Cycling McCaw Country on the Alps 2 Ocean Trail

He’s the man of the moment: a two-time world champion with 147 test caps and a 88 per cent winning percentage. We’re talking of course, about All Black captain Richie McCaw.

If you’ve been gripped by this year’s Rugby World Cup and want to dig deeper into the McCaw legend don’t miss our six-day guided Alps 2 Ocean tour – it runs right through Richie’s home town of Kurow.

Sitting on an isolated stretch of State Highway 83 between Omarama and Oamaru, Kurow is real New Zealand rugby country. After spending some time here, you’ll understand why McCaw is the tough, relentless force of nature he is.

As part of your cycle tour, you’ll get to spend an evening exploring Kurow: pop for a pint at McCaw’s local, admire the 4.8m high image of the man himself on the main street or head to the local Pasquale vineyards to sample the local vintage.

Of course, this tour isn’t just about rugby. Other highlights of the Alps 2 Ocean trail include:

Lake Tekapo
By day, the turquoise blue waters of Lake Tekapo glisten against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. By night, the Milky Way lights up the sky. Thanks to minimum light pollution and crystal-clear air, this region is one of the best in the world for stargazing. While in Tekapo, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and relax in the local hot springs.

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
New Zealand’s highest peak is an impressive sight. You’ll spend a morning enjoying a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or the local Department of Conservation centre.

Black Stilt Recovery Centre
Enjoy a visit to the Black Stilt Recovery Centre to learn about one of New Zealand’s most endangered bird species. Black stilts are under pressure from lupins, an invasive plant species, as well as foraging rats and hedgehogs who attack their nests.

Omarama
Known as “Place of Light” to Maori, in reference to its extraordinarily pure and clear sky. This region is also famous for gliding.

Maori rock art
You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Maori Rock Art Centre to see the most significant collection of ancient Maori rock art in New Zealand. A little further along, stop to admire the unusual rock formations known as Elephant Rocks.

Oamaru
There’s plenty to see and do in this intriguing town, including visiting the yellow eyed penguin colony or wandering through the Victorian historic precinct with its period costume shops and whiskey tasting opportunities!

Scenic cycling
Sweeping tussock lands, beautiful canal rides and spectacular southern lakes – this is South Island scenery at its best. Average daily distances are around 40-50km and the cycling is largely easy-going – making it the perfect route for those new to cycle touring.

What’s included with this tour:
The Alps 2 Ocean tour is available through to April 2016. Head here for exact dates. The tour costs $1765 NZD per person, which includes: