Skip to main content

News

My Ride - Alps to Ocean (A2O), South Island, NZ

Andrew Nelson | Published on 1/27/2025

My Ride: Alps to Ocean (A2O) – NZ South Island


Since enjoying New Zealand’s Central Otago Rail Trail ride almost two years ago, my partner and I have been keen to get back to this cycling Mecca, and were excited to be able to squeeze in the seven-day Alps to Ocean (A2O) trail ride this January [2025].

The ride is from Mt Cook (or alternatively nearby Lake Tekapo) to the east coast town of Oamaru – a distance of just over 300 km, through three very different country sides. Initially the trail through post-glacial landscapes skirts five manmade lakes and follows canals – part of NZ’s hydro scheme - in the South Island’s high Mackenzie Country – a popular skiing destination in Winter.

Descending to the Canterbury Plain, it follows the braided course of the Waitaki River before veering into the limestone hills of the Otago Region (intensive crop/sheep/cattle farming) to reach coastal Oamaru.

The trail was promoted by former NZ Prime Minister, John Key, in 2009 following an idea from a government think tank. By 2009 the contributions of cyclists to the economy of the Central Otago area through the popularity of the Central Otago Rail Trail (150 km, established February 2000) were apparent and no doubt prompted the building of additional bike trails.

The upper 68 km of the A2O trail was opened in February 2013, just two years after construction began. Cyclists make significant contributions to the NZ economy and are particularly important in helping to maintain infrastructure (cafes, pubs, B&Bs) in rural communities.

The trail can be comfortably completed in six or seven days (or fewer by the keen and fit) with a variety of accommodation options ranging from camping, to B&B, to ski lodges, with the option of fully supported rides, self-guided rides with accommodation and luggage shuttle arranged, and completely self-arranged. There are limited townships along the trail so daily cycling distances are not very flexible. While the track title suggests a down-hill route, there is in fact quite a bit of up-hill, and we were told that 90% of riders choose e-bikes. My partner chose an e-bike, while I did not, happy to get the extra exercise. I did have to push my bike up a few short steep sections, but was happy to do so. My fitness level is moderate and I am not young. Most of my regular cycling comprises shopping trips to the Chatswood CBD and back to Chatswood West, four or five times a week! 

Much of the trail is off road, most on gravel – ranging from fine to coarse – so some gravel riding experience is useful. There are steep drop-offs on the sides of some sections, particularly around Lake Benmore, but cyclists seem able to take care of themselves.

Cyclists will appreciate the benefits – health and otherwise, of “slow travel”, and this is certainly the case with this route. We did not travel in a group but regularly met up and made friends with cyclists from UK, US, Germany, NZ and Australia.

The variety of scenery makes the ride highly attractive, and New Zealanders are experts at making cycling a pleasurable past-time. My partner and I found the experience highly enjoyable and trouble free.


Figure 1 Cycle route map (https://www.alps2ocean.com/). Cycle route is just over 300 km.

Figure 1 Cycle route map (https://www.alps2ocean.com/). Cycle route is just over 300 km.

Figure 2 Lake Ohau section.

Figure 3 Hill side climb from Lake Ohau.





Figure 4 Trail around Lake Benmore.

Figure 5 Lake Benmore

Figure 6 Catching my breath at the top of a steep section.






Figure 7 Wouldn't be NZ without the sheep. Some track sections are on rural roads.

Figure 8 Build it and they will come. Flying Pig Cafe.

Figure 9 Trail and elevation - Otematata to Kurow segment, around Lakes Aviemore and Benmore. 46.5 km.






Connect With Us

info@bikenorth.org.au
ABN 54 709 768 966