This summer I was the support vehicle for a group of friends doing the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. I took my electric bike along and joined in for some of the best parts of the trail – you can read about it here.

This fantastic 300 km ride goes from Aoraki Mt Cook (or Lake Tekapo) in the South Island of New Zealand. It takes you through some amazing country – past beautiful lakes and high country to the seaside town of Oamaru. Suitable for all ages, you can do a day trip, or allow 4-6 days for the whole ride.

We choose to start from Lake Tekapo instead of Mt Cook, as the Mt Cook leg necessitates a helicopter ride across the lake.

Accommodation on Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail

We booked our accommodation through Cycle Journeys who were fantastic.  They will also supply you with bicycles and electric bikes, carry your luggage, and store your car.

Accommodation options are affordable, standard and superior.  We went for standard with the occasional superior which was a great combination for our group of 60yrs plus riders.

View from our room – with zoom lens :)

Tekapo – Lake Tekapo Village Motel

Tekapo is a very popular destination as it is the centre of the Night Sky reserve – you must book ahead here. The motel is in the centre of the village where we had fabulous views over the lake and down to the Good Shepherd Church. A short walk takes you to Kohan Japanese restaurant for dinner, and in the morning Run 76 – my pick of the best place for breakfast, and to buy something for lunch on your trip.

Twizel – The Lakes Motel 

Warm welcome and a spa bath – loved our delicious luke warm soak before dinner, and bike racks for our cycles.

Lake Ohau Lodge

Lake Ohau Lodge is right on the A2O trail, so a perfect stop for lunch or in our case a stay over. 72 rooms overlooking the lake, with restaurant and bar, it is gorgeous – I can see why Cycle journeys recommended we stay here.

In winter it is the main accommodation for the nearby Ohau ski field. Today the clouds and rain have cleared from the lake, though not entirely from the mountains. It is beautiful.

Love that:

• To lesson impact on global warming by reducing carbon emissions, they are developing a network of local producers
• Our package included dinner, continental and cooked breakfast and a packed lunch for the journey.
• Great staff of young people who live on site – a summer and winter shift – this is a winter base for skiing as well as summer for tourists and bikers.
• There are lots of walks and tracks nearby

Otematata – Valley Lodge

Anita and Rob have built this lovely home to share with guests – three spacious double rooms with ensuites, on the second floor connected by a large balcony overlooking the lawn. I can see why they also host small weddings and retreats.

We could leave the doors to the balcony open all  night which was lovely.

Glen Mac Farmstay – between Kurow and Duntroon

This sheep station is half way between Kurow and Duntroon, and up a country road. Thanks to Kay and Keith – lovely dinner and breakfast, and some of us got to feed the orphan lambs before we left.

Next time – Kowhai Cottage at Duntroon

Cat and Cynthia at Duntroon

Kat was born in the area and has returned to live with her husband – she is part of the group who have developed the wetlands near the village. She allowed us to store our bikes in the back shed of her property which was great.

I think we would have preferred to stay with her in her accommodation called Kowhai Cottage.

It is a simple cottage which can sleep 5-6, set in a beautiful garden, including a very productive vegetable garden. Although there is not anywhere to buy food in Duntroon, Kat can set you up with a hamper and meals.

If you are wanting to get the 2.30 shuttle back to Twizel from Oamaru, you really need to be at Duntroon or even closer to Oamaru.

Cycling in Oamaru

We carry our Moustache electric bikes upfront on our caravan and we are keen to use them as much as possible.  We decided to do do the last day of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail – Duntroon to Oamaru.  We drove to Duntroon and left the car there to be picked up tomorrow.  Rail […]

More...

Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail – Diary of a Support Driver

The Alps to Ocean Cycle trail is a 4-6 day ride from Mt Cook (necessitating ahelicopter ride) or Tekapo. Six of us are heading off to start it, and I have volunteered to be the support vehicle, with my electric bike on the back, I plan to do a bit of the trail along the […]

More...