21-25 November 2022

Leader: Paula Richardson

The Alps to Ocean (A2O) ride is a 300km bike trail starting at either Mt Cook or Tekapo and finishing at Oamaru.

Our accommodation, luggage transfers and shuttles were all booked through Cycle Journeys Christchurch. They did a great job as we had a lot of variations!

Day 1: We all made our way to Twizel on Sunday November 20th. Some of us got there early and headed up to Mt Cook for a day's exploring (Hooker Hut etc…) before starting biking, others had already had a few days in the area exploring, biking and walking. Those of us starting at Mt Cook had a lovely night at Mt Cook with amazing mountain views before a short helicopter ride over the Tasman River the next morning and a nice day's ride along Lake Pukaki and on to Twizel where we met up with the rest of the group. They had spent the night at Twizel and were shuttled to Tekapo in the morning and had then biked back to Twizel. The Lupins were in flower and were absolutely amazing, definitely a highlight of day 1.

Day 2: Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge. This was a shortish day. We flew down the Ohau Canal with a wonderful tail wind! We skirted around the forest of Lake Ohau then rode up to Lake Ohau Lodge. Luckily we had all arrived as the rain started and we had a very pleasant afternoon relaxing at Lake Ohau.

Day 3: Lake Ohau to Omarama to Otematata. This was a big and varied day in spectacular surroundings with beautiful weather. I think a highlight of this day was the relatively new track around the edge of Lake Benmore. It was exhilarating riding! An interesting night was had at Otematata.

Day 4: Another big day, Otematata to Kurow to Duntroon. So many highlights: crossing the Benmore and Aviemore dams, the river trails, the wetlands. Duntroon Hotel was a real highlight too. True Southland hospitality for our last night.

Day 5: Duntroon to Oamaru. Another wonderful day along some old railways and with a tunnel. Finally we reached Oamaru after a wonderful 5 days of biking in gorgeous weather, spectacular surroundings, beautiful wildflowers and great company.

Those on the trip were:

Paula Richardson, Graeme Richardson, Anne Bate, Clive Holyoake, Marian Cox, Owen Cox, Julie James, Wayne James, Paul Michl, Yungjun Skelton, Rob Dey, Sue Pate, Peter Davis, Kate Livingston

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.