Cycle Journeys
Cycle Journeys
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Cycle Journeys is your local New Zealand cycling tour operator living by the matra we know: we care. We specialise in personlising your adventure on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Services include bike hire, shuttles, luggage transfers and packaged trips. We are proud that our first class service and outstanding knowledge reflects in our Qualmark Gold and the TripAdvisor Excellence status. With the Tiaki Promise we have made a commitment to care for New Zealand and act as a guardian and protect and preserve our home.
Twizel, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
91 reviews
Excellent
85
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Les O
Perth, Australia74 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
What an amazing experience. The riding and views were spectacular as was the service and friendliness of the Cycle Journeys people. Bikes were great, accommodation and organisation was great everything worked a treat and the ride is one of the best ever. Thoroughly recommend to do it if you like mountain biking.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MareeK474
Wellington, New Zealand176 contributions
Mar 2023
Our group of seven all loved our Alps 2 Ocean trip in March booked through Cycle Journeys.
We ended up doing it two years after originally booking due to a Covid delay, but it was well worth the wait.
We were blessed with good weather except a couple of hours’ rain one morning.
Once we had our preferred dates, Cycle Journeys did the rest including organising accommodation at the level you request, shuttles and bike supply.
We had a great range of accommodation from clean, basic motel to the beautifully outfitted Barn at Killen and the quirky Tokarahi Huts. The view from Braemar Station made our pre-departure stop a highlight also. All meals provided were good; especially the roast lamb dinner served around a gorgeous dining table with the gregarious hosts at the Barn at Killen.
Cycle Journey staff we met, starting with Geoff our shuttle driver from ChCh/Timaru to Braemar Station and others along the way were friendly and helpful. I skipped one day's cycling and arranging to get on the luggage shuttle between venues was no problem.
A group in our 50s/60s; all except one were on e-bikes. The non-ebike rider chose a full suspension mountain bike, which I think he appreciated because the trail was rougher than expected in some parts. We did the trip over six days which gave a nice amount of relaxation time but if you didn't have that luxury it would be ok in five days also.
Some of the e-bikers were new to them; the other two women in our group had both bought their own e-bike pretty quickly on arrival home. One avid cyclist did not use the e-bike battery at all (said it the extra weight was good training for future bike-packing) but said it was nice knowing it was there if he needed it....
The A2O passes through beautiful scenery, everything is organised for you via a cycle tour company, it is a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends. One of my favourite holidays ever!
We ended up doing it two years after originally booking due to a Covid delay, but it was well worth the wait.
We were blessed with good weather except a couple of hours’ rain one morning.
Once we had our preferred dates, Cycle Journeys did the rest including organising accommodation at the level you request, shuttles and bike supply.
We had a great range of accommodation from clean, basic motel to the beautifully outfitted Barn at Killen and the quirky Tokarahi Huts. The view from Braemar Station made our pre-departure stop a highlight also. All meals provided were good; especially the roast lamb dinner served around a gorgeous dining table with the gregarious hosts at the Barn at Killen.
Cycle Journey staff we met, starting with Geoff our shuttle driver from ChCh/Timaru to Braemar Station and others along the way were friendly and helpful. I skipped one day's cycling and arranging to get on the luggage shuttle between venues was no problem.
A group in our 50s/60s; all except one were on e-bikes. The non-ebike rider chose a full suspension mountain bike, which I think he appreciated because the trail was rougher than expected in some parts. We did the trip over six days which gave a nice amount of relaxation time but if you didn't have that luxury it would be ok in five days also.
Some of the e-bikers were new to them; the other two women in our group had both bought their own e-bike pretty quickly on arrival home. One avid cyclist did not use the e-bike battery at all (said it the extra weight was good training for future bike-packing) but said it was nice knowing it was there if he needed it....
The A2O passes through beautiful scenery, everything is organised for you via a cycle tour company, it is a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends. One of my favourite holidays ever!
Written 18 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Di T
39 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Incredible trail and Cycle Journeys were a fantastic organisation to deal with. Everything was organised so well and just ran like clock work. From the moment of first contact to the delivery of us and our luggage on the last day it was a pleasure to deal with all the staff from Cycle Journeys along the way. Their bikes were first rate with the most comfortable bike seat I have ever used. Will definitely look to them for future bike trips.
Written 4 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rosie
Kenmore, Australia6 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Cycle Journeys was efficient and pleasant to deal with. The accommodation that was arranged for us on our A2O ride was beyond our expectation (especially The Barn at Lake Ohau), the self guided information provided was good and the shuttles were on time and comfortable. A great experience.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue Prebble
1 contribution
Feb 2023
Cycle Journeys did a fantastic job of organising our Alps to Ocean trip. Our group of seven chose the superior accommodation package and loved all the accommodation and meals provided, especially Waitaki Braids in Kurow and The Old School in Enfield.
We rode the Alps to Ocean on standard bikes over six days, but we found the track rough in places, so would recommend using a suspension bike. Loved the variety of scenery throughout and would highly recommend Cycle Journeys.
We rode the Alps to Ocean on standard bikes over six days, but we found the track rough in places, so would recommend using a suspension bike. Loved the variety of scenery throughout and would highly recommend Cycle Journeys.
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob D
Pauanui, New Zealand6 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Fantastic riding the Alps to Ocean supported by Cycle Journeys who made the whole trip work really well
Lovely people, very flexible with late changes to our plans and all worked perfectly
Thank you!
Highly recommend Cycle Journeys for any trip!
Lovely people, very flexible with late changes to our plans and all worked perfectly
Thank you!
Highly recommend Cycle Journeys for any trip!
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GillyRoss
15 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Spectacular ride complemented by Cycle Journeys amazing service - didn’t miss a beat, made life so easy!! Bikes were great, accommodation spectacular and food awesome. Couldn’t fault the service and people. Recommended to everyone - give it a go!!
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jon p
1 contribution
Feb 2023
We used Cycle Journeys to facilitate a group of nine people riding the A2O. Firstly the A20 track, with its views and scenery, was fantastic. It was well sign posted, well maintained and the cycling was just great.
Cycle Journeys delivered very time. The bikes and gear they provided were excellent, the depot in Twizel was helpful when we needed some minor adjustments after the first day, our baggage moved seamlessly from location to location. I loved the variety in each night's accommodation. Each night was different, with plenty of great dinners along the way.
I would recommend this trip with Cycle Journeys to anyone who wants a safe, well organized adventure,,,
Cycle Journeys delivered very time. The bikes and gear they provided were excellent, the depot in Twizel was helpful when we needed some minor adjustments after the first day, our baggage moved seamlessly from location to location. I loved the variety in each night's accommodation. Each night was different, with plenty of great dinners along the way.
I would recommend this trip with Cycle Journeys to anyone who wants a safe, well organized adventure,,,
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tibou73
North Narrabeen, Australia82 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
I would think long and hard before booking with them if safety & customer service is a priority. We were dropped off into very dangerous wind conditions on first day where many people got blown off their bikes and when queried, Tracy launched into big spiel how it is self guided and became very defensive. Other tours operating that day we met went earlier because it was so dangerous but they didn’t mention one word. The initial booking was great but once you are on the trail every time you ring for some minor assistance you get passive-aggressive women with zero empathy talking over you. I was extremely disappointed and around the dinner table at least three separate groups reported similar interactions. Apparently other cycle journey offices are great , Twizel is not however ( people like Greg- an extremely rude and horrible man who lets down the team with his contemptuous treatment of clients. I had a whole drama with him that left me in tears and frightened - not an experience I would ever wish for another single mum and her child to feel on their trip of a lifetime) . This is a real shame as there are very lovely informative drivers like Viv and Bruce and Mike in Oamaru is a real gem , couldn’t be nicer. Magan in the office is very helpful too . The bikes we had were only pedal assist - which is way less power than some e-bikes that I had used on a previous trip with another company in Queenstown. This is somewhere in the fine print and only clear after you arrive . Lots of people complaining that their bikes had hardly any power. The pannier was old and fell off every time going over rocky terrain, taking ages to thread the frayed edge through a buckle to put it back on which was annoying. I think most of the positive reviews are more about how great the trail / experience is rather than this company. I loved my trip and the trail/ riding , just that it was soured by some in this company that hate their jobs and clients. On the Great Rides app there are heaps of other companies to choose from- eg Trail Adventures who get lots of good reviews so I would check them out rather than risk having your trip ruined. The Twizel office motto is more like - we don’t care, rather than we care and I definitely did not feel supported when I needed it, rather very much the opposite.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
all companies welcome honest feedback so your comments are treated with respect and concern.
We were fully engaged by our Twizel manager with your various circumstances and also fielded phone calls from one of the accommodation providers who took extreme offence to your comments on their product. Cycle Journeys rose to the occasion to deal with your many demands and we are proud of their handling of this. At our cost we provided above and beyond support in order to accommodate your demands and to get you to the end of the trail. While we respect your views, we will be judged by many reviews to provide a balanced response.
Warmly, Cycle Journeys HQ
Written 6 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leanne D
Cairns27 contributions
Jan 2023
Our itinerary was well planned by Cycle Journeys. We rode A2O swift 5 nights and 6 days. Great to have our bags at our accommodation on arrival. Stayed at some lovely places overnight meeting the locals.
Lake Ohau lodge was a bit disappointing. Very tired. Needs to be renovated badly. Great position overlooking the lake, so it’s a shame the owners don’t spend money and time doing this.
Started off at Mt Cook with hard tail bikes. The first leg we rode from Mt Cook to Twizel had an extremely rough trail. One bike crank broke so another was delivered to us. Once we got to Twizel we exchanged the hard tail bikes to full suspension bikes. A bit more expensive but we would HIGHLY recommend using dual suspension bikes!! This made such a difference for us to enjoy the bike journey to Oamaru.
Our group of 4 are experienced mountain bike riders so appreciate good quality bikes. My partner had to service our bikes at Lake Oahu to stop creeks in the headsets. Luckly we had a bike maintenance man with us.
A fantastic riding experience. Many great memories to reflect on. New Zealand country side is simply stunning. We would definitely book another cycle holiday.
Lake Ohau lodge was a bit disappointing. Very tired. Needs to be renovated badly. Great position overlooking the lake, so it’s a shame the owners don’t spend money and time doing this.
Started off at Mt Cook with hard tail bikes. The first leg we rode from Mt Cook to Twizel had an extremely rough trail. One bike crank broke so another was delivered to us. Once we got to Twizel we exchanged the hard tail bikes to full suspension bikes. A bit more expensive but we would HIGHLY recommend using dual suspension bikes!! This made such a difference for us to enjoy the bike journey to Oamaru.
Our group of 4 are experienced mountain bike riders so appreciate good quality bikes. My partner had to service our bikes at Lake Oahu to stop creeks in the headsets. Luckly we had a bike maintenance man with us.
A fantastic riding experience. Many great memories to reflect on. New Zealand country side is simply stunning. We would definitely book another cycle holiday.
Written 26 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margreet S
64 contributions
Could you please let me know cost of shuttling luggage between sectors on the Alps to Ocean trail
Dan Thomas
Christchurch, New Zealand
Hi there.
Luggage movement from township to township along the trail is $15 per bag (15kgs max).
Full details on our luggage transfers and shuttle services on the A2O can be found on our website.