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Duntroon

Duntroon is home to the fascinating

Elephant Rocks – intriguing limestone

formations – and

key fossil sites.

Abseiling and

rock climbing is

available here

with a local tour

company.

Aoraki Mt Cook Village is perfectly

positioned to take advantage of some

sensational

scenery. Aoraki

Mt Cook towers

above a range of

massive peaks

in the World

Heritage-listed

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. From the

village you can take a guided boating

tour on a glacial lake and experience

the mighty Tasman Glacier, explore the

mountains on a walk or hike, take a

scenic fl ight above the dazzling scenery,

go skiing or snow-boarding (heli-skiing

and glacier skiing available), or go horse

riding, fi shing, 4WD touring and more.

Aoraki Mt Cook & the Tasman Glacier

TRAIL GRADES:

AORAKI MT COOK TO

BRAEMAR RD - GRADE 2 (EASY)

BRAEMAR RD TO TWIZEL

- GRADE 2 (EASY)

TWIZEL TO LAKE OHAU LODGE

- GRADE 2 (EASY)

LAKE OHAU LODGE - OMARAMA

- GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)

OMARAMA TO OTEMATATA

- GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)

OTEMATATA TO KUROW

- GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)

KUROW TO DUNTROON

- GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)

DUNTROON TO OAMARU

- GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)

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.

Trail Info

LOOK OUT FOR...

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.

ALPS 2 OCEANCycle Trail

6 DAYS 301km

AORAKIMT COOK VILLAGE OAMARU

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 Pacifi 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.

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.

This cycle trail is a joint initiative

involving the Waitaki and Mackenzie

District Councils and the New Zealand

Cycle Trail project.

6 Days

301km

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail © davidwallphoto.comBELOW LEFT: 4WD Tour, Aoraki/Mt Cook © Destination Mt Cook MackenzieBELOW RIGHT: Climbing at Elephant Rocks © Visit Oamaru

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Aoraki Mt Cook to Braemar Rd, 35km

The trail starts at the White Horse Hill

Campground, 2km north of Aoraki Mt Cook

Village. A 7.2km off-road trail takes you to

Mt Cook Airport, where riders need to take

a short helicopter fl ight across the Tasman

River. If you wish to avoid the helicopter

crossing there are several different starts:

from Lake Tekapo, from the Tekapo B Power

Station or from the Jollie car park (see map).

Braemar Rd to Twizel, 42km

The trail continues along a quiet country

road that follows the eastern shores of Lake

Pukaki, passing the Tekapo B power station.

Riders will enjoy outstanding views across

Lake Pukaki towards the Southern Alps. The

off-road trail starts at the bottom of Hayman

Rd and follows the Lake Pukaki shoreline

before passing over the Pukaki Dam and

heading across the Pukaki Flats to Twizel.

Twizel to Lake Ohau, 38km

From Twizel, head off on Mackenzie Dr then

follow the signs. You’ll head across a canal

bridge just past Loch Cameron then follow

the road until the edge of Lake Ohau. From

here the trail descends to the lake foreshore,

taking you to the Ohau Weir. Then skirt

around the foreshore before heading for

Lake Ohau Lodge. NOTE: when the Ohau

Weir is in fl ood, there is no way across. See

www.alps2ocean.com for alternative route.

RIDING THE TRAIL

Lake Ohau © Lake Ohau Lodge

Ben

Oh

au R

ange

St Marys Range

Ben

more

Ran

ge

Elephant Rocks

Weston

Sailors Cutting

Rakis Railway Tunnel

Braemar Road

Jollie Carpark

Lake Pukaki

Lake

Teka

po

QuailburnWoolshed

OAMARU

DUNTROON

TIMARU

Geraldine

KUROW

OTEMATATA

OMARAMA

TWIZEL

TEKAPO B POWER STATION

LAKE OHAU

Lake Aviemore

PukakiCanal

flood route

Lake Waitaki

Otematata Saddle

Waitaki River

Maerewhenua River

1

8

1

8

8

8

82

83

83

83

79

Lake Pukaki

Ohau Weir

Loch Cameron

bridge

Lake OhauLodge

6Aoraki / Mount Cook

AORAKI / MT COOK VILLAGE

WHITE HORSE HILLCAMPGROUND

Dobson River

Tekapo Canal Road

Kirk

listo

n R

ange

Two

Thum

b R

an

ge

LAKE TEKAPOAlternative Start

80

80

Aoraki /Mt CookVillage

Tekapo B Power Station

Twizel Lake Ohau Lodge Omarama Otematata Kurow Duntroon Oamaru

50km 27km 38km 41km 24km 43km 23km 55km

open section

other route

highway section

start / fi nish point

point of interest

i-SITE Visitor Centre

hill / mountain

bridge

helicopter shuttle

town

café/restaurant

toilets

car park

camping

accommodation

state highway

MAP LEGEND

© AA Traveller 2015

1

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Lake Ohauplace of hau (wind) • 175km NW of Oamaru

Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama, 41km

This section traverses the lower slopes of

the Ruataniwha Conservation Park, with

views across the basin to the Benmore

Range. After easy cycling to Freehold

Creek it’s a steady climb to the high point,

900m above sea level (bring high-energy

food, drinking water is available from

various mountain streams). The trail

then descends to Quailburn Rd. From the

Quailburn Rd intersection you can detour

2km to the historic woolshed at the end

of the road where there are toilets. On

the way down Quailburn Rd you can take

a side trip to the Clay Cliffs (14km return)

before following the highway to Omarama.

Omarama to Otematata, 24km

Ride east down the Waitaki Valley, over

Chain Hills and on past Pumpkin Point

to Sailors Cutting – a popular boating,

fi shing and camping destination. The trail

then follows SH 83 (extra care is needed

on the highway). There’s a short climb

to Otematata Saddle with views of Lake

Aviemore, then it’s downhill to Otematata.

Otematata to Kurow, 43km

From Otematata, ride up Loch Laird Rd and

over the massive Benmore Hydro Dam.

You may need to walk the last 800m as it’s

quite steep. Then follow the road along the

margins of Lake Aviemore to the Aviemore

Dam. After crossing the dam the trail

follows the road to Lake Waitaki and the

Waitaki Dam, then on to Kurow. Take extra

care on SH 83.

Kurow to Duntroon, 23km

The next leg of the trail passes the Waitaki

River and follows SH 83, traversing

ancient alluvial plains through Kurow’s

wine country. There’s a short climb near

the Maori rock art site before a gentle

downhill gradient on the highway all the

way to Duntroon. Take extra care when

cycling on SH 83.

Duntroon to Oamaru, 55km

From Duntroon head southwest past a

Maori rock art site to the rock formations

known as Elephant Rocks. An off-road trail

then takes you through several farms. You

rejoin the road at Prydes Gulley before

heading off-road again beside Karara

Creek. A series of gravel roads take you to

the Rakis Railway Tunnel. Then it is on to

Windsor and Weston where you rejoin the

old railway line for a fl at run to Saleyards

Rd. Follow the cycleway downhill to

the Oamaru Gardens. Bike through the

gardens, across SH 1, then through the

park to the main street (Thames St). Turn

right into the far lane and ride south past

the i-SITE, turning left on Itchen St, right

onto Tyne, then left onto Harbour St. Go

through the Victorian Historic Precinct to

the Oamaru Harbour where the trail ends.

RIDING THE TRAIL

“Riders on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail will experience a wonderful ride with

outstanding landscapes, from snow-capped peaks and beautiful lakes to the dry

inland landscape and green pastures characteristic of North Otago.”

Phil Brownie, Destination Mt Cook

With shimmering turquoise hues

and alpine surroundings, the Tekapo,

Pukaki and Ohau lakes are simply

breathtaking. Lake Pukaki was used as

a setting in The Hobbit Trilogy.

Lakes Aviemore and Waitaki are two

of the Waitaki Valley’s sparkling hydro

lakes, which attract boating, water

sports and fi shing enthusiasts.

Some of the most stunning

lakes you will ever see exist

along this trail.

PRISTINE LAKES Cyclists on Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, Lake Pukaki

© davidwallphoto.comRIGHT: Lake Aviemore © Jill Gardiner

Lake Tekapocorruption of takapo ‘sleeping mat’ • 105km NW of Timaru on SH 8

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things to do...

ALONGSIDE THE TRAIL

Around every bend is beautiful scenery, a geological wonder or a welcoming township... and there’s always plenty of things to do.

At the Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki Mt

Cook Village visit the Sir Edmund Hillary

Alpine Centre, a tribute to the great

explorer.

Lake Tekapo’s scenery is also impressive

– it’s the combination of the turquoise

lake, the exquisite Church of the Good

Shepherd, and the snow-capped

Southern Alps. Visit the internationally

recognised Mt John University

Observatory at Lake Tekapo. This is one

of the world’s best places to observe the

evening sky.

Spend some time in the beautifully

located Twizel township. Skiers often

base themselves here so they can take

their pick of the four nearby skifi elds.

Summer activities include fi shing and

boating on Lake Ruataniwha, black stilt

tours and tramping.

Statue of Sir Edmund Hillary © The Hermitage, Aoraki Mt Cook

TwizelTwizel bridge over River Tweed, Northumberland • 161km W of Timaru on SH 8

Under a limestone bluff on

SH 83 you’ll fi nd the historical

Takiroa Maori rock art site.

Maori Rock Art

Maori Rock Art © Canterbury & Christchurch Marketing

One of the country’s most

photographed churches, the

Church of the Good Shepherd’s

altar window frames breathtaking

views of the lake and mountains.

The nearby bronze dog is a

memorial to working dogs.

Treasured Landmarks

Church of the Good Shepherd, Tekapo© Fraser Gunn

Floating shop – Free fi sh feeding

Twizel to Omarama Hwy, SH 8, TwizelPhone: 0800 400 385 • 021 400 385

Email: sales@highcountrysalmon.co.nz

Boutique, family-owned farm, fl oating on the glacial waters of Wairepo Arm.High Country Salmon — an excellent source of Omega 3, Vitamins B6, B12 and D, all of which are essential for good health.

• Floating shop

• Free fi sh feeding

• Fresh salmon for purchase

• Nationwide delivery

www.highcountrysalmon.co.nz

Queenstown

ChristchurchOpen between 8am and 8pmSeasonal variations apply

Please check our website for details

Email: holidaypark2000@xtra.co.nz www.lakeruataniwha.co.nzMax Smith Dr (PO Box 83), Twizel Ph: 03 435 0613 Fax: 03 435 0614

Twizel’s Lakeside Holiday ParkLAKE RUATANIWHA HOLIDAY PARK

• 8 motel units, 7-bedroom lodge in spacious sheltered surrounds

• Cabins, campervan & tent sites• New, well furnished 3-bedroom unit,

ideal for families or 2 couples

Enjoy a traditional holiday in a sheltered paradise on the lakeside

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TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Waitaki Valley is bursting with

an incredible range of scenery –

everything from undulating farmland

to alpine forests, vineyards, charming

villages, the braided Waitaki River

and many hydro lakes. Water sports

fl ourish, as does wine-tasting at the

many vineyards – the valley is fast

becoming known as a top destination

for pinot noir. An interesting feature

of the Waitaki Valley is the Maori

rock art and the interpretation signs

located here.

The serene Lake Ohau, with its

tranquil deep lake and rugged terrain,

is known for the nearby Ohau snow

fi eld’s high-country skiing and

snowboarding, and come the end of

the ski season there are stunning

wilderness areas to be explored by

either walking, hiking or biking.

Otematata’s small population balloons

with holidaymakers over summer when

it’s sometimes over 30ºC. Walking, ABOVE, LEFT: Clay Cliffs © Visit OamaruABOVE, RIGHT: Gliding in the Waitaki Valley © Southern Soaring, Omarama

fi shing and golf are popular here. You

can experience New Zealand’s high

country with a visit to Otematata

Station, one of New Zealand’s largest

privately-owned stations, with up to

150km of tracks open to visitors.

Omarama is known for its clear blue

skies and beautiful dawn and dusk

colours. The giant fl uted Clay Cliffs

are a sight to behold and are one

of New Zealand’s best-kept natural

secrets. Nestled among spectacular

mountain ranges, Omarama has some

of the best conditions in the world to

experience the magic of gliding. You

can ride an airwave high above the

Southern Alps in silent fl ight here.

Omarama Gliding

Omaramaplace of moonlight • 119km NW of Oamaru

State Highway 83, Omarama, Otago, New Zealand

P: 03 438 9451 • F: 03 438 9461

E: ahuririmotels@xtra.co.nz

The friendly place to stay

• 14 motel units, studio, 1, 2 & 3-bedroom

• Alps 2 Ocean Cycleway at gate

• FREE WiFi

• Laundry facilities • Guest BBQ

• Central to shops, restaurants and airfi eld

AHURIRI MOTELS 0800 438 945

www.ahuririmotels.co.nz

• NZ-made souvenirs, gifts, clothing

and merino/possum garments.

• Enjoy delicious home-style food, all day

breakfast and the ultimate in tea or coffee.

• We cater for individuals or tour groups.

• On Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail

Town CentreOpposite Challenge Service StationPhone 03 438 9844 merinocountryomarama@xtra.co.nzwww.merinocountryomarama.co.nz

OMARAMA, WORLDWIDE POSTAGE

Display of NZ-made Jan Mclean dolls.

Merino Country Café & Gifts

Asure Sierra Motels 8 Twizel-Omarama Road, SH 8, Omarama

P: 03 438 9785 • Reservations Freephone: 0800 743 772E: sierramotels@omarama.co.nz • www.omarama.co.nz

• 14 s/c, 1 & 2-brm & studio units (8 new 2009)• Fully equipped kitchen, microwave, telephone,

heating, electric blankets. Sky TV. FREE WiFi• Close to Hot Tubs and Gliding Soaring Centre• Village shops and restaurants 300m• Fishing tackle shop on site

• BBQ area and parking for boats• Central to rivers, lakes and mountains• On Alps 2 Ocean Cycleway• Tariff : from $125 (2 persons)

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Oamaruplace of Maru • 115km NE of Dunedin on SH 1

things to do...

Oamaru town

There are many reasons to fall in

love with Oamaru. The surrounding

scenery, accessible wildlife, living

history and a host of activities ensure

you will have an unforgettable time

here. Guided tours are available to

make sure you don’t miss anything.

Oamaru is renowned for its pretty

townscape and gardens, intact

Victorian precinct and harbour and

neoclassical stone buildings.

OAMARUThe harbour is home not only to an old

wooden wharf, but also hundreds of blue

penguins that waddle ashore every night

just after dark. The Oamaru Blue Penguin

Colony, a natural nesting area for the

world’s smallest penguin species, is now

an international drawcard. Oamaru is

also home to Steampunk HQ, which

fuses the Victorian era with the future

and reinvents steam-powered machinery.

Penguin sign, Oamaru © Visit Oamaru

26 26 HIGHFIELD MEWS MOTELHIGHFIELD MEWS MOTELExecutive studio & 1-brm suites. 400m to CBD, double-glazed, double spa bath, kitchen, FREE

broadband, 37in/42in TVs, king/queen-size beds, smokefree, DVD, BBQ, bikes.

Tariff: $145-$220 (2 persons), extra $30.

Cnr Thames & Exe Sts, Oamaru, GPS 26 Exe St. • Ph: 03 434 3437Email: stay@highfi eldmews.co.nz • Reservations: 0800 84 36 39

www.highfi eldmews.co.nz

...www.alps2

oceancycles.co.nz......www.alps2

oceancycles.co.nz...

Address:Address: 1 Meek St, Oamaru, New Zealand1 Meek St, Oamaru, New ZealandEmail:Email: cyclehire@alps2oceancycles.co.nzcyclehire@alps2oceancycles.co.nz

Cycle Hire Transportation LogisticsCycle Hire Transportation Logistics

Asure Armada Motor Inn 500A Thames Highway, Oamaru

Ph: 03 437 9040 • Fax: 03 437 9049 Reservations: 0800 OAMARU (62 62 78)

E: offi ce@armadamotorinn.co.nz • www.armadamotorinn.co.nz

• Spacious and comfortable units

• All units air-conditioned and heated

• Ample off -street parking, large area available

• Close to sportsgrounds, racecourse, secondary schools and hockey turf

• Restaurant/bar on site

• Long-stay and group rates available

• Asure Group 10th Night Loyalty Programme

• 50+ Sky, Free WiFi (conditions apply)

• Tariff : Studio, 1 & 2-bedroom from $110-$130 (2 persons), Extra adult $20

Your friendly hosts are Cliff , Pauline & Mark

7 DAYS

Get off your bike and take a walk through

the colony during the day and then, in the

evening, choose from Premium or General

viewing to watch the penguins come

ashore.

The Last Post

12 Thames St, Oamaru • Phone: 03 434 8080Email: info@thelastpostoamaru.co.nz • www.thelastpostoamaru.co.nz

• Excellent food, great location and a menu for every appetite, featuring local fare served in a friendly atmosphere

• Gaming room, big-screen Sky TV, garden-covered courtyard.• Located in the historic fi rst Post Offi ce. Close to Oamaru’s Blue Penguin Colony.• Restaurant/bar/catering services.