Included:

• • An experienced guide-driver
  • 7 days of cycling along the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail
  • 6 nights of accommodation in quality B&B, motel, lodge (double occupancy)
  • All food from evening meal on Day 1 to lunch on the final day, all in top-quality establishments
  • Hot and cold drinks, unlimited snacks, fresh fruit, bars and sweets
  • Mountain bike rental
  • Support vehicle
  • Luggage transfers
  • Transportation during the adventure
  • Helicopter flight over the Tasman river
  • Pick-up/drop-off in Christchurch
  • Omarama hot tubs
  • Private wine tasting with an award-winning local producer in Kurow

Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

• • Single occupancy
  • E-bike rental (mountain bike is already included in the price)

Not included:

• • Travel to New Zealand
  • Accommodations before and after the tour
  • Any personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Any drinks at restaurants and cafes
  • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  • Guide gratuities — optional

*There will be one guide-driver accompanying you. They will be supporting you from the vehicle and also riding with the group at times, usually on more challenging trail sections.

To fully enjoy this fully-supported Alps to Ocean cycling trip in New Zealand’s South Island, a great fitness is essential.

If you’re opting for a (or bringing your own) mountain bike, please ensure you’re an expert rider with peak fitness, as you’ll be tackling over 50 km of gravel daily. Keep in mind that this trail is significantly more demanding on a non-electric bike, so if that’s not you, we recommend opting for an e-bike instead.

The most you’ll cycle within a day is 67 km (42 mi).

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.

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.

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Mountain 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. Tours with as few as 3 or 4 people can still go ahead, but will likely involve a surcharge.
  • If you’d like to have a room to yourself, adding a single supplement is possible at checkout.
  • If you’re joining by yourself, adding a single supplement at checkout is mandatory.
  • There will be one guide-driver accompanying you. They will be supporting you from the vehicle and also riding with the group at times, usually on more challenging trail sections.

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 Christchurch at around 7:45 am on Day 1. The nearest airport is Christchurch Airport (CHC).

Participants should arrive a day prior to the cycling adventure (Day 1 in the itinerary) as the journey kicks off early in the morning. 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.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.