A decade on from the official opening of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, it’s now hard to imagine the Waitaki landscape - both physical and commercial - without it. 

This Friday (February 17) will mark 10 years of the country’s longest cycle trail. 

It offers more than 300km for cyclists to traverse, as they take in the surrounds and views on the journey from Aoraki Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean at Ōamaru harbour.

The trail was first mooted when, in 2009, then Prime Minister John Key came up with the idea of a cycleway from Cape Reinga, at the top of the North Island, to Bluff, at the bottom of the South.

This planted the seed for the concept of creating a series of regional trails, and the national cycleway project.

A budget of $50 million was announced, triggering conversations between Waitaki and Mackenzie community members Denis Callesen, Phil Brownie, Mike Barnett, Rick Ramsay, Glenn Ormsby, and many others, to build a cycle trail, beginning in Mackenzie District and finishing in Ōamaru - an alps to ocean ride.

In 2010, the concept plan and the feasibility study grant were approved, and the first 1.3km section of the trail opened, from the historic precinct in Ōamaru's Harbour St to the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony.

Between 2011 and 2021, different sections of trail were developed, starting with the Lake Pukaki station, followed by Tasman Point to Jollie River, Pukaki flats, Aoraki, Lake Ōhau, Ōhau to Quailburn, Ōmārama to Sailors Cutting, Kurow to Duntroon, Duntroon to Ōamaru, Lake Takapō to Takapō B alternative route, Sailors Cutting to Benmore, Aviemore, Waitaki Village, and Awakino River to Kurow.

Lakefront view. PHOTO: Supplied

To date 195km of trail had been constructed, including multiple boardwalks and bridges to support accessibility. Approximately 120km of trail (38%) currently remained alongside the road.

Mike Neilson, the first chairman of the Alps 2 Ocean joint committee, said it was an “inspired decision” by John Key to fund the development of cycle trails.

“Equally, the members of the first A2O Working Group were innovative in the Alps 2 Ocean concept and in the design,” he said.

Mike described the trails as inventive, and a welcome addition to the local economy. It was an accomplishment he was proud to be part of.

“This was truly innovative, to offer the longest trail, downhill, usually a tail wind and giving its riders, for five days, the pleasure of the wide-sky landscape of the Mackenzie Basin, Waitaki and Waiareka Valleys, and very importantly giving a five-day-and-night expenditure boost to the districts’ economies.”

The trail was an instant success when it opened in 2012, due to several factors, including its outstanding and varied landscapes, community support, and strong governance. 

Companies that supported the vision, the high standard of the trail, excellent marketing, and willingness of land owners and land managers to allow the trail to be routed through their properties, also contributed to its success, Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail manager Robyn Hyde, whose role was established at the start of last year, said.

Track construction at the Awahokomo Creek bridge, in May 2021. PHOTO: Supplied

“We are so grateful to the vision, foresight, and tenacity of the inaugural project team, as well as the collaborative effort of landowners, businesses and so many groups that help make the trail the success it is today. 

“The continued partnership and support from landowners, businesses and the communities make the Alps 2 Ocean such a wonderful community asset and experience for users.”

Communities had been reaping the economic benefits from the trail through several business streams, including accommodation, food, transport, bike hire, repair and sales, she said.

Forward momentum continued for the trail, with planning and consents completed for a further 23km on the eastern shore of Lake Pukaki. The section would be built once funding was sourced.

A further $16m was required to complete the original vision of a fully off-road trail, Robyn said.

The trail was managed and maintained by the Waitaki and Mackenzie district councils. It was named one of the Epic Bike Rides of the World by Lonely Planet, and dubbed the “jewel in the crown” of New Zealand’s great rides in the Wish You Were Here travel book, by travel writer Terry Stevens in 2020.