Alps 2 Ocean Trail (Duntroon to Oamaru) route

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is truly one of New Zealand's great rides

For over 300 km visitors can experience some of the most beautiful scenery New Zealand has to offer. Suitable for all ages, the trail is an easy grade, and offers a pleasing mix of on and off-road trails which link the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. Allow 4-6 days for the entire ride, or simply try out a day excursion. Whichever option you choose, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is sure to be a memorable experience. See http://www.alps2ocean.com/ for more info.

SECTIONS 7 & 8

Section 7: Kurow to Duntroon

If staying in Kurow, the next leg of the trail passes the Waitaki River and follows State Highway 83, traversing ancient alluvial plains through Kurow’s wine country. There’s a short climb near the Maori rock art site [20km] before a gentle downhill gradient on the main highway all the way into Duntroon.

Section 8: Duntroon to Oamaru

From Duntroon you head south-west past a Maori rock art site to the unique rock formations known as Elephant Rocks [6.4km]. An off-road trail then takes you through several farms. You rejoin the road at Prydes Gulley [12.2km], surrounded by limestone escarpments, before heading off-road again beside Karara Creek.

A series of gravel roads (Cants, Peaks then Tunnel Rd) take you to the Rakis Railway Tunnel [26.2km] where there is a toilet and picnic spot. Next stop is Windsor [32.2km], then a combination of on and off-road trail to Weston [45.3km] where you rejoin the old railway line for a flat run to Saleyards Rd. Follow the sealed cycleway downhill to the Oamaru Gardens. Bike through the gardens, across SH1, then through the park to the main street (Thames Street). Turn right into the far lane and ride south past the i-SITE, turning left on Itchen St, right onto Tyne, then left onto Harbour St. Go through the Victorian Historic Precinct to the Oamaru Harbour where the trail ends at Friendly Bay and the Pacific Ocean!