Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) Cycle Trail

The Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail (A2O Cycle Trail) stretches over 300 kms from Aoraki/Mt Cook Village, through the magnificent Mackenzie Basin and down the Waitaki Valley, to end at Oamaru by the Pacific Ocean. If you choose the official start at Mt Cook Village, you get to ride in a helicopter across the Tasman river, see breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, enjoy riding past glacial lakes and snow capped peaks, tussock-covered high country stations and braided rivers. Learn about the one of New Zealand's most important hydro-electric schemes and visit incredible rock and fossil formations. All while cycling through one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand on your way to the endless Pacific Ocean. This is truly one of the most majestic ways to experience the South Island.  

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is a mix of off-road tracks, purpose-built cycle trail, sealed and unsealed gravel roads. There’s a huge variety to experience every day in both the trail and the scenery. This makes the Alps 2 Ocean one of New Zealand’s most epic Great Mountain Bike Rides.

The A2O is not built on an old rail trail. It is a cycle trail with hills and corners, gravel, stream crossings and a mix of gradients and surfaces. You need a moderate level of fitness and be capable of riding a bike on a variety of surfaces. The cycling itself is relatively easy, but it passes through some remote areas with some patchy mobile phone coverage. Unless you are prepared to carry emergency gear and know how to deal with mechanical bike issues. We strongly recommend going with a reputable, professional tour operator such as A2O Cycle Tours. 


Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) Trail Map


Why ride with A2O Cycle Tours? 

Not all cycle tours are created equal!! There are a number of cheaper alternatives which provide a basic bike hire and luggage transportation service. If you are riding the trail without a support vehicle, please make sure you are fit enough, have the right clothing for changeable weather, carry emergency equipment and have the ability and spare parts to carry out minor bike repairs.Check the quality of the bikes before hiring! You will be riding it for a number of days, passing through some challenging terrain in remote areas. It is essential to carry some bike tools and know how to deal with minor mechanical issues.You should be prepared for any kind of weather - without van support you may be forced to ride in some very testing conditions. The MacKenzie region is famous for it's howling nor-westerlies and the rain can be nothing short of torrential. We frequently end up helping people stranded in the middle of nowhere, without appropriate bikes or equipment. 

We provide a full level service that lets you relax and enjoy the riding without stress: 
  • We only stock top quality mountain bikes and ebikes, perfectly suited to the trails and serviced after every tour. 
  • Our tour leaders are able to deal with mechanical problems and always carry a spare bike just in case it's needed.
  • They are also first aid qualified with systems and procedures in place to deal any situation. 
  • We constantly monitor the weather conditions and will often adapt the itinerary to maximise the enjoyment of the group. 
  • We often ride sections in reverse or out of sequence if it means avoiding a blustering headwind or dodging a rain front coming through. 
  • If anyone ever gets tired or needs a break, they can simply jump in the van and skip a section. 
  • We set up regular drinks breaks with hot drinks and snacks and have fresh picnics at beautiful places along the trail.
Other cyclists on the trail often see our drinks breaks and picnics and ask if they can join our tour.  Many people misunderstand the level of service they are going to get. But unfortunately by the time they find out, it's too late! 

Approximate Elevation Profile of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail – Elevation(m) vs Distance(km)
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A2O Elevation Chart

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Sections