Included with the Classic Alps 2 Ocean:

• • An experienced guide-driver (or 2 guides for groups of 8+; one riding with the group, one supporting with the vehicle)*
  • Accommodation for 5 nights in comfortable motel/lodge (twin-share & ensuite)
  • All meals during the tour catered to all dietary requirements
    • Tasty breakfasts (x5)
    • Gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x5)
    • Two-course restaurant dinners (x5)
  • Snacks, drinks, and morning/afternoon teas
  • Transport from Christchurch (return)
  • Full vehicle support with luggage trailer
  • Pre-departure information kit
  • Rider fees to the A2O Trail Trust

Included with the End-to-End Alps 2 Ocean:

• • An experienced guide-driver (or 2 guides for groups of 8+; one riding with the group, one supporting with the vehicle)*
  • Accommodation for 6 nights in comfortable motels/lodges/glamping (twin-share, 2 nights have shared bathrooms)
  • All meals during the tour catered to all dietary requirements
    • Tasty breakfasts (x6)
    • Gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x6)
    • Two-course restaurant dinners (x6)
  • Snacks, drinks, and morning/afternoon teas
  • Heli-flight across the Tasman River to the official trail start
  • Transport from Queenstown to Christchurch
  • Full vehicle support with luggage trailer
  • Pre-departure information kit
  • Concession fees to the Department of Conservation
  • Rider fees to the A2O Trail Trust

Add-ons (add at checkout):

• • Bike rental
  • Single occupancy room

Not included:

• • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Heli flight if opting for the Classic Alps 2 Ocean tour
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Optional activities (e.g. Omarama hot tubs, Steampunk Gallery, etc.)
  • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout

*If your departure has up to 7 participants, there will be one guide-driver with you. They will be supporting you from the vehicle and also riding with the group at times, usually on more challenging trail sections. For groups of 8+, there will be two guide-drivers; one riding with the group, one supporting you from the vehicle.

Both tours follow the same iconic trail through the same spectacular South Island scenery, with the same guiding team, full vehicle support, and all meals included. The differences come down to starting point, duration, and a few key experiences.

Choose the Alps to Ocean Classic (6 days) if you:

• • Have less time or prefer a slightly shorter, more relaxed week on the bike
  • Are happy to start and finish in Christchurch—no extra flights needed
  • Want to ease into the trail from Lake Tekapo, skipping the very first section from Aoraki/Mt Cook
  • Prefer a slightly lower average daily distance (~230 km / 143 mi total across 5 riding days)
  • Are a first-time long-distance cyclist or want more flexibility via the short-option days

Choose the Alps to Ocean End to End (7 days) if you:

• • Want to cycle the trail in full, from its official start at Aoraki/Mt Cook to the Pacific
  • Are up for the most cinematic opening to a cycling trip in New Zealand—a helicopter flight across the Tasman River to the trailhead is included
  • Don’t mind starting in Queenstown and ending in Christchurch (one-way travel logistics)
  • Are comfortable with a longer week on the bike (~320 km / 200 mi total, with one 80 km / 50 mi day that has no short option)
  • Want the full sweep of accommodation highlights—including a night at Braemar Station, a remote high-country farmstay with views straight to Aoraki

Both itineraries require good fitness. The average daily distance across both trips is around 55–60 km (34–37 mi), and your guides recommend building up to 90 minutes of cycling, 3 to 5 times a week, for at least 3 months before the tour—ideally with some time on hills and loose terrain.

The terrain is a mix: some sections run on sealed roads or firm-packed gravel and are straightforward; others involve looser gravel, narrower tracks with switchbacks, and some exposure. The two trickier stretches on both tours are the Tarnbrae Saddle crossing and the section from Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam. Your guides will brief you ahead of both, and the support vehicle is always available if you’d rather skip them.

Where the two trips differ:

The End to End is the more demanding of the two. The longest day clocks in at 80 km (50 mi), and the overall mileage is higher—320 km (200 mi) across 6 riding days. Day 3, from Braemar Station to Lake Ohau, is a full 80 km (50 mi) with no short option.

The Classic is a slightly gentler entry point. The longest day is up to 83 km (52 mi) on Day 3 if you take the long route over the Tarnbrae Saddle, but the short option brings it down to 64 km (40 mi). Total riding distance is around 230 km (143 mi) across 5 riding days.

On both tours, no one is ever left behind—the support vehicle is there if you need it, and less confident riders can skip technical sections entirely without missing the destination.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more New Zealand bike adventures here!

In preparation for this adventure, 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 conquer, 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.

The terrain is a mix: some sections run on sealed roads or firm-packed gravel and are straightforward; others involve looser gravel, narrower tracks with switchbacks, and some exposure. The two trickier stretches on both tours are the Tarnbrae Saddle crossing and the section from Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam. Your guides will brief you ahead of both, and the support vehicle is always available if you’d rather skip them.

The tour is fully supported so you won’t have to carry anything. If hiring one of our bikes, it will have a rear saddle bag with enough space to put an extra layer, your camera, wallet, phone etc. We recommend you pack your luggage in a soft sports bag for easy stowing in the trailer/ vehicle. We urge you to keep your luggage to a minimum. If you have extra luggage you do not require for your holiday, we can arrange to store it until the end of the trip.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Bike & helmet — bike rental available
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Comfortable biking clothes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Sneakers or sport shoes
  • Breathable outside layer or jacket
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Fleece
  • Quality thermal wear
  • Casual clothes and sneakers for when you’re not cycling
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Biking gloves
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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Yes — bike rental is available, with several high-quality options to match different riding styles, comfort needs, and experience levels.

Mountain bikes (non-e-bike):

• • Avanti Discovery – Hardtail Mountain Bike — A simple, solid, and comfortable hardtail built for mixed terrain. It features front suspension, fast-rolling tyres, a 1×10 drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable control. A rear rack with a rack bag (included) makes it easy to carry layers, lunch, or a camera. Available in multiple frame sizes (exact sizing subject to availability).
  • Avanti Discovery – Low-Step Hardtail Mountain Bike — The same dependable setup as the standard Avanti Discovery, with a low-step frame for easier mounting and a more accessible feel. It offers a relaxed upright riding position, front suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes—ideal for riders prioritising comfort. Available in multiple frame sizes (subject to availability).

E-bikes:

• • Sinch e-bike – front suspension (mountain bike style) — Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand, these pedal-assist eBikes smooth out hills and longer days thanks to reliable Shimano motor systems. They feature front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a comfortable upright riding position. Available in sizes L and XL.
  • Sinch e-bikes – step-through options — These models offer the same pedal-assist support and trail-ready setup, with step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture. Available in sizes XS, S, and M, with L and XL step-through options available on request.

Premium e-bike:

• • Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ (subject to availability) — Our premium option for riders wanting maximum comfort and capability. This full-suspension eBike features a powerful Shimano motor, long-lasting battery, and relaxed geometry that flattens climbs and smooths rough terrain. Integrated lights, mudguards, and a rack make it ideal for multi-day touring. Available in selected sizes (subject to availability).

If you’re unsure which bike is best for you, we’re happy to help match you with the right setup based on height, experience, and riding style.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this Alps 2 Ocean cycling journey, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1.
  • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 of 14 participants.
  • If your departure has up to 7 participants, there will be one guide-driver with you. They will be supporting you from the vehicle and also riding with the group at times, usually on more challenging trail sections. For groups of 8+, there will be two guide-drivers; one riding with the group, one supporting you from the vehicle.
  • Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Alps to Ocean Trail cycling in New Zealand can be arranged for bigger and private groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. That said, if you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then 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 price for this Alps 2 Ocean tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

To get to Queenstown, most people fly into Queenstown Airport. You will meet your guide and fellow cyclists at a central location in the city at 8.00 am on Day 1.

We recommend arriving a day prior to the cycling adventure as our journey kicks off right after this initial gathering. Arriving a day in advance provides you with the opportunity to relax and ensures a seamless and stress-free start to your experience.

Please keep in mind that the adventure finishes in Christchurch in the late afternoon on the last day. We advise against booking an international flight immediately after the tour, as there’s a considerable risk of missing your flight should your group’s arrival in the city be delayed. We highly recommend arranging accommodation in Christchurch following the adventure.

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.