6 © AA Traveller 2018 Aoraki / Mount Cook

MAP LEGEND

WHITE HORSE HILL e CAMPGROUND 80 g open section n

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R other route b AORAKI / MT COOK VILLAGE m u highway section h T JOLLIE RIVER CARPARK o start / finish point ekapo w e T g point of interest n a LakeT

R i-SITE Visitor Centre

u Dobson River a 80 Braemar Road h hill / mountain

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n bridge e Geraldine

ALPS B 8 Tekapo Canal Road helicopter79 shuttle PukakiCanal TEKAPO B POWER STATION Loch Cameron town LAKE Lake Pukaki café/restaurant ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL 2 OCEAN ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL toilets8 e

Lake Benmore g Ohau Weir n car park B a

Quailburn R e R Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Cycle Trail a n © Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Marketing Woolshed n camping n m o g t o s 8 e i r l accommodation e k bridge ir 1 watching, star spotting, and relaxing K state highway in hot tubs beneath a dazzling 8 AORAKI MT COOK VILLAGE Milky Way. TRAIL INFO The trail starts at ’s to 83 highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook, Sailors Cutting before winding its way down KUROW 2000ft to the coast at Oamaru via S 6 Days Otematata Saddle t M DUNTROON 82 6 days 306km the Waitaki Valley. It’s the longest ar 83 306km ys 1 continuous ride in New Zealand, Ra nge W but there are plenty of food and Elephant Rocks aitaki River accommodation options en route The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is plus shuttle services if you need 83 a journey of epic proportions, them. Suitable for all abilities of TRAIL GRADES: cyclists, the trail includes a mixture AORAKI MT COOK TO Rakis Railway Tunnel from the highest mountains all the way of off- and on-road trail, which TWIZEL GRADE 2 (EASY) Weston OAMARU down to the Pacific coast. can be enjoyed in sections or in TWIZEL TO LAKE OHAU LODGE 1 its entirety. GRADE 2 (EASY) he expansive scenery along stunning doesn’t even begin to do It’s recommended that you start LAKE OHAU LODGE TO the way has to be seen to be it justice. from Aoraki Mt Cook Village (the OMARAMA GRADE 3 riding the trail Tbelieved: bright turquoise Amid the scenic grandeur, there Southern Alps) – although there are (INTERMEDIATE) lakes fringed by golden grassland, are plenty of off-bike activities numerous access points along the OMARAMA TO OTEMATATA braided blue rivers, wide open Aoraki Mt Cook Braemar Rd Twizel Lake Ohau Lodge Omarama Otematata Kurow Duntroon Oamaru to maximise your experience trail including Lake Tekapo and the GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) 1000m Village skies, majestic mountains, fields 800m 35km 42km 38km 41km 24km 43km 28km 55km including wine tasting, gliding flights, Jollie car park. OTEMATATA TO KUROW of flowers in full bloom – to say it’s 600m exploring Maori rock art, penguin GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) 400m 200m KUROW TO DUNTROON 0m GRADE 2 (EASY) AORAKI MT COOK TO BRAEMAR RD TO TWIZEL, TWIZEL TO LAKE OHAU, 38KM LAKE OHAU LODGE TO DUNTROON TO OAMARU BRAEMAR RD, 35KM 42KM From Twizel, head off on Mackenzie OMARAMA, 41KM look out for... Wines of Waitaki GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) The trail starts at the White Horse Hill The trail continues along a quiet Dr then follow the signs. You’ll head This section traverses the lower slopes The Waitaki area is MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Campground, 2km north of Aoraki Mt country road that follows the eastern across a canal bridge just past Loch of the Ruataniwha Conservation Park, Aoraki Mt Cook & the rivers than you could shake a Cameron then follow the road until becoming increasingly Coverage is generally good along Cook Village. A 7.2km off-road trail shores of Lake Pukaki, passing the with views across the basin to the stick at. Explore the mountains takes you to Mt Cook Airport, where Tekapo B Power Station. Riders will of Lake Ohau. From here the Benmore Range. After easy cycling to Tasman Glacier famous as a cool climate the trail, though it may be patchy on a walk or hike, take a scenic riders need to take a short helicopter enjoy outstanding views across Lake trail descends to the lake foreshore, Freehold Creek it’s a steady climb to Lording over the beautiful wine region, so take a in places. flight, go skiing or snowboarding break at a local winery flight across the . If you Pukaki towards the Southern Alps. taking you to the Ohau Weir. Then skirt the high point, 900m above sea level Mackenzie region, Aoraki Mt DRINKING WATER: around the foreshore before heading (heli-skiing and glacier skiing to sample superb wish to avoid the helicopter crossing The off-road trail starts at the bottom (bring high-energy food, drinking water Cook Village takes advantage Water is available in the towns there are several different starts: from of Hayman Rd and follows the Lake for Lake Ohau Lodge. Note: When is available from various mountain available), take a guided boat Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, of some of the country’s most along the trail. Lake Tekapo, from the Tekapo B Power Pukaki shoreline before passing over the Ohau Weir is in flood, there is no streams). The trail then descends to tour on a lake and experience the Riesling, Chardonnay and stunning scenery. Big mountains Station or from the Jollie car park. the Pukaki Dam and heading across way across. See alps2ocean.com for Quailburn Rd. At the end of Quailburn mighty Tasman Glacier or visit meet big skies here with more Gewurztraminer. the Pukaki Flats to Twizel. alternative route. Rd, about 2km along, you will find the the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine turquoise lakes and braided blue Centre at the Hermitage Hotel. 104 105 Autumn reflections in Kellands Pond, near Twizel © davidwallphoto.com historic woolshed and toilets. On the way SH 83. You must check that there is no Around every bend Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail down Quailburn Rd you can take a side traffic behind you, or pull over to the © davidwallphoto.com trip to the Clay Cliffs (14km return) before shoulder of the road before crossing the is beautiful scenery, following the highway to Omarama. highway. a geological wonder OMARAMA TO OTEMATATA, KUROW TO DUNTROON, 28KM or a welcoming 24KM A gravel track takes you across to the township. Ride east down the Waitaki Valley, over which you follow down the Chain Hills and on past Pumpkin Point valley, traversing ancient alluvial plains to Sailors Cutting – a popular boating, through Kurow’s wine country. The off-road fishing and camping destination. The trail trail then follows alongside the highway then follows SH 83 (extra care is needed to the Maori rock art site. From there it’s on the highway). There’s a short climb back to the Waitaki River, and through the to Otematata Saddle with views of Lake wetlands into the township of Duntroon. Aviemore, then it’s downhill to Otematata. DUNTROON TO OAMARU, 55KM OTEMATATA TO KUROW, 43KM From Duntroon head to the rock From Otematata, take the sealed pathway formations known as the Elephant Rocks. beside Loch Laird RD, then follow the An off-road trail then takes you through gravel track beside the lake. This takes you several farms. You rejoin the road at Prydes through several camping areas. You then Gully before heading off-road again beside ride up Loch Laird Rd onto the massive Karara Creek. A series of gravel roads take TREASURED Benmore Hydro Dam 6km. It’s a steep road you to the Rakis Railway Tunnel. Then it up to the dam, so you may need to walk LANDMARKS

ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL is on to Windsor and Weston where you ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL the last 800m. Follow Te Akatarawa Rd re-join the old railway line for a flat run to along the margins of Lake Aviemore to the Church of the Good Shepherd Saleyards Rd. Follow the cycleway downhill Church of the Good Shepherd Discover Lake TekapoOne of the country’s 28km. After crossing the to the Oamaru Gardens. Bike through the Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive south-westmost of photographed in the Mackenzie Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive south-west of Christchurch in the Mackenzie dam the trail follows SH 83 to Lake Waitaki Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to gardens, across SH 1, then through the park Basin. The township faces north across the remarkablechurches, turquoise the Church coloured of lake to and the Waitaki Dam (36km). 1km after the the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky- to the main street (Thames St). Turn right the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. theLake GoodTekapo Shepherd’s gets its intense altar milky- turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in Awakino River, turn right onto the off-road into the far lane and ride south past the turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water. window frames breathtaking trail that links to Kurow. This section of trail i-SITE, turning left on Itchen St, right onto the water. views of the lake and has an interesting hydro history with dams Tyne, then left onto Harbour St. Go through mountains. The bronze dog and project towns. Please be careful when the Victorian Historic Precinct to the Open Monday - Sunday from 10am till late turning right onto the new trail off Oamaru Harbour where the trail ends. nearbyfrom is 10am a memorial till late to Lakeworking Tekapo dogs. Village Centre. Along the trail Phone 03 680 6886 Proud to serve meals Statue,Proud Lake to serveTekapo meals prepared with locally sourced Christchurch prepared with locally sourced ingredients. NZ Wines, after Oxford University College, Christ Church• 312km S of Blenheim on SH 1 ingredients. NZ Wines, Twizel Monteith’s Craft Beers - Monteith’s Craft Beers - named after Twizel Bridge in Northumberland • 161km W of Timaru on SH 8 ot only is Allpress Espresso. Enjoy Lake Tekapo bachesAllpress to choose Espresso. from Enjoy and some great food and spectacular phenomenal in daylight great greatcafés. food Skiers and spectacular have the choice views in a beautiful views in a beautiful – with its turquoise lake of fourenvironment. nearby ski Dine fields, alfresco while in environment. Dine alfresco N over summer. reflecting the snow-capped peaks summerover there summer. is tramping and – but at night the star-filled sky extreme mountain biking, fishing Tekapo Auto Services advises that the roads can get very slippery in the winter with Tekapo Auto Services advises that the roads can get very slippery in the winter with is positivelyblack ice. Sodazzling be prepared thanks and to include a safetyand kit asboating follows. on , black ice. So be prepared and include a safety kit as follows. the •clearest Snow chains air in the southern tours and tramping • Snow chains • A working torch (and spare batteries) hemisphere.• A working Maketorch (and sure spare you batteries) check • A radio and mobile phone The little village of Duntroon is • A radio and mobile phone out •the Drive dazzling with your night headlights sky andon, day visit or night • Drive with your headlights on, day or night situated at the end (or start) of • Update yourself on weather and road conditions regularly. Members can call 0800 the •renowned Update yourself Mt Johnon weather University and road conditionsthe Vanished regularly. Members World driving can call trail, 0800 500 222. Non Members can phone 0900 33 222 at a cost of $1.30 per minute. Observatory500 222. Nonat Lake Members Tekapo. can phone 0900 33 222 at a cost of $1.30 per minute. There are plenty of options for which winds through the North There are plenty of options for transport if you would prefer not Twizeltransport, glorious if you wouldin all preferseasons not but hills, leading visitors to some to drive. Choose from shuttles, to drive. Choose from shuttles, especiallybuses andin autumn trains; many colours, have is spectacular fossil and geological buses and trains; many have flexible itineraries and take in oftenflexible used itinerariesas a base for and exploring take in sites – ‘Elephant Rocks’ and some great winter sights and some great winter sights and Aorakiactivities Mt Cook National Park, ‘Earthquakes’ are just two of the activities Lake Tekapo especially with plenty of eccentric highlights. corruption of takapo ‘sleeping mat’ • 105km NW of Timaru on SH 8

Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park and Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park and the Lakefront Lodge Backpackers the Lakefront Lodge Backpackers are set amongst mature trees on the are set amongst mature trees on the shores of Lake Tekapo. shores of Lake Tekapo. Our alpine holiday park offers endless Our alpine holiday park offers endless stunning views across the turquoise lake to stunning views across the turquoise lake to the surrounding mountains. If you’re Relax and enjoy the comfort the surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for accommodation in Lake Tekapo looking for accommodation in Lake Tekapo and convenience of a fully then our holiday park is the perfect choice then our holiday park is the perfect choice for an adventure getaway, a family holiday self-contained holiday home, for an adventure getaway, a family holiday or a nights stopover with accommodation your ideal cycle tour base. or a nights stopover with accommodation to suit everyone’s budget. to suit everyone’s budget. Our accommodation consists of: Our accommodation consists of: 0800 853 853 or 03 680 6825 Motels, Kiwi Baches, Ensuite units, 0800 853 853 (NZ only) or 03 680 6825 • 2 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo Motels, Kiwi Baches, Ensuite units, 0800 853 853 (NZ only) or 03 680 6825 • 22 Lakeside Lakeside Drive, Drive, Lake Lake Tekapo Tekapo Standard cabins, Backpackers lodge, Ph 03 6806607 or visit our website for full list and easy [email protected] Standard cabins, Backpackers lodge, [email protected]@laketekapo-accommodation.co.nz online reservations: www.tekapoholidayhomes.co.nz www.laketekapo-accommodation.co.nz Power Sites and Tent Sites. Page 6 www.laketekapo-accommodation.co.nzwww.laketekapo-accommodation.co.nz Power Sites and Tent Sites. Page 6 106 107 Early winter, Lake Ohau © Lake Ohau Lodge RIGHT: Takiroa rock art site by SH 83, Waitaki Valley © davidwallphoto.com OMARAMA GLIDING INSET: Gliding in the Waitaki Valley © Southern Soaring, Omarama Omarama is Maori for ‘place Oamaru of light’, an apt name for an area with exceptionally clear Fine Victorian architecture, a steampunk skies and rich dawn and dusk subculture, blue penguins and cheese rolls – colours. Soak under the big sky in a private hot tub. The nearby there are many reasons to fall in love with this giant fluted Clay Cliffs are one curious seaside town. of New Zealand’s best-kept natural secrets. Omarama has xplore the intact Victorian is seasonally open to the public. In some of the best conditions in precinct and its fine limestone that tradition, the historic precinct the world for gliding, where buildings designed by the houses a community of artistic and you can experience riding E best architects of the day and creative folk, many of whom exhibit thermals above the Southern crafted from the distinctive Oamaru their wares in the area. Alps in silent flight. milky limestone. A wander around These days, the town’s favourite Trail Highlights the elegant streets will lead you residents are a colony of blue past antiquarian bookshops, he famed lakes of the region come in all penguins, the world’s smallest. vintage clothes shops, antique Tdifferent shapes, sizes and colour palates, but Every night just after dark you can they’ve all got pristine beauty in common. stores, galleries, gift stores, slightly witness them waddling ashore en ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL alternative healers and herbalists masse to a natural nesting area ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL ne such lake, Lake Ohau, with its deep waters and rugged terrain, is and artist studios. Don’t miss under the cliffs. Sit in the covered well known for the nearby Ohau snowfield’s high-country skiing and Whitestone City, the heritage hub grandstand and enjoy the spectacle snowboarding, and come the end of the ski season there are stunning O that’s fit out in the style of a colonial with a cheese roll, the ‘sushi of the wilderness areas to be explored by either walking, hiking or biking. town, period costumes and all. south’. Another penguin colony is The township of Kurow is lucky enough to be surrounded by three picturesque Oamaru is inspirational, too: located a 30-minute walk away at hydro lakes – Waitaki, Aviemore and Benmore. Not only are their shores great the area has given rise to some Bushy Beach. places for a picnic or a wander, there are also great water sports to be had here. remarkable New Zealand artists The Waitaki River, from Kurow to sea, is one of the country’s best jet-boating Under a limestone bluff on Venture to Cape Wanbrow, and writers, the most famous rivers and has good canoeing, while trout fishing in this area is legendary. SH 83, you’ll find the historical 1km south of the town, to see Takiroa Maori rock art site. being . Her childhood the lighthouse and former gun home has been fully restored and Lake Ohau placement and enjoy great views. place of hau (wind) • 175km NW of Oamaru IMAGE LEFT: Whitestone City, Oamaru © Waitaki Development Board High country lodge on shores of Lake Ohau at base of Ohau Snow Fields & on Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. WELCOME TO • Aoraki Mt Cook, lake views. • Cycling/fishing/skiing/walking. BEST WWW.OHAU.CO.NZ • 72 rooms including 30 studios. • Restaurant/bar. Weddings/groups. WiFi. Country Food Steampunk HQ • Tariff: $216-$362 (2 persons), Little Blue Penguins incl dinner, bed and breakfast. & Beer for Miles Accommodation/Bottle Store art of Oamaru’s eccentric charm is its obsession with the weird and Bar/Dining wonderful world of Steampunk – an imagined Victorian future where Pelectricity fizzled out and steam remained king. The beautifully preserved Main Rd, Omarama historic town attracts international followers in June when it holds a Steampunk YOUR HOST BRUCE AND JULIE Phone: +64 3 438 9713 festival when everyone dresses up in top hats and goggles and every weird, [email protected] makeshift invention and contraption is put on show. There’s a dedicated, all-year round attraction, Steampunk HQ, where this alternative world is embraced with retro-futuristic sci fi art, movies, sculpture, and light and sound experiences. Day Tours and Evening Viewing Daily Lake Ohau, • Ph/Fax: +64 3 438 9885 • Email: [email protected] Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, Waterfront Rd, Oamaru. Omarama Kurow Oamaru www.penguins.co.nz Ph: 03-433 1195 place of Maru • 115km NE of on SH 1 place of moonlight • 119km NW of Oamaru corruption of Kohurau (many mists) • 68km NW of Oamaru on SH 82

KUROW AHURIRI MOTELS 0800 438 945 • 14 motel units, studio, KUROW Cycle Hire Transportation Logistics 1, 2 & 3-bedroom HOLIDAY PARK • Alps 2 Ocean Cycleway at gate ceancyc .alps2o les.c • FREE WiFi w o.n ww z. • Laundry facilities • Guest BBQ ... .. • Central to shops, restaurants and airfield The local Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail experts

The friendly place to stay Relax and explore in our peaceful park 76 Bledisloe St, Kurow, Otago Local ride information • Epic tours on the A20 P +64 3 436 0725 • WiFi available. • On Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. E [email protected] Sales • Hires • Servicing • Accessories and Parts State Highway 83, Omarama, Otago, New Zealand • Choice of tourist flats, cabins • Tariff: (2 persons) tourist flats/ P: +64 3 438 9451 • F: +64 3 438 9461 and 3-bedroom shared lodge. cabins from $60, tent sites www.verticalventures.co.nz E: [email protected] • Fish for trout/salmon in Waitaki from $20, lodge $30pp. BOOK DIRECT FOR River/lakes. Safe swimming, Address: 1 Meek St, Oamaru, New Zealand Ph: + 64 3 434 5010 THE BEST DEAL canoeing. Email: [email protected] 4 Wansbeck Street, Oamaru www.ahuririmotels.co.nz Phone for reservations: 0800 142 649 www.kurowholidaypark.co.nz 108 109