9/24/2021 Alps to Ocean — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa
Alps to Ocean
Mountain Biking
Dif culty Easy
Length 333.4 km
Journey Time 6 days cycling
Regions Canterbury , Otago
Sub-Regions Waimakariri District , Mackenzie District , Waitaki District
Part of the Collection Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/alps-to-ocean/pdfPreview 1/3 9/24/2021 Alps to Ocean — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is the longest continuous ride in New Zealand and takes in some of the country’s most incredible scenery.
From New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook, the trail descends over 2000ft and travels 300km to the coastal town of Oamaru. This trail showcases New Zealand’s geological, geographical and historical highlights from the Southern Alps to the Paci c Ocean.
Experience an unspoilt paradise in the South Island halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown where people come from all over the world to enjoy stunning vistas, wide open spaces and expansive landscapes.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail encompasses a World Heritage National Park, glacial-fed lakes, hydro dam lakes, golden grasslands, limestone cliffs, Maori rock art and more.
Suitable for all abilities of cyclists, the trail includes a mixture of off- and on-road trail, which can be enjoyed in sections or in its entirety.
This cycle trail is a joint initiative involving the Waitaki and Mackenzie District Councils and the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.
Conditions:
The Alps 2 Ocean Trail is a grade 2-3 (easy to intermediate) cycle trail.
The trail includes a number of sections on public roads, where riders should be prepared to meet vehicles. You may also encounter stock grazing along the roadside or being moved.
The trail descends approximately 2000 feet, so ensure you take a few layers of clothing and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.
There is a range of services and accommodation available in the towns dotted along the trail, including Mount Cook Village, Twizel, Omarama, Otemetata, Kurow, Duntroon and Oamaru. Public toilets are also available at Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau (with plans for more to be installed along the trail).
MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Coverage is generally good along the trail, though may be patchy in places.
DRINKING WATER: Water is available in the towns along the trail.
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/alps-to-ocean/pdfPreview 2/3 9/24/2021 Alps to Ocean — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa How to get here
It’s recommended that you start from Aoraki Mt Cook Village (the Southern Alps) although there are numerous access points along the trail. A number of tour operators begin their tours to Aoraki Mt Cook from Christchurch.
Track Elevation and Map
Page last updated: Sep 8, 2020, 3:43 PM
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/alps-to-ocean/pdfPreview 3/3