alps 2 ocean - aa · pdf filethe trail starts at the white horse hill ... “riders on the...
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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: [email protected]
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: [email protected] 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
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 [email protected]
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: [email protected] • 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: [email protected]@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 [email protected] • 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: [email protected] • 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.