An Epic Alps2Ocean Cycle Adventure

Aoraki / Mt Cook to Oamaru

Kindly Shared by Our Guests, Robyn and John from Sydney, Australia

“Cycling the Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail is an extraordinary journey through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, and staying at The Terrace Oamaru was the perfect way to celebrate our epic cycle adventure.”

Day One – Mt Cook to Twizel – 75kms

Setting off, our ride began beneath the towering peaks and glaciers of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Taking the off-road 8km trail to Mt Cook Airport, we enjoyed a short but exhilarating helicopter flight across the Tasman River to Rotten Tommy, where wide braided rivers and sweeping alpine valleys set a dramatic scene for our first day

Following the trail from Southern Alps, we cycled alongside the vivid turquoise glacial waters of Lake Pukaki and across the vast open landscapes of the MacKenzie Basin.

Riding beneath these towering peaks and glaciers felt both powerful and calming at the same time. The sense of space in this leg of the journey was remarkable with its big skies, gravel paths (some rough in places), creek crossings, quiet country roads, and outstanding vistas all becoming an impressive and memorable highlight of our Day One cycle adventure.

Day 2 – Twizel to Lake Ohau – 38kms

Riding along canals and the Lake Ohau foreshore provided us with more stunning photo opportunities and majestic views of the Southern Alps.

Day 3 – Lake Ohau to Otematata – 78kms

Our morning of day 3 led us along a 43km ride from beautiful Lake Ohau to Omarama, traversing the lower slopes of the Ohau Range with stunning views back across the basin to the Ben Ohau Range.

From here the track narrowed with a steady climb to its high point. The 35km ride from Omarama to Otematata took us alongside the foreshore of Lake Benmore. Our Day 3 ride featured many highlights including the Waitaki Whitestone Aspiring Geopark, Clay Cliff, the trail high point and magnificent views.

Day 4 – Otematata to Kurow – 44kms

Cycling along the scenic foreshores of Lake Aviemore and Lake Waitaki, as the trail gradually dropped down into the Waitaki Valley, the landscape began to soften and give way to rolling farmland, vineyards, and long river views that followed the Waitaki River toward the coast.

Kurow was a highlight — relaxing at the Omarama Hot Tubs with mountain views was unforgettable and so soothing after a day on our bikes, and Waitaki Braids our Kurow accommodation, offered not only a warm welcome but also outstanding café food and meals.

Day 5 – Kurow to Enfield (via Duntroon) – 60kms

Following the Waitaki River and environs between Kurow and Duntroon, we ventured past the Elephant Rocks along the quiet rural roads towards Enfield which provided a slower, more reflective stretch of riding.

A stay at The Old School House offered a peaceful pause before the final ride towards our coastal finish line of Oamaru. It is easy to appreciate the sense of history and community that runs through this part of the trail.

All of our stays along the trail were simple to organise using the official Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail website, which made planning the journey straightforward and stress-free and is a highly recommended source of cycle journey planning.

Day 6 – Enfield to Oamaru Harbour – 20kms

Our final stretch from Enfield to the finish line via Saleyard Road and down through Oamaru’s beautiful historic gardens, through the well-preserved whitestone streetscapes of the Victorian Precinct was a pleasurable way to end our 300km ride, and reaching our final destination at Oamaru Harbour was incredibly satisfying.

The feeling of completing a cycle ride from the Southern Alps all the way to the Pacific ocean was something we will never forget, but arriving at The Terrace Oamaru truly elevated our experience.

After days on our bikes, the elegance, comfort, and elevated views over the town and ocean felt like a genuine reward and an excellent way to celebrate our final leg of what can only be described as an amazing cycle adventure. The space, the attention to detail, and the opportunity to truly relax made it, without question, the standout accommodation of the entire trail. Sitting back and reflecting on the journey while looking out toward the ocean was the perfect way to mark the end of such a wonderful adventure.

With the ride complete, Oamaru delivered memorable landmarks and experiences — watching the Little Blue Penguins come ashore at dusk, exploring the town’s historic Victorian Precinct and Steampunk HQ, and celebrating with exceptional meals at Star and Garter and Cucina Restaurant.

The Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail is a ride we’ll always cherish, and finishing it at The Terrace Oamaru made the journey feel truly complete. We couldn’t imagine a better place to end a ride from the mountains to the sea. We both thoroughly recommend this epic cycle journey and a stay at The Terrace, Oamaru.

We hope you enjoy a few of the highlights from our Alps to Ocean Cycle Tour album.

Happy Cycling!

By Robyn & John, Keen Australian Eco Cyclists

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