On this page
- General information
- Section 1: Aoraki/Mt Cook to Braemar Road
- Section 2: Braemar Road to Twizel
- Alt Route: Lake Takapō to Twizel
- Section 3: Twizel to Lake Ōhau Lodge
- Section 4: Lake Ōhau Lodge to Ōmarama
- Section 5: Ōmarama to Otematata
- Section 6: Otematata to Kurow
- Section 7: Kurow to Duntroon
- Section 8: Duntroon to Ōamaru
Weather data displayed on this page is sourced from OpenWeather via weatherwidget.io.
General information
High wind notice - 30 October 2026
Spring is the season of changeable weather for both the Mackenzie and Waitaki Districts, and high winds are part of this. Last weekend there were high winds in both districts, which resulted in some damage to trees along the trail. While this damage has been cleared by our contractors, there are high winds forecasted again this weekend and into the next week in some places. Therefore, please check the weather forecasts for the sections of the trail you will be riding to ensure conditions are safe to do so.
Magpie Nesting Season: Typically runs from July through till December in the Mackenzie District with the most intense period being August to November. Please take care and pass calmly through affected areas - behavior usually settles by late spring.
Section 1: Aoraki/Mt Cook to Braemar Road
Aerial pest control
Aerial pest control operations are taking place near Aoraki/Mt Cook, with minimal disturbance to the trail - View the fact sheet for details. PDF, 759.08 KB
Logging activities
Logging activity will resume in October 2026 along Section One of the A2O Trail, and this harvesting is expected to continue throughout the summer months. This will involve large vehicle movements, so please ensure that you are aware that these vehicles will be on the road and take care when cycling over this section of the trail.
Logging truck movements
Logging truck movements are ongoing at Mt Cook Station (Section 1 & 2) as part of their long-term Wilding Conifer Control Project.
Harvesting began on Monday 24 November 2025, with four truck movements per day expected. Please note the following:
- Trucks will travel inbound empty via Braemar Road (speed limit 70km/h)
- Trucks will travel outbound loaded via Hayman Road to SH8 (speed limit 50km/h)
- First loaded trucks may depart Mt Cook Station between 4–5am
- Trucks are likely to return empty around 10–11am and head out loaded again around midday.
**** This forms part of a long-term programme (approx. 5 years). Timing and frequency may vary depending on market conditions and operational requirements.
Section 2: Braemar Road to Twizel
Pukaki WEATHERPukaki Flat - Temporary trail diversion work - November-December 2026
The Meridian contractors have resumed clearing Wilding Pines along the corridor of the A2O trail, at the lakeside end of Pukaki Flat. A diversion will be in place as outlined in the map below until this work has been completed:
This change will impact Sections 2 and those cyclists coming to Twizel via the Alternate Start from Tekapo.
Logging truck movements
Logging truck movements are taking place at Mt Cook Station (Section 1 & 2) as part of their long-term Wilding Conifer Control Project.
Four truck movements per day are expected. Please note the following:
- Trucks will travel inbound empty via Braemar Road (speed limit 70km/h)
- Trucks will travel outbound loaded via Hayman Road to SH8 (speed limit 50km/h)
- First loaded trucks may depart Mt Cook Station between 4–5am
- Trucks are likely to return empty around 10–11am and head out loaded again around midday.
**** This forms part of a long-term programme (approx. 5 years). Timing and frequency may vary depending on market conditions and operational requirements.
Sheep Grazing Trial – Ben Ohau Conservation Area (Pūkaki Flats)
DOC is undertaking a multi-year trial to measure the impact of sheep grazing on Wilding Conifer re-invasion and native biodiversity. As sheep will be present in this area:
- Please close all gates
- Do not disturb stock
- Dogs are not permitted for the duration of the trial
Updated signage will be installed on all access gates.
Alt Route: Lake Takapō to Twizel
Pukaki Flat - Temporary trail diversion work - update October 2026
The Wilding Pine clearance work happening at the back of Pukaki Airport / Pukaki Flats has ceased for now. Therefore, the diversion for the A2O Cycle Trail has been suspended, the temporary signage has been removed, and the trail is open to users. We will let you know when the tree felling work re-commences and the diversions are re-instated.
Tekapo Canal Road - high wind area
Approximately 6km west of the SH8 canal bridge crossing, along Tekapo Canal Road, there is a part of the Alt Route where cyclists may encounter hazardous wind conditions.
It is recommended that you follow the signage and use the lower road alternative in these conditions; consider dismounting and take extreme care. Failure to take the lower road in high wind conditions may result in severe injury.
Section 3: Twizel to Lake Ōhau Lodge
No new information at this time.
Section 4: Lake Ōhau Lodge to Ōmarama
Watch out for magpies during spring
Spring is the time of year that Magpies become territorial, as they will be staying close to their nests to protect their young chicks.
Magpies assume that if you are moving at speed, you are a threat and so they will swoop and use loud noises to defend their nests. There are magpies nesting in the Quailburn area (2km past the 'Horse' sign) and they are exhibiting this territorial behavior.
Some riders have fallen from their bikes because of these birds. Therefore, please slow down when going through this area and ride with caution so that you reduce the perceived threat to the birds. This will also enable you to react safely if they do take action.
Once you are through their territory, they will no longer bother you. The nesting season is usually finished in December.
Section 5: Ōmarama to Otematata
No new information at this time.
Section 6: Otematata to Kurow
Dam Top Closures – Alternative Routes for Cyclists
| Dam | Planned Date for closure | Planned Time | Postponement Date for closure | Postponement Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviemore Dam | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Benmore Dam | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
From time to time, the tops of the Aviemore and Benmore Dams may be temporarily closed for maintenance.
If Aviemore Dam is closed:
Cyclists can continue across the Benmore Dam top and travel down Te Akatarawa Road to wait for the road to reopen.
Alternatively, riders can follow the alternative route along the highway from Otematata to Aviemore Dam, where they can rejoin the trail.
If Benmore Dam is closed:
Cyclists should follow the signed alternative route along the highway from Otematata to Aviemore Dam, where they can rejoin the trail.
Please follow all official signage and take extra care when riding on road sections.
Benmore Dam carpark partial closure - ongoing until mid-2029
The Benmore Dam carpark on Loch Laird Road will be partially closed until mid-2029, due to seismic strengthening works of the Benmore Dam penstocks.
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Section 7: Kurow to Duntroon
No new information at this time.
Section 8: Duntroon to Ōamaru
Elderslie area detour - November 2026
High winds have resulted in a number of trees falling on this section of the trail. Therefore, it is closed between Pine Hill Road and Elderslie Road. Riders will be detoured along Pine Hill Road out onto Weston Ngapara Road and then they can re-join the trail at Elderlie Road corner (see map below)
Please follow the diversion as indicated on the map until advised that the damage has been cleared and the trail is open to ride.
Ōamaru Gardens – Shared Path Reminder
A friendly reminder that the Oamaru Gardens section of the trail is a shared space used by walkers, families, and visitors.
Please slow down, be courteous, and ride with care through this area. Let others know when you are passing and respect that this is a community space for everyone to enjoy.
Harbour Street Summer Road Closures 2026 - 2027
Starting from Labour Weekend, each Saturday and Sunday until Easter 2027 (incl Easter Monday).
| Day | Times |
|---|---|
| Each Saturday and Sunday (unless otherwise stated below) | From 10:00am until 4:00pm each day |
| Public Holiday | Times |
|---|---|
| Labour Weekend | From 10:00am Saturday 24 October 2026 to 4:00pm Labour Day Monday 26 October 2026 |
| Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Observed) |
From 10:00am until 4:00pm each day
Friday 25 December 2026 and Monday 28 December 2026 |
| New Year Period (New Years Day & Day After (Observed)) |
From 10:00am until 4:00pm each day.
Friday 1 January 2027 and Monday 4 January 2027 |
| Otago Anniversary Weekend | From 10:00am Saturday 20 March 2027 to 4:00pm Monday 22 March 2027 |
| Easter 2027 |
From 10:00am until 4:00pm each day
Good Friday 26 March 2027 to Easter Monday 29 March 2027 |
| King’s Birthday Weekend | From 10:00am Friday 4 June 2027 to 4:00pm Monday 7 June 2027 |
| Event | Times |
|---|---|
| Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations 2026 | From 10:00am Saturday 14 November 2026 to 6:00pm Sunday 15 November 2026 |
Report an accident or incident
If you have an accident, incident or near miss to report, please fill out the A2O Incident Reporting form.
If we don't know about it we cannot act upon it. Please fill out the form as fully as possible, including all contact details so we can check everyone is OK.
