Incorporating two of New Zealand’s best trails, the Alps 2 Ocean and Otago Rail Trail, our new Twin Trails Tour provides a stunning snapshot of some of the South Island’s most magical scenery, history and culture. Here are ten of the highlights…
Study the clear night skies in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park sits in New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve. If you’re used to city living, we guarantee your first glimpse of these sparkling night skies will blow you away!
Admire the deep blue waters of Lake Pukaki
Your Alps 2 Ocean adventure begins with a scenic helicopter flight across this stunning lake (used as the location for Laketown in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) to the start of the trail.
Glide over the Southern Alps at Omarama
Clear, empty skies and accommodating updrafts make the little town of Omarama one of the world’s best locations for gliding. Take a guided flight to experience the views for yourself, or watch all the action from the ground. Omarama is also home to some wonderful hot pools.
Check out the world’s smallest penguin at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Oamaru’s tiny Blue Penguin colony nests close to town under the cliff along the historic harbour foreshore. During the day the penguins are out at sea, or hiding in their nesting burrows. But pop along in the evening and you’ll see them swim ashore right in front of you.
Explore the fascinating town of Oamaru
Take a stroll around the Victorian Precinct where beautiful limestone buildings house a mixture of galleries, shops, traditional crafts and food and drink outlets. Sample some locally-distilled whisky, and discover why the town is known as the Steampunk capital of New Zealand.
Strike a pose at the Moeraki Boulders
These huge, spherical boulders weigh several tonnes and are up to two metres high. Maori legend believes that the boulders are gourds washed ashore from a voyaging canoe, while scientists say the formations are made out of calcite and were formed 65 million years ago. Whichever story you believe, the boulders make for a great photo opportunity.
Step aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway
This scenic railway journey provides a relaxing introduction to the second cycle trail of your trip: the Otago Rail Trail.
Discover the goldrush history of the Central Otago region
As you pedal the Otago Rail Trail, you’ll encounter all manner of reminders of this era including long, dark tunnels, trestle and stone bridges, abandoned gold diggings, old stone and mudbrick dwellings and preserved gold-mining settlements.
Try your hand at curling
One of our evening activities is a stop at Naseby’s indoor curling rink. This traditional Scottish game is easy to learn and a lot of fun!
Finish your amazing adventure in Queenstown
Home to bungy jumping, jet boating, white-water rafting, river surfing, canyoning and paragliding! If you’ve already had your fill of adrenaline, there are shops, restaurants, cafes and bars galore.
Fancy experiencing the Twin Trails Tour for yourself? We’re now taking bookings for April 2017 – get in touch today to secure your spot.
Have a great week,
Steve
P.S. This tour is a fully-supported, all-inclusive tour that’s suitable for riders of all abilities. You’ll be accompanied at all times by an experienced guide and support vehicle and have all your accommodation and most meals taken care of. Plus you’ll be able to ride without luggage, since this will be transferred daily to your next overnight stop. To download an itinerary, please see the Twin Trails tour page.
