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Celebrating with fine food and wine after a good day's ride - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean, New Zealand
Celebrating with fine food and wine after a good day's ride  | Lachlan Gardiner
Mandatory pic at the end of the A2O - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean, New Zealand
Mandatory pic at the end of the A2O  | Peter N
TJX UGC - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean, New Zealand
TJX UGC
LachlanGardiner_AdventureSouth_OTAGO_DAY_01-HIGHRES-4096 - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean, New Zealand
LachlanGardiner_AdventureSouth_OTAGO_DAY_01-HIGHRES-4096  | Lachlan Gardiner
Our picnics are full of tasty and nutritious food - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean, New Zealand
Our picnics are full of tasty and nutritious food  | Lachlan Gardiner
Our Adventure South NZ Sinch eBikes - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean, New Zealand
Our Adventure South NZ Sinch eBikes  | Claire O
A guest photo on the Alps to Ocean Classic cycling tour - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean, New Zealand
A guest photo on the Alps to Ocean Classic cycling tour
ADS UGC SM - Lorraine Jones - ATO (2) - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean, New Zealand
ADS UGC SM - Lorraine Jones - ATO (2)
Delicious food and snacks served on every tour - Tastes of the Alps to Ocean, New Zealand
Delicious food and snacks served on every tour  | Lachlan Gardiner

Tastes of the Alps to Ocean

Eat, taste and ride the spectacular trails of the Alps to Ocean

New Zealand

 23 reviews

6 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: TATC
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 6 Days
Activities
  • 6 day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 1 night farm stay
  • 3 nights motel
  • 1 night historic lodge
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 5

moderate

Carbon Footprint  

29kg of CO2-e PP per day

(145kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Tastes of the Alps to Ocean Trip highlights

  • Eat, taste, and ebike down the spectacular trails of the Alps to Ocean from Tekapo
  • Meet local growers/producers of salmon, wine & cheese
  • Be awed by Aoraki/Mt Cook World Heritage National Park
  • Ride through the iconic Mackenzie Country tussocklands and surreal turquoise hydro lakes
  • Enjoy great coffee and packed lunches from the Hungry Hydro, Canterbury's best kept foodie secret!
  • Explore Oamaru’s charming Victorian Precinct, visit Whitestone Cheese Deli, enjoy lunch at the iconic Riverstone Kitchen
  • Stargaze across world renowned night skies
  • Stay in the remote Braemar Station, prestigious Waitaki Braids Lodge & historic Burnside Homestead

Overview

Explore some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes and culinary delights as you embark in comfort on our fully guided and supported Alps to Ocean Cycle tour.

Sample the best local ingredients, meet artists & artisans and see how salmon is filleted by a professional, taste boutique brews and wines and get to know the secrets behind some of the best chutneys, preserves and cheese makers in the region.

From Tekapo, we ride through the golden Mackenzie Country on canal paths to Lake Pukaki and the mountainous landscape around Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. With an overnight stay in Mt Cook village we will also enjoy a short walk to the Tasman Glacier viewpoint.

Back on our bikes, we cycle around the surreal Lake Ohau to join the ancient pathways down the Waitaki Valley where you’ll be wowed by more stunning lakes, fascinating hydro dams and picturesque vineyards. Our journey through rolling countryside leads down to the historic port town of Oamaru on the Pacific Ocean.

Enjoy warm, southern hospitality, heritage charm as well as some fabulous local produce and producers along the way. If food is your travel inspiration, choose this culinary Alps to Ocean cycle tour and it will transform your holiday into an amazing experience.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Your food lovers adventure begins at 8am in Central Christchurch. We start with a drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains and to the foot of the Southern Alps. We continue our journey to arrive in the country town of Geraldine where we enjoy a delicious cafe lunch. There is time to visit the famous Barkers Foodstore & Eatery to sample their chutneys, syrups, sauces and delicious goodies. Our scenic drive continues over Burke’s Pass which is a fitting introduction to the famous Mackenzie Country, where Lake Tekapo soon appears as a bright blue jewel. After a briefing and group photos we'll set off cycling around the lakeside to see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, continuing to the start of the Alps to Ocean ride. We follow alongside the vivid hydro canals to reach a high terrace overlooking Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. The trail then dips down to meet the lakeshore offering incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and from where we drive to our remote farm stay at Braemar Station. This is a trip highlight for many as we are rewarded with panoramic views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki made all the better with a celebratory glass of wine and a cheese platter before being treated to a delicious home cooked dinner. Be sure to take a walk outside after dark to see the incredible starry skies. Please Note: accommodation tonight is split across 2 separate lodges - only some rooms have ensuites, yet the incredible location and views make it worthwhile. Cycling Distance: up to 35km Accommodation: Braemar Station

Meals: L,D

We begin the day with a leisurely ride from the scenic Lake Pukaki viewpoint, following the shoreline to the picturesque Pukaki Flats, and onward to High Country Salmon. At the salmon farm, we meet the award-winning team renowned for their expert filleting of Chinook (King) salmon. During our visit, we learn about the fascinating journey of how this prized fish, originally from California’s McLeod River, became a part of New Zealand’s unique ecosystem. During lunch at the farm's floating café, you'll have the option to taste their salmon, complemented by fresh, local flavors. After lunch, we set off on a stunning drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, surrounded by dramatic alpine valleys and New Zealand’s tallest peaks. Here, we take a short but unforgettable walk to admire the Tasman Glacier. Time permitting, you can explore the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (entrance fee applies) or visit the informative National Park Visitor Centre, before enjoying dinner at the Hermitage Hotel, with its incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Cycling Distance: 25km (Pukaki Viewpoint to High Country Salmon) Accommodation: Mt Cook Village

Meals: B,L,D

This morning the stunning scenery keeps on coming as we depart Mt Cook and transfer to Twizel. We ride alongside the Twizel Canals, then around the shore of Lake Ohau, taking a break at the alpine ski lodge for a tasty lunch on the deck overlooking the lake and alpine peaks. Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the highpoint of the A2O. The vast Mackenzie Country views are just reward for the climb. Alternatively, riders can transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride. We then load up and drive to the Clay Cliffs a unique geological wonder; ‘bad land’ sharp pinnacles and ridges separated by steep and narrow ravines which look dramatic and 'otherworldly'. By mid afternoon we drive onto Omarama – our stop for the night. Translating as ‘place of light’, Omarama is known for its extraordinarily clear skies. They are best appreciated at the local hot pools where you can soak in fresh, mountain water (own expense). Dinner will be served in the newly refurbished Boots & Jandals pub where you will experience true kiwi hospitality. Cycling Distance: 38km (Twizel–Lake Ohau); 45km Lake Ohau–Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle or 23km (Quailburn–Omarama (short option) Accommodation: Sierra Motels

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s ride takes us down the Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. First, we follow the trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting where we join a new section of trail which follows Benmore Dam and offers super views, swimming opportunities and arguably some of the best riding of the entire trail. Leaving our bikes at Benmore Dam we transit by vehicle the short distance to Otematata to visit Catherbury's best kept foodie secret (in our opinion!), the Hungry Hydro coffee and bakery cart. Karen the owner and baker extraordinaire will host us for morning tea and send us off with delicious packed lunches. Returning to our bikes we then ride across the Benmore Dam wall and follow the trail along Lake Aviemore where at a scenic picnic spot we will enjoy our tasty lunch. We arrive in Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surrounds, or a wine tasting at the award winning Ostler Vineyards tasting rooms. We’ll stay overnight at Waitaki Braids Lodge, an elegant lodge serving dinner showcasing local produce by one of the regions most esteemed chefs. Cycling Distance: Omarama to Kurow - up to 67km Accommodation: Waitaki Braids Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

This morning the cycle trail takes us along the banks of the Waitaki River to a hazelnut farm then we ride past vineyards and a Maori rock art site to reach the small town of Duntroon. From there, we head inland into rolling country and wander around the unique Elephant Rocks, huge formations strewn across a field. Picking up the old railway line, we’ll ride through Raki's tunnel before rolling downhill to the settlement of Windsor where we will receive a warm welcome at our final accommodation at Burnside Homestead. After being greeted by afternoon tea, there will be time to look around the gardens and grounds of this historic Victorian house. The historic homestead is a fitting place for our final night together and a well-deserved night’s sleep after dinner at the local Enfield pub. Cycling Distance: 28km (Kurow–Duntroon) & 35km (Duntroon–Burnside Homestead) Accommodation: Burnside Homestead

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we jump on the bikes for the last ride and cycle through picturesque rolling rural countryside, past the Oamaru stone quarry to Friendly Bay and the end of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. We celebrate our cycling achievements with a group photo at the famous picture frame. We have time to explore Oamaru's Victorian Precinct and harbourside park with its arty shops and galleries, before we visit Whitestone Cheese Deli for a delicious cheese tasting. We continue our drive north to our final foodie experience a celebratory lunch at the award winning Riverstone Kitchen, the perfect way to wrap up the Tastes of the Alps to Ocean cycle adventure! We head across the Canterbury Plains, and arrive in central Christchurch around 6pm-7pm Cycling distance: 19km (Windsor–Oamaru)

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 8 Nov 2026 and 1 Mar 2028.

  • Departs 8 Nov 2026 – ends 13 Nov 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 24 Jan 2027 – ends 29 Jan 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 28 Mar 2027 – ends 2 Apr 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 7 Nov 2027 – ends 12 Nov 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 20 Jan 2028 – ends 25 Jan 2028 (6 days)
  • Departs 1 Mar 2028 – ends 6 Mar 2028 (6 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x5), gourmet cafe or picnic lunches (x6), and two course hearty dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 5 nights hotel/lodge/farm stay accommodation on twin share basis, ensuite where possible
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and ensure you can relax and enjoy the experience (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
  • Private vehicle transport from/to Christchurch
  • Private support vehicle to rest sore muscles
  • Tasty morning teas, snacks, fruit and drinks while cycling
  • Whitestone cheese tasting
  • Celebratory end of ride lunch at Riverstone Kitchen
  • Entrance fees, meet the growers produce tours, and wine tasting
  • Ebike rental including helmet hire (valued at $600)
  • Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Optional activities (eg. Omarama hot tubs, Steampunk Gallery)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)
  • Tips

About your guide

Your cycle will be led by a fabulous local guide who will give you insightful information during your travels, answer questions you may have and provide a safe and happy environment during your travels so that you can relax, taste and enjoy what this land has to offer. The guides are there to guide you every step of the way through this stunning country.

Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

Videos

Cycling the Alps to Ocean Trail in New Zealand
Cycling the Alps to Ocean Trail in New Zealand
Our Guides: The Heart and Soul of Your Adventure
Our Premium e-Bikes: Features and Benefits

Reviews (23)

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We have just finished the Alps to Ocean 6 day ride and would have to say, hands down, one of the best holidays we've ever taken. Everything was made so easy for us. The organisation of everything day to day was without fault. Our meals and accommodation were fantastic. New Zealand know their food. Every meal was delicious. The group we travelled with were great fun and everyone looked out for one another. To see New Zealand from the aspect of a bike, to get off the beaten track and into all its nature was the best decisions we could have made. A big special thanks to our wonderful guide Heather, who went above and beyond everyday, to really make this holiday adventure special for everyone. Already looking forward to our next adventure.

Alison J|VIC, Australia
4 Apr 2026
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This trip was a wonderful experience. Led by such helpful and enthusiastic guides, Heather and Harry, we rode, on excellent e-bikes, against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains around the beautiful rivers and lakes and through lush countryside. And along the way wine tastings delicious morning teas and lunches with excellent accommodation.

David Rush|VIC, Australia
27 Nov 2025
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The trip was even better than I envisaged. The itinerary was fantastic, the guides were incredible and the scenery and weather just stunning. You really only had to concentrate on cycling and the next destination - everything was arranged for you and all well organised.

Sally|VIC, Australia
27 Nov 2025
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A fantastic experience. Probably one of the hardest rides I have done but the eBike was a huge help. Food, wine, accommodation were excellent and top marks to Heather and Harry for all their patience and care.

Susan R|Australia
27 Nov 2025
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Very happy with most of our week. Found the rough track up to the Tarnbrae saddle very challenging.

Loved the salmon farm & the tour guide was very knowledgeable.

Most accommodation was acceptable, Burnside homestead was not great, a bit run down.

Guides were fabulous & everything ran smoothly .

Alison M|Australia
17 Mar 2025
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Knowledgeable guides, great scenery, mixed accommodation, fair, but not great ebikes and a little too much time in bus for our group.

Mike M|QLD, Australia
15 Mar 2025
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We loved our Tastes A2O cycling adventure with Adventure South NZ. Incredible!

Alix Kelly|VIC, Australia
8 Mar 2025
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Great trip. Well organised. Guided tour took us to different places and we met people that we wouldn’t normally see - Good value for money. We will be doing other trips with this company.

Barry Austin|New Zealand
4 Dec 2024
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A very first trip of this kind and it was awesome. We biked on e-bikes, some big days but that was fuelled by excellent food. We did some wonderful side trips and learned a lot about the people of the Mackenzie country. Heather our little energiser bunny guide was excellent keeping us to our timetable and taking us on the side excursions. Pip Cameron our foodie lady who biked with us was enthusiastic and so knowledgeable about the area. Thank you Adventure South NZ for organising.

Pamela Annand|New Zealand
3 Dec 2024

Extra trip info

AccommodationBikesTrail surfacesWill My Trip Run?
Comfortable accommodation on the remote Braemar Station | Braemar Station

Farm Stay

Stay in the comfort and seclusion of farm cottages on Braemar Station, with uninterrupted views of Lake Pukaki, the Ben Ohau Range and Aoraki/Mt Cook. The cottages are warm and spacious with cosy living and kitchen areas, the bedrooms are modern with shared bathrooms.

Studio Room at Carrick Lodge | Carrick Lodge

Motels

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Stay at the historic Burnside Homestead | Dan Thour

Burnside Homestead

A unique Victorian country home built in the 1890's offers large traditionally decorated bedrooms with authentic period furniture. Guests are welcomed with a delicious afternoon tea and can relax in the sunny conservatory, sitting room, billiard room, or in front of the open fire in the great hall. Wander through the extensive parkland featuring specimen trees and sheltered gardens established over 160 years ago.

Waitaki Braids Kurow | Accommodation | Lachlan Gardiner

Waitaki Braids Lodge

Dating back to 1888, this elegant lodge started life as the Kurow village store. Each room offers a private ensuite and a conservatory, luxury beds and linen and there is a communal lounge and dining area where dinner is served. Local produce is the heart of the menu and dinner is the Chefs choice of set menu, catering to all dietary requirements.

Sinch E-Bike Jaunt EZ 3.5 Auto

Sinch eBikes - Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL*

Designed specifically for Adventure South, our fleet of Sinch e-bikes is built to handle Aotearoa New Zealand’s cycle trails with ease.

These pedal-assist bikes take the effort out of hills and longer rides, thanks to a smooth and reliable Shimano motor system and a comfortable, upright riding position.

For premium comfort and control, they are equipped with:

Large 630Wh battery

Electronic and optional automatic gear shifting

Swept-back handlebars with ergonomic comfort grips

120mm front air suspension

20mm suspension dropper seat post

Hydraulic disc brakes

Adjustable handlebar stem

All sizes apart from XL feature an exceptionally low step-through frame (40cm) and 27.5” x 2.35” tyres.

*The XL bikes feature a step-over frame with 29” x 2.4” tyres for added stability and performance.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth Muster, or cycling through Otago’s stunning gorges, our e-bikes are designed to help you enjoy every moment of the ride.

Merida Big 9 200

Merida Big Nine 200 (Hardtail Mountain bike NOT AN E-BIKE) - Sizes S, M, L & XL:

Our Merida Big Nine 200 hardtails are built for real-world Aotearoa New Zealand trails — reliable, capable, and comfortable. The lightweight aluminium frame and 29x2.4'' tires roll efficiently over a wide range of terrain, while the air suspension fork smooths out bumps and rough tracks. A modern, big range 1x10 drivetrain keeps shifting simple and intuitive, letting you focus on the ride ahead.

Hydraulic disc brakes give you reliable stopping power, and the rear rack fitted with one of our rack bags (included in hire) is ideal for stashing your layers, lunch or camera. With a relaxed upright riding position, this is a great choice for those who want a traditional, pedal-powered ride without sacrificing comfort.

With cleverly engineered geometry, this is a great choice for those who appreciate an engaging pedal powered ride without sacrificing the slightest bit of comfort.

Whether you’re cruising through the Roxburgh Gorge, flying across the Shotover Bridge, or pedalling beside the wild surf of the Taranaki coast, the Merida Big Nine 200 is a dependable trail mate.

* We have step-through bikes available on request, subject to limited availability. These are Avanti Discovery models.

Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ

Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ - (subject to availability - through November 2025)

This is the e-bike for riders who want the lot — comfort, control, and a little electric boost when the legs need it. The Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ features full suspension, a sporty mountainbike position, 29x2.4'' tires and a powerful Shimano motor that’ll help flatten out hills and keep your day flowing smoothly.

A long-lasting 712 Wh battery means you can ride all day, and extras like integrated lights, mudguards and a rack make it practical too. Whether you’re gliding around the Timber Trail, cruising the West Coast Wilderness, or soaking in the sights of the Alps to Ocean, this bike turns the dial up on comfort and capability.

*Subject to limited availability

Otago Central Rail Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

Compacted Gravel 45%

45% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is compacted gravel. Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and aware that riding on this surface will reduce cycling speeds. There are some narrow cattle-stop grates, and “chicanes” (s-shaped safety gateways).

Take in the views of Aoraki, Mt Cook as you ride along turquoise canals | Lisa Jones

Sealed Road 30%

30% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is sealed road. Most of these roads are quiet back-roads. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Enjoy the shadow on an early autumn day in France's Tarn region | Charles Hawes

Gravel Road 18%

18% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is gravel road. This is manageable for most, however cyclists need to be comfortable riding on rougher gravel surfaces including graded roads and deeper gravel.

Alps 2 Ocean Rough Shingle Surface

Rough Shingle 6%

6% of the Alps 2 Ocean trail is rough shingle. This can include rocks and rough terrain. Some cyclists will choose to walk these sections.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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