Alps to Ocean Biking Tour Itinerary

Mount Cook Village

Today is all about getting ready for the cycle tour. Drive to Omarama and leave the car there. You will be transferred to Mount Cook village where your journey starts tomorrow. As you have the remaining part of the day off, you can opt to use it to explore the village and national park.

Some highly recommended excursions around the National Park.

Tasman Glacier by Boat

Hooker Valley Walk

Glacier Helicopter Landing

Star Gazing Tour

Accommodation: Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge – 1 night

Notes

There is no ATM in the village
There is no supermarket in the village

Accommodation:

Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

The Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Lodge is located in the heart of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and offer a range of accommodation style to suits your requirements. All rooms have ensuite facilities and most have spectacular views of Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The lodge is hugged by mountains and surrounded by native bush and bird life, this is the perfect place to relax.

Mount Cook to Twizel

After waking up to the astonishing views of Mount Cook and the surrounding mountains it is time to start the voyage. After a 7km (4.3 miles) trail to Mount Cook Airport you will have to take a flight to cross the Tasman River. A helicopter will take you over the Tasman River to Tasman point. The spectacular views of a glacially-fed braided river and the mountains during the flight will certainly leave you breathless.

From Tasman Point the track is rough in places and includes several creek crossings. On a clear day it will offer fantastic views of Mount Cook which towers above the other snow washed peaks in the Mount Cook National Park.

The trail continues along a quiet country road that follows the eastern shore of Lake Pukaki. You will have exceptional views across Lake Pukaki towards the Southern Alps. Also a wide range of native plants are to be spotted along the lake edge like the kowhai and flax. This is most certainly one of the most beautiful parts of the tracks.

Following the trail over the Pukaki dam across Pukaki Flats (an expansive area of dry grasslands) you will reach the final destination of the day: Twizel.

Ride distance: 80 km (50 mi)

Accommodation: Mountain Chalets Twizel – 1 night

Accommodation:

Mountain Chalets - Twizel

The mountain chalets in the village of Twizel are set up together in a park. Around Twizel beautiful scenic views can be seen, for example looking over lake Ruataniwha and lake Pukaki. During winter this accommodation offers great possibilities for snow sport lovers, while in summer travellers can golf or explore the beautiful surroundings by hiking or helicopter rides.

Twizel to Lake Ohau

Depart after a good night’s rest to Lake Ohau. With sights of the Ben Ohau Range, it is a stunning morning ride. When reaching the edge of Lake Ohau an off-road trail descends down to the lake foreshore, taking you to the Ohau Weir. Continuing the journey besides the Lake Ohau shoreline you will pass a Maori Swamp and have spectacular lake views.

The final 10km (6 mi) you will go past the Lake Ohau Village and finally arrive at the Lake Ohau Lodge where you will spend the night.

Ride distance: 38 km (23.6 mi)

Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge – 1 night

Accommodation:

Lake Ohau Lodge

Lake Ohau is off the beaten track and that is how we like it. It’s a kiwi thing. One of those secret places you like to keep to yourself! Lake Ohau Lodge is nestled against the hills and looks over the lake to Aoraki Mt Cook with superb views of the magnificent surrounding mountains.

Lake Ohau to Omarama

Starting from the lodge’s driveway, the trail traverses the lower slopes of the Ruataniwha Conservation Park. After passing Freehold Creek the track narrows and it is a steady climb to the high point on the trail at 900m (0.56 mi). After reaching the high point it is luckily a rolling descent to the historic woodshed at the top of Quailburn Road.

After following Quailburn Road for a little more than 20km (12.4 mi) you will cross over the Ahuriri river using the road bridge. A short off-road track will take you to Omarama, which is the end of your journey. To relax after this amazing ride you will go to the hot tubs. And to completely finish the journey, you will stay the night in a comfy bed.

Ride distance: 45km (28 mi)

Accommodation: Top 10 Holiday Park – 1 night

Accommodation:

Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park

The Holiday Park is set in the high country of the South Island and is the ideal base for discovering the interesting region. It has a unique country atmosphere and is bounded by a trout stream.

What Steve says about this tour: Travelling by bike you get a different view of the Southern Alps, lakes and surrounding landscapes. The cycling is achievable for most abilities, making it a great family tour. Without doubt the helicopter ride over Mount Cook and the Tasman River will be a major highlight of this four day adventure.

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