Kia ora and welcome! We leave Christchurch around 8:30–9am and head into the wide-open spaces of Mackenzie Country, famous for its night skies and bright blue alpine lakes.

Today’s ride kicks off in Tekapo, following the canal then hugging the edge of stunning Lake Pukaki, with jaw-dropping views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. We follow the lake shore to the info centre, then it’s a cruisy final stretch across open tussock country into Twizel — once a hydro town, now a hotspot for water and snow sports.

MEALS INCLUDED: L D

The day starts with a ride out to lovely Lake Ohau, then climbs gently through Ruataniwha Conservation Park with the Benmore Range behind us. The track gets a bit up and down, but the views are worth it.

We reach the high point before a long downhill into the historic Quailburn area, where musterers once worked the land (by horse, not bike).

We finish our ride at the old Quailburn Woolshed and it’s a short drive to the accommodation on the water’s edge at Lake Ohau. After dinner, step outside — this is one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

MEALS INCLUDED: B L D

We start off on a gravel road to the striking Clay Cliffs, then cruise through Omarama.

From Sailors Cutting, the trail climbs gently to a saddle above Bach Bay before dropping to the lakefront.

A short single-file section follows, then the trail opens up again as we ride the Benmore section, topping out above the dam before rolling down into Otematata — tucked between two hydro lakes. After the ride, it’s a short drive back to Omarama for the night.

MEALS INCLUDED: B L D

Picking up where we left off, it’s a short climb past the Benmore power station.

We follow Lake Aviemore and the Waitaki River to Kurow, then on to Duntroon — a quiet country town with a surprising past. This area is rich in fossils (including ancient penguins!), Māori rock art, and fascinating geology. If there’s time, we may pop into the Vanished World Museum.

MEALS INCLUDED: B L D

Our final leg takes us through rolling North Otago farmland, past the quirky Elephant Rocks (as seen in the movie, The Chronicles of Narnia), and into the historic town of Oamaru.

We ride right to the Victorian harbour, where the buildings are straight out of the 1800s, carved from the creamy local limestone. That’s it — you’ve made it! Nearly 300km from the Alps to the Ocean.

We’ll celebrate your achievement, then head back to Christchurch, arriving between 6:30 and 8pm — unless, of course, you choose to leave us for other adventures in Oamaru.

MEALS INCLUDED : B L