A2O Bike + Whisky Hut
This journey captures the rugged spirit and refined luxury of the Mackenzie region in a single experience. Your adventure starts in the Tekapo township, heading south along the canal toward Lake Pūkaki. You’ll cycle past the local salmon farm before descending to the lake’s edge, where the trail offers spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt Cook framed by the vibrant turquoise water. After stopping for a gourmet snack along the shoreline, you’ll cross the Pūkaki Flats—an expansive landscape of dry, golden grasslands that defines this high-country region.
Upon arriving at Pūkaki Airport, you’ll trade your bike for a private helicopter. From the air, you’ll witness a stunning new perspective of the terrain you just traversed, soaring over the golden grasslands and glacial lakes toward the Southern Alps. Your destination is "The Bad Decision," New Zealand’s highest whisky hut, perched on a saddle surrounded by mountains. Here, the reward for your ride is a well-earned whisky and the chance to hit golf balls into the alpine abyss.
Highlights
Cycle along the most scenic section of the Alps 2 Ocean trail, including turquoise lakes, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the golden grasslands of the Pūkaki Flats.
Trade your bike for a helicopter at Pūkaki and soar over the Mackenzie Basin for a bird’s-eye view of the path you’ve just cycled.
Land at "The Bad Decision," New Zealand’s highest whisky hut, for a well-earned dram (or two!) at 7,000 feet.
Test your swing with high-altitude golf against the backdrop of 360-degree mountain view.
