The weather turned on us before we got to the dam so we had to kit up with wet weather gear.
After the dam we had 40kph+ ( we were told later) head winds for 30+ kms around the back of the lake . Obviously it would have been more enjoyable without the wind but the sealed road was quiet and the 3 dams were awesome. We arrived at our accomodation at Settlement View which was an awesome and highly recommended place to stay and after doing 74.2km and 7.15hrs later. My battery was down to its last 15%.
Day 5 from Kurow to Rural Duntroon. Started with steady rain and and 6kms of muddy unsealed road, we crossed some creeks and one was too deep to ride so carried our bikes over. We crossed several muddy cow races covered in excrement, visited Elephant rocks and so that's how we were when arriving at our final accomodationm the Tokorahi Huts some 14kms from Duntroon after 46.6kms and 3.5hrs. The last 50mtrs of driveway also covered in excrement. Unfortunately this accomodation was not geared for cyclists wet, cold and muddy. No laundry or drying facilities other than one centralized fireplace with a broken clothes rack. The temps were around 9-11c at one point and although there was a hose for cleaning mud off bikes, and undercover storage, there was very little opportunity to clean and dry gear although we did manage this. This is probably a great place in warm dry weather.
Day 6 to Oamaru dawned wet and foggy and we were relying on Fort Enfield for a food and drink break only to find it closed. Again take nothing for granted. We arrived in Oamaru off an unsealed trail onto a main road to find no directional signage. A passing motorist was kind enough to point us in the right direction. Signage through town was good. We arrived after 47kms and 3.45hrs at the A2O frame on the beach front. And 337km total on one of the most awesome bike adventures you could wish for. Five of the six night had excellent accommodation, Weather ranged from 9c to 25c, fog, rain, sun, strong headwinds, flooded creeks, and dust. The trail conditions were great with some challenges for less experienced riders.
No injuries, no break downs, tender butts and big smiles. A must do for anybody who has an interest in off road biking(there is plenty of on road) especially mountain biking. Would we do it again. If we were younger "hell yes"
Skrevet 1. april 2022
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Ski_Wanaka_NZ
Dunedin, New Zealand71 bidrag
des. 2021
This is absolutely a bucket list must do ride if your in to bike riding. But, as I said in the title, the marketing rather overlooks some of the difficulties and dangers of the ride which I'll go into as I explain the journey. My wife and I rode ourselves (not in a tour group) and stayed in accom alone the way. We have e bikes (so take that into consideration), ride to work most days and are 'pretty competent' riders. We decided to skip Mt Cook because essentially it is a short ride to the airport and then approx $350 for a very short trip in a helicopter over the river. We where dropped off at the Jolly Rd car park and did the short ride to Braemar Station accommodation. OK first caution: This road is a relatively rough, long gravel road. To be comfortable, riders must have a 'reasonable level of experience' on gravel. The road had been recently graded and was hard going. The A2O web site says, Almost anyone with a moderate level of fitness can ride the Trail. This, in my view is just not correct. They would be really freaked out and likely have a fall. To carry on: the Braemar stay is well worth the short first day and lovely place to stay. Julia was great and fantastic meal. We then went Braemar to Ohau in one ride (80KMS) which was great, but maybe a little long to allow the many photo stops. We would now recommend: Jolly Rd to Twizel first day, twizel to Ohau second. Third day Ohau to Omarama was again fantastic views, a
great ride and not as hard as some reviews or the marketing say. It's a steady (but not too steep) climb to the top and then all sorts of warnings about difficulty for the ride down (they must have some criticism about difficulty). If you take it slowly, ride inside your ability and be mentally prepared to stop and get off, it's absolutely fine. More manageable (in our view) than the gravel road!!)
Have dinner in Omarama at the Pink Glider, which offers much better choices and prices than the Pub. Open November through end of April.
Omarama to Otematata, as others say, is by FAR the best part. It is stunning scenary around Lake Benmore. So... If you want to take bits of the trip, do this one. BUT... it is actually quite dangerous and NOT for 'beginners'. We encounted day trippers coming fast the other way and if you just happened to be in the wrong spot, you could actually die falling down the sides. I'm amazed DOC or whoever manages this would allow some of the sections to open. However dying aside...stunning just the same. In Otematata, go to CJ's bar for dinner and ask if Leggy is the guy behind the bar, who offers a free drink if while opening a beer bottle, gets the cap into box in the corner.
The remainder, Otematata to Duntroon and then on to Oamaru is all worthwhile but is
not as stunning. Definitely do it, but if your time limited, you could miss these out.
Cheers
great ride and not as hard as some reviews or the marketing say. It's a steady (but not too steep) climb to the top and then all sorts of warnings about difficulty for the ride down (they must have some criticism about difficulty). If you take it slowly, ride inside your ability and be mentally prepared to stop and get off, it's absolutely fine. More manageable (in our view) than the gravel road!!)
Have dinner in Omarama at the Pink Glider, which offers much better choices and prices than the Pub. Open November through end of April.
Omarama to Otematata, as others say, is by FAR the best part. It is stunning scenary around Lake Benmore. So... If you want to take bits of the trip, do this one. BUT... it is actually quite dangerous and NOT for 'beginners'. We encounted day trippers coming fast the other way and if you just happened to be in the wrong spot, you could actually die falling down the sides. I'm amazed DOC or whoever manages this would allow some of the sections to open. However dying aside...stunning just the same. In Otematata, go to CJ's bar for dinner and ask if Leggy is the guy behind the bar, who offers a free drink if while opening a beer bottle, gets the cap into box in the corner.
The remainder, Otematata to Duntroon and then on to Oamaru is all worthwhile but is
not as stunning. Definitely do it, but if your time limited, you could miss these out.
Cheers
Skrevet 14. desember 2021
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adiegel
Auckland, New Zealand2 bidrag
mai 2021
Absolutely fantastic ride. Self organised and rode with panniers over 6 days; accommodation on way was great- highly recommend duntroon hotel service abs food were impeccable)
Trail is mostly off road and when on the road on extremely quiet roads along fabulous canals etc. when on tracks-the track is fantastic and in good condition- a few stony bits but I am not a highly experienced technical mountain biker and managed easily (was on a hard tail bike not electric bike).
This trail is so varied in scenery and absolutely stunning. We did it end of April / may ; cold fingers/feet in the morning but a great time of year to do it.
Trail is mostly off road and when on the road on extremely quiet roads along fabulous canals etc. when on tracks-the track is fantastic and in good condition- a few stony bits but I am not a highly experienced technical mountain biker and managed easily (was on a hard tail bike not electric bike).
This trail is so varied in scenery and absolutely stunning. We did it end of April / may ; cold fingers/feet in the morning but a great time of year to do it.
Skrevet 2. mai 2021
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Hi adiegel,
Thanks for sharing your experiences on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
It is true the autumn days are shorter and mornings colder but being prepared with the appropriate water and wind proofing, merino and Thinsulate layers all help! :-)
The Southern Alps provide the perfect backdrop and as you will have seen, have already had their dusting of snow to make the scenery all the more magical.
Well done for your self supporting and non e-bike efforts - your 300+km achievements must seem all the more rewarding as a result
Very best regards,
Skrevet 23. mai 2021
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nzp0ppy
Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand22Â 612 bidrag
mar. 2021
Average compared to other cycle trails we have done. So much on the road, four wheel drive tracks and really boneshaker rocky parts.
It can be real windy and is exposed.
.didnt enjoy many parts of this trail. Lake Pukaki the exception which is stunning.
It can be real windy and is exposed.
.didnt enjoy many parts of this trail. Lake Pukaki the exception which is stunning.
Skrevet 1. april 2021
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Hi nzp0ppy,
We're sorry to hear that your trail experience did not measure up to your expectations.
The Trail's ambitions are to have the whole of the Trail off-road and with the completion of the Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam section in December 2020, we now have all of the Trail off 100km/hr State Highways (with the exception of some road crossings of course). This new 16km section build (at a cost of about $1.2m) turned what was our previously least loved road section, into our most loved off-road section (and as you mentioned the Lake Pukaki section is stunning too).
I hope you will keep an eye on our progress in getting the remaining quieter country road sections off-road in the coming years, with a view to revisit the Trail at some point in the future.
Very best regards,
Skrevet 23. mai 2021
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Camda
Wellington, New Zealand730 bidrag
feb. 2021 • Familie
Long wanted to do this trail. We took six days and used ebikes which I would highly sure recommend. Some legs are definitely more fun and/or more scenic than other legs. We liked Omarama to Otematata leg best thanks to the newly opened off road portion allowing access to stunning scenery. This part only opened December 2020. Second best leg was Lake Tekapo to Twizel for us and lastly Duntroon to Oamaru leg. You could easily skip Otematata to Duntroon part as we found this quite boring. The Lake Ohau to Omarama leg was very tough due to the trail condition of so many big rocks. We averaged 5-8 km an hour on this part. Some signage poor along the trail and some of the conditions of the trail poor. Not easy for all, a certain level of experience would be beneficial. Found the official A2O brochure not detailed enough. Also some of the trail still on road which is a real detraction.
Skrevet 22. februar 2021
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Hi Camda,
Thanks so much for sharing your Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail experiences and observations. The newly opened 16km section you mention between Omarama and Otematata has indeed opened up some great scenery and of course avoids having to ride on the busy SH83 over the Otematata Saddle (which was previously our least loved section!). The reviews and feedback on this new section have been extremely positive.
We had a big rain event in the district early in the new year (3&4th Jan 2021) which resulted in some sections having to be closed due to flooding and slips - by the sound of it you missed that action but the trail surfaces obviously has suffered as a result and while emergency repairs were swiftly undertaken, the funding application and more permanent repairs will take more time yet.
With over 300km of Trail to manage and maintain it is a big task (and cost - the new 16 km off-road section was built at a cost of more than $1.2m) and that task and cost continues to grow as we get more and more of the Trail off-road. With the completion of the newly opened section that you enjoyed so much, we now have pretty much all of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail off the busy State Highways which is quite a milestone.
The Trail is graded 2 easy, and some sections are grade 3 intermediate, so you are absolutely correct in that to enjoy it fully you do need a certain level of experience, skill and of course fitness! Six days on a bike seat is not to be taken lightly... LOL
We really appreciate your feedback on the other aspects of the Trail too and if you have a few minutes to complete the online feedback (found at the top of banner of the Official Website) and that feedback will be seen by those that can make a difference for all those that follow!
Very best regards and safe travels...
Skrevet 4. mars 2021
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Paul M
Coffs Harbour, Australia40 bidrag
We are planning a 4 person (mates) trip in March 2023, just starting my research what is the best way to get bikes to my Cook from Christchurch?, some of us want to hire bikes, are there good options for suitable bike hire?, is there accomodation for sharing with 4 blokes at each stop or twin shares the way to go?
harvey
Northland Region, New Zealand7 bidrag
We have organized a self supported 6 day Lake Tekapo to Oamaru trip for November this year. 2020. The great rides app and the official apps to ocean website sets out a good itinerary and online booking of accommodation was relatively easy. The Lake Ohau lodge and Duntroon hotel were the most expensive but no other choices available.
We will have ebikes. What do people know about navigating farmers gates and pinch barriers? Necessary to lift bikes?? Thanks.
Alps_2_Ocean
Oamaru, New Zealand1 bidrag
Hi Harvey, no doubt you will have negotiated the many pinch barriers along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle trail by now but for others perhaps I can refer you to the trail website and FAQ;s which also have a link to a plan of the barriers general dimensions.
For an ordinary bike these can simply be pushed through as they are designed for cycles but to keep motorbikes off the private land. If your bike has paniers or you are travelling with a bike trailer with kit or kids then this may need to be unhooked and pulled under the hoop of the barrier (if it is not too high). The only alternative if it is to wide or tall is to lift it over - sorry about that.
The issue of allowing cyclist access and restricting motorbikes has not successfully been resolved and our barriers on the A2O are the same spec as used elsewhere on the Great Rides network.
I hope that is some help for the others that follow in your tire tracks and that you had a great time on the Trail.
Safe and enjoyable onward travels.
Oliver H
Pottsville, Australia15 bidrag
Is A2O self-guided (no tour company possible?)
Looking to fly in with my own bike to Christchurch, take the intercity (or cheap transfer) to the trailhead then independently book accommodation with providers. Prices for tours/bike hire are not in my budget and since this is a first world English speaking country I think this should be possible? Some of the prices for transfers alone are more than a flight from Sydney to Bali, not sure why this is the case? Wondering if there is a backpacker/self-supported culture on the trail? Thanks.
Alps_2_Ocean
Oamaru, New Zealand1 bidrag
Hi Oliver,
Great to hear of your travel plans!
I often bump into people on the Trail (predominantly the Europeans) that are bike touring the South Island and happen to be taking in the Alps 2 Ocean route along the way. Their bikes are usually more of a road bike, so not ideally suited for Trail conditions - some wider and more highly treaded tires (like a mountain bike or similar) would be better but these guys were coping well with the Trail conditions and really enjoying their trip, as I am sure you will.
Yes, there are several bus services from Christchurch to Tekapo (Intercity, Atomic and Great Sights look to have a scheduled service) if that is your intended starting point. Atomic for example do a service on Mon/ Wed / Fri from ChCh to Mt Cook departing at 7.15am arriving in Tekapo at 10.30am – their cost to Tekapo is $65 - there will be an additional charge to transport your bike but that looks to be only about $25 extra.
Once you are in the Mackenzie basin you may also wish to look at the Mt Cook Connection, a local bus company that connects from Twizel to Mt Cook, Tekapo and down to Oamaru at the end of the Cycle Trail as well. (Atomic Travel and Intercity can get you from Oamaru back to ChCh).
Check out the Alps2Ocean official website for budget accommodation and camping grounds (some camping grounds have huts available too) and the website can assist with any specific requests you might have - their service is free of charge.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail tour operators tend to have scheduled tour dates and options of supporting you with transfers from the airports and they can also move your bag(s) from one accommodation point to the next for you - some even offer guides with the group at every step (tire revolution). This level of support is probably what you were looking at when you were reviewing prices.
Definitely, if you book your own accommodation / take a tent (there are camping grounds and budget accommodation available all along the Trail) and have paniers to carry your kit, then you will have a great and relatively inexpensive trip.
We hope to see you here sometime soon! And of course we would look forward to your thoughts being posted on the Trail once you have experienced it!
Good luck with your planning and safe and enjoyable travels...
Gary161
Glynde, Australia1 bidrag
Hi,
I’m planning a trip in the second half of March. Not 100% of how long a journey I can manage, I just cycle for an hour or two every now and then at home. Can we book in for a scenic section of the Alps to Ocean route? Say three days?
Alps_2_Ocean
Oamaru, New Zealand1 bidrag
Hi Gary,
Our general advice is that if you are generally fit and capable on a mountain bike then all of the trail would be within your capabilities. Some sections like the Tarnbrae Track on Section 4 of the A2O Trail is a bit harder (in effort uphill and skill level downhill) but that the views there are very rewarding. The climb over the hill from Sailors Cutting to Otematata (Section 5) is a long uphill drag on the road (with little reward other than a fast decent into Otematata) that could be avoided if you arranged Transport with one of the A2O tour operators. Have a look at the A2O website to see if any of them catch your eye.
Depending on what part of the Trail you wanted to see or from where you plan to be based, there are local operators and transport providers based in Oamaru, Omarama, Twizel and Tekapo all of whome provide a great service.
Some local, Christchurch or Queenstown operators will arrange everything for you, including airport transfers and accommodation, while others will be happy to hire you bikes and transfer bags or move your hire car to your next accommodation or pick up point, on a more local basis.
If you wanted to take on Section 1 of the Trail from the base of Mt. Cook the scenery does not get much better than that, however this would require a helicopter lift across the Tasman River from Mt. Cook Airport (at additional cost to you). They also do scenic flights from there around Mt. Cook and the glaciers and of course there is the gliding experience from Omarama.
How much scenery can you take in?? Are you sure you only have three days? :-)
However you plan it, we wish you a GREAT experience...
593carla
Taupo, New Zealand7 bidrag
Has anyone done this cycle trail starting in Oamaru and riding to Tekapo? Thanks
Alps_2_Ocean
Oamaru, New Zealand1 bidrag
Hi there,
It is advised you cycle the trail west to east (Tekapo/Aoraki Mt Cook to Oamaru) This is for several reasons: it's generally downhill (but still encompassing some uphill), and the prevailing wind should be behind you, however the trail is sign posted for going in the opposite direction as well.
susielou67
Christchurch36 bidrag
I have a day to do a portion of the Alps To Ocean.
Which section would you recommend for two adventurous teenage boys. Sue
Linda H
Oamaru, New Zealand21 bidrag
Hi Sue ,
I would recommend you get in touch with A2O who are qualified in answering your questions and would be able to give advice
On varying fitness trails☺
PatFrances
Australia3 bidrag
Hello
I am wanting to complete this in early Sept
Are there any operators who will at least do luggage transfers then?
JSNMitchell
Auckland Central, New Zealand41 bidrag
Contact The Jollie Biker and talk to them about what you need
If they can't do it they'll point you in the right direction
Other contact the official A2O website
Daphne S
Carlisle, UK4 bidrag
which is the best firm to go with on a fully organised tour? planning on doing it in Dec 2017,any advice on doing the ride grateful, what to take and not to take etc.
JSNMitchell
Auckland Central, New Zealand41 bidrag
Hi, December is good but in nz at any time just be prepared for any weather so ensure you have gear to suit warm, cold, wet or all of the above
We used The Jollie biker at at about $2,000 nz dollars they will organise an itinerary, bikes, accomodation and meals including packed lunches. They transport your luggage to each sail destination so you only need to carry what you need for the day. Highly recommend them
d3man2016
Christchurch, New Zealand1 bidrag
Hi could anyone tell me how you get back to your car at the start of the trail please? Are there buses running back to mount cook?
Thanks
JSNMitchell
Auckland Central, New Zealand41 bidrag
Organise through the Jollie biker and they will sort it out for you
Brian A R
Wenatchee, WA2 bidrag
hello, just wondering if the surrounding peaks are snow covered in Jan-Feb and whether this is a good time to do the trip. Thanks so much.
JSNMitchell
Auckland Central, New Zealand41 bidrag
Yes at the start there is still snow on the Alps. Could be hot at that time but expect and prepare for any weather
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Vanlige spørsmål om Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
- Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail er åpen:
- Man - Fre 09:00 - 17:00
- Hoteller i nærheten av Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail:
- (0.09 km) Empire Hotel Backpackers
- (0.17 km) The Old Confectionery
- (0.26 km) Forrester House
- (0.36 km) Oamaru Backpackers
- (0.36 km) Brydone Hotel Oamaru
- Restauranter i nærheten av Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail:
- (0.04 km) Victoria Lounge And Eatery
- (0.04 km) Cucina
- (0.04 km) Star and Garter
- (0.06 km) Tees Street Cafe
- (0.08 km) The Last Post Pub & Restaurant