After all the fundraising and preparation, the journey finally begins! On arrival at Christchurch Airport make your way to the Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments (studio rooms) at 113 Worcester Street. Later, we head out to a nearby restaurant for our first group dinner (at own expense). Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments (studio rooms)

Meals:  Nil

Following an early start, our adventure begins with a scenic drive across the Canterbury Plains. After morning tea in the charming town of Geraldine, we continue through rolling farmland to Burke’s Pass—the gateway to the Mackenzie Basin—before arriving at brilliant blue Lake Tekapo. After lunch and a ride briefing, we’ll start our journey with a lakeside ride past the Church of the Good Shepherd, following hydro canals and rising to a stunning terrace above Lake Pukaki. We descend to the lakeshore, where views of Aoraki/Mt Cook are unforgettable. From here, a short transfer takes us to Twizel for the next two nights. Cycling distance: up to 34km Accommodation: The Alps in Twizel

Meals:  L,D

We begin the day with a scenic 20km ride from Lake Pukaki back toward Twizel, cycling through wide-open tussockland with views of the Southern Alps. After a short break, we travel by vehicle into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you can choose from a selection of stunning short walks, each offering a unique perspective of the park: Kea Point Track – 5km return, gentle terrain Red Tarns Track – 3.7km return, 330m elevation gain Mueller Lake Lookout – 1.8km return via Hooker Valley Track Tasman Glacier Viewpoint – 3km return with 300 steps Alternatively, if weather conditions are poor, we’ll visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, home to a museum, planetarium, and visitor centre. In the late afternoon, we return to Twizel for our second night’s stay at The Alps Motel. Cycling distance: approx 20km Hiking Distance: Hooker Valley Walk 10km (mostly flat) Accommodation: The Alps in Twizel

Meals:  B,L,D

The stunning scenery keeps coming as we ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals with a vast mountainous backdrop, then Lake Ohau where we stop for lunch. 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 down to Omarama – our stop for the night. Today’s journey is filled with stunning high-country riding. We start alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals before reaching Lake Ohau for lunch. From here, confident riders can tackle the climb to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the highest point on the A2O. Alternatively, choose a shorter option starting from Quailburn Woolshed for an easier ride into Omarama. Optional: Private hot tubs under the stars (pre-booked, own cost). Translating from Maori as ‘place of light’, Omarama is known for its extraordinarily clear skies, offering incredible star gazing opportunities at night. Cycle distance: 38km (Twizel–Lake Ohau); 44km Lake Ohau–Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle or 26km (Quailburn–Omarama (short option) Accommodation: Sierra Motel, Omarama

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. From there, we join the lakeshore to traverse around the shoreline of rocky outcrops, little beaches and even tree covered islands. The trail then drops us down from above the Benmore Dam to rejoin the quiet lakeside road. There is an easier option for less confident riders who would prefer to avoid this more technical section. Regrouped, it’s a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where we’ll enjoy a picnic by the lake. We’ll arrive at Kurow with plenty of time to explore the town’s surrounds. Highlights include beautifully restored St Albans Church and wine-tasting at at the award winning Ostler Vineyards tasting rooms. We’ll stay overnight at Waitaki Braids Lodge and Riverside B&B. Dinner tonight will showcase local produce by one of the regions most esteemed chefs. Cycle distance: 67km Accommodation: Waitaki Braids Lodge / Riverside B&B, Kurow

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning the cycle trail takes us along the banks of the Waitaki River, 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 through picturesque rural countryside. We pass Oamaru Stone quarry, where stone has been extracted since the nineteenth century. We’ll see its influence on local architecture once we reach Oamaru. After riding through the town’s delightful municipal gardens, we’ll reach the Victorian Precinct and harbourside park where the A2O finish-line sign offers the perfect photo-op. Head to our accommodation ahead of a celebratory final dinner. Cycling Distance: 28km (Kurow–Duntroon) & 50km (Duntroon to Oamaru) Accommodation: Mariner Suites / Poshtel Oamaru

Meals:  B,L,D

After completing the full Alps to Ocean journey, we enjoy a relaxed start to the day with free time to explore Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct, browse boutique galleries, or visit the quirky Steampunk HQ. Late morning, we depart by vehicle for our journey north across the Canterbury Plains for our final foodie experience and celebratory lunch at the award winning Riverstone Kitchen, the perfect way to wrap up the cycle adventure and celebrate completing one of New Zealand’s most iconic cycling adventures. Expect to arrive in central Christchurch by early evening. Travel time: 3.5hrs (Oamaru to Christchurch) Alternative itinerary: Oamaru to Christchurch via Opuke Thermal Spa We start our final day having completed the full Alps to Ocean journey. After breakfast, we board the vehicle and travel north through the scenic foothills of inland Canterbury. Our destination is the Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa in Methven—a solar-powered alpine retreat designed for rest and recovery. The group will enjoy a relaxing visit to the Tranquility Pools, an adults-only sanctuary featuring hot pools, a swim-up bar and mountain views. After soaking and unwinding, we’ll share a late lunch (TBA, either Opuke’s on-site café or a nearby Methven restaurant) before heading off for the final leg of our journey, arriving in Christchurch early evening, refreshed and revitalised. Experience: Opuke Tranquility Pools (2–2.5hrs visit) Travel time: 2.5hrs (Oamaru to Methven), 1.5hrs (Methven to Christchurch)

Meals:  B,L