Alps to Ocean: Ultimate Bike Ride in New Zealand

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced driver-guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
  • 7 days of cycling along the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail
  • 6 nights of accommodation in quality B&Bs — ensuite apart from the first night (based on double or twin occupancy)
  • All food from evening meal on Day 1 to lunch on the final day, all in top-quality establishments
  • Bike and helmet
  • Support vehicle
  • Transportation during the adventure
  • Helicopter flight over the Tasman river
  • Pick-up/drop-off in Christchurch/Queenstown
  • Luggage transfers
  • Omarama hot tubs
  • Wine tasting in Kurow

What’s not included:

• • Airfare to Christchurch
  • Accommodations in Christchurch or Queenstown before and after the tour
  • Any personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
  • E-bike rental — available upon checkout
  • Single supplement — available upon checkout
  • Travel and medical/rescue insurance — highly recommended
  • Guide gratuities — optional

To fully enjoy this fully-supported Alps to Ocean cycling trip in New Zealand’s South Island, a reasonable level of fitness is essential. The journey is graded as moderate, with an average daily distance of approximately 25 miles (40 km), the shortest day spanning 7.5 miles (12 km), and the longest day 42 miles (68 km).

The terrain varies along the route, with most sections on sealed roads and smooth shingle—making for relatively easy riding. However, other segments consist of rough shingle, and, rarely, dirt and grass roads, which can make for uneven terrain. Additionally, you’ll encounter more challenging and technical sections, featuring narrower tracks with switchbacks and occasional exposure.

It’s important to note that this cycling trip is not intended to be a marathon event. You should ride at your own pace, and there’s no pressure to keep up with others. You’ll always have a support vehicle nearby with a guide ready to assist you if you encounter any difficulties. Additionally, if you’re a less confident cyclist or are worried about the climbs and long distances, you can rent an e-bike, making the entire experience significantly less strenuous.

In preparation for this Alps to Ocean bike tour, we recommend dedicating 90 minutes to cycling three to five times a week for at least three months leading up to your trip. This practice will help you build the endurance and stamina required for the journey. There are ample hills to climb, so it’s advisable to practice cycling uphill and on rougher terrain before your tour to ensure you fully appreciate the fantastic riding and diverse scenery.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• • Bike and helmet — included in the price (but you can bring your own if you want to)
  • Daypack large enough for all the items you might need on the move
  • Robust flat-soled cycling shoes suitable for flat pedals with small spikes
  • Moisture-wicking long- and short-sleeved T-shirts
  • 2 pairs of padded cycling shorts you’ve used before
  • 1-2 pairs of cycling gloves with ample padding for comfort and warmth
  • 2 pairs of woolen socks (warmer full-fingered cycling gloves recommended for spring/fall)
  • Face/neck covering for dust/win (thin merino or polypro balaclava-style head covering that can fit under your helmet is recommended)
  • Waterproof jacket and riding pants
  • 2 next-to-skin/underlayers, a mid-weight insulating layer (e.g. fleece, softshell, or windproof jacket) and an outer shell (waterproof jacket)
  • 1-2 pairs of long cycle trousers/leggings (jeans/cotton not suitable)
  • Quality thermal underwear
  • Casual clothes and sneakers for when you’re not cycling
  • Swimsuit (towels are provided)
  • Sleepwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, chapstick, cosmetic products, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)

The ideal months for travel, from January to early May, bring temperatures ranging from 50°F to 86°F (10°C to 30°C) on the South Island, along with a comfortable humidity level of 40-50%. However, keep in mind that higher altitudes can be significantly cooler, and snowfall is possible even in summer.

Additionally, there are occasional hot, dry, and fierce winds during the summer months. While you won’t need a full winter wardrobe, since you will be riding at higher elevations, packing a good waterproof jacket and some thin and lightweight warm clothing (including a fleece or jumper and quality thermals) will ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected changes in temperature and weather conditions during your tour.

Bike and helmet are included in the price of the Alps to Ocean bike trip. However, if you want a less strenuous experience, you can rent an e-biking upon checkout.

With rentals, you get a small top tube bag for your phone, wallet, and lip balm, and an expendable seat post bag to carry your wet weather clothes, spare layer, etc.

Group sizes and prices:

• • The maximum group size for this group tour is 11 people.
  • It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate under the advertised price.
  • Tours with as few as 3 or 4 people can still operate, but involve a surcharge. Please let us know if you’re interested.

Cycling the Alps to Ocean Trail in New Zealand can be arranged for private groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • If you have a young rider above the age of 12 strong enough to handle this tour, they may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis.

If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

The starting point of your Alps 2 Ocean adventure is either Christchurch or Queenstown at around 7:30am on Day 1. The nearest airports are Queenstown Airport (ZQN) and Christchurch Airport (CHC). Please note that the exact pick-up spot is to be determined on a first come, first served basis, meaning that the first clients to book the tour have the choice of pick-up destination. You’ll be informed in time.

Participants should arrive a day prior to the cycling adventure (Day 1 in the itinerary) as the journey kicks off right afterward. Arriving a day in advance is crucial as it provides you with the opportunity to relax and ensures a seamless and stress-free start to your experience.

These are the starting points for tours which already have participants signed up:

• • February 1, 2025 – Queenstown
  • February 15, 2025 – Christchurch
  • March 1, 2025 – Christchurch
  • March 15, 2025 – Christchurch
  • April 12, 2025 – Christchurch
  • April 26, 2025 – Christchurch

Your trip will end in the same city where you started (Christchurch or Queenstown).

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain/road, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in the South Island please refer to the U.S. Department of State’s travel information on New Zealand.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!