Alps 2 Ocean – Kurow to Oamaru
The purpose-built Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail starts at the eastern end of Kurow between the museum sheds. Follow the Waitaki River, cross Kurow Creek, and then ride up alongside the highway. Continue on through a winery and along the Waitaki Haul Road. There is an option to visit the Takiroa Māori rock art site, otherwise, continue on the trail that heads back down to the Waitaki River and ride through the Duntroon Wetlands before emerging in the centre of Duntroon. Check out the Vanished World Centre with its fossil collections and the nearby Māori rock carvings.
From Duntroon, you head southwest on the purpose-built trail to the unique rock formations known as Elephant Rocks. Continue on Prydes Gully Rd, then continue off-road through Island Cliff which is surrounded by limestone escarpments with protected ancient whale fossils. These rocky sections are the highlight of this part of the trail.
The trail then follows back roads to the Rakis Railway Tunnel where there is a toilet and picnic spot. The Tunnel is over 100m long with a bend and gets quite dark, so a torch is needed. Follow the old railway line to Windsor then to Enfield and Weston, then the sealed cycle way downhill to the Oamaru Gardens.
The trail ends on the Pacific Ocean behind Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct. Make sure you save a day to hang out in Oamaru!
