ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is Aotearoa's longest continuous cycle trail – but don't let that send a nervous shiver up the spine. The outrageously scenic 306km journey can be tackled in 4-, 6- or 8-day passages, or as a series of day trips if time is limited. The well-maintained and well-marked trail departs from either Mt Cook (Aoraki) or Lake Tekapo, then winds through the Waitaki Valley and back down to Ōamaru. The

A2O Trail consists of grade 2 and 3 tracks, which are easy/ intermediate level, so suitable for most riders. There is a good climb from Lake Ohau Lodge to Ōmarama, where riders will need to conquer a 300m incline over 5km. Watch out – the views from 900m above sea level will leave cyclists even more breathless than before.

If departing from Mt Cook, there's a short helicopter hop, skip and jump over the Tasman River (it pays to book in advance). From there it's an ever-changing viewfinder of rivers, dams, lakes and farming towns before the tang of ocean air starts to tickle noses. The charming Ōamaru Public Gardens welcome finishers to town before sending them towards the historic precinct and the official finishing line at Friendly Bay. Ōamaru's tour operators offer support services to make riding the trail as straightforward as possible. With distracting scenery, gravel trails and equipment to navigate, the last thing cyclists need to be worrying about is the minor details. Let the professionals sort them out. alps2ocean.com