Day 5 - Cycling Gods

I must have been wearing my lucky cycling shorts this morning because  today was one out of the box. Largely flat, postcard views and a “wee” tailwind. It saw us leave Lake Tekapo, travel through Twizel and on to Omarama.


For the first section we hopped aboard the Alps to Ocean cycling/walking trail which runs from Mt Cook to Oamaru on the coast. This section  takes advantage of a hydro canal that runs between Tekapo A Power Station on the outlet of the lake, and Tekapo B Power Station on lake Pukaki. 26 k’s of no cars, trucks or motorhomes! With a slight downward grade, the canal to one side and views off to Mount Cook. What a good way to spend the morning.




Where the trail meets the main road to Twizel, there is an uninterrupted water view towards Mt Cook. This is where you see the NZ tourism industry in action. Retirees with rented motorhomes as far as the eye can see.


We did meet a local lad from Christchurch who was on a cross country walk. He might have been too young to remember “underarm-gate” but we made an offering of a hot cross bun and a fresh apple to smooth things over. Mates for life!


The bakery lunch stop didn’t have a queue out of the door like the Fairlie Bakehouse, but the pies again hit the spot. Twizel, like a lot of smaller towns in this part of the country have 4 square supermarket. A name from the past in Australia, but more along the IGA line. They have all you could want. Ant and I are tucking into Australia’s finest right now, Coopers Sparking Ale!




From Twizel we headed out into the Mackenzie basin which seems remarkably dry for NZ. All of the centre pivots are in action, irrigating the beef producing pastures. A lot of traffic on this road but there is a good wide apron which keeps you between the dotted line and the dirt.


The basin ends at Omarama, which is the start of tomorrow mornings ride. Linda’s pass awaits. At 971 metres this will be the highest point reached so far. 


Tonight for tea? 4 square chicken, oven fried chips and coopers


Day Summary

Route: Lake Tekapo → Omarama 
Distance: 88  km
Riding Time: 4 hr 35 min
Climbing: 275 m
Weather: Cold start, sunny afternoon, early 20’s
Best moment: All of it 

Ride Link

Tekapo to Twizel


Twizel to Omarama



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