Mackenzie Region

Cycling & Walking

Cycling & Walking

The Mackenzie is a paradise for cycling and walking. The spectacular scenery provides an epic outdoor playground to explore. The Mackenzie is fast becoming known as a mecca for cycling and mountain biking. The world-famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail has starts in both Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. With tracks catering for novice and young riders through to the more advanced technical cyclist, the region has many tracks of varying degrees of difficulty and distance. When it comes to trekking, walking, tramping and hiking, the Mackenzie region has something for everyone – from easy half hour walks along well-formed paths, to alpine hikes that can last days and take you into the vast wilderness of the Southern Alps.

Cycling

Cycling through Nature, National Parks and Stunning Scenery

The Mackenzie region is fast becoming known as a mecca for cycling and mountain biking. With tracks catering for novice and young riders through to the more advanced technical cyclist, the region has many tracks of varying degrees of difficulty and distance.

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is New Zealand in all its colour and beauty – from our highest mountains, past great lakes and rivers and down to the ocean. Suitable for all ages, the 9 section bike trail is an easy to intermediate grade, linking the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. Allow 4-6 days for the entire ride, or simply try a day excursion. Whichever option you choose, the A2O Cycle Trail is sure to be a memorable experience.

Highlights include:

  • Aoraki/Mount Cook
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Elephant Rocks
  • Clay Cliffs
  • Golden Grasslands
  • Māori Rock Art

  • Pacific Ocean
  • Blue Penguins
  • Limestone Cliffs
  • Native Beech Forests
  • Fossil Sites
  • Railway Tunnel
  • Hydro Dams & Canals
  • Vineyards
  • Historic Oamaru
  • High Country Stations

Other Cycle Tracks in the Mackenzie Region

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is considered one of New Zealand’s Great Rides. However, with the spectacular scenery of the Mackenzie Region, there are numerous other cycling tracks that will be the perfect fit for cycling enthusiasts.


Walking

Walk Among Spectacular Scenery

The Mackenzie region is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. One way to completely immerse yourself in these beautiful landscapes and explore the wilderness is grab a pack and lace up your walking boots.

When it comes to trekking, walking, tramping and hiking, the Mackenzie region has something for everyone – from easy half hour walks along well-formed paths, to alpine hikes that can last days and take you into the vast wilderness of the Southern Alps. For the particularly hardy adventurer there is even mountain climbing on Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and the same peak that Sir Edmund Hillary practised on before his successful ascent of Everest.

Short & Day Walking Tracks

Short walks and hikes for all levels of fitness are plentiful and easy to find in the Mackenzie region. Varying from 30 minutes to a few hours these walks offer the best way to experience first-hand the wonders of the region.

Below are a selection of short walks:


Multi-day & Mountain Climbing

Climbing in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a popular activity and hundreds of climbers enjoy the Southern Alps each year.

Participants need to be extremely fit and experienced in snow travel and the use of mountain climbing equipment such as ice axes and crampons and techniques such as fixed rope belaying. If you are unsure about any of these things, it is wise to hire a guide.

Mountaineering courses are available for beginning climbers through to advanced climbers who want to hone their skills. Contact local guiding companies such as Alpine Recreation and Alpine Guides for more information.

One of the most popular alpine adventures in the National Park is the Ball Pass Crossing, which is a demanding two to three-day route that crosses the Mount Cook range between the Hooker and Tasman Valleys.

Please contact the Department of Conservation for further information about climbing in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, or contact one of the guiding companies listed in the business listings below.


Be prepared

The climate in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and surrounding areas can be very changeable, and it is always wise to prepare yourself for bad weather, no matter what the weather forecast predicts. For longer walks or tramps always register your intentions at the nearest Department of Conservation (DOC) office, so that someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return.


Operator listings

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We can’t wait to welcome you to the Legendary Mackenzie! Step into the great wide open and discover NZ’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and clearest starry skies. Take a scenic flight into the mountains and land on glaciers; enjoy the night sky within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve; explore the amazingly beautiful landscape by cycling, walking, kayaking, swimming, skiing and more.


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