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
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 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 begins Monday 24 November, 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 WEATHERLogging 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.
Night Shooting of wallabies - Pukaki River
Night shooting of wallabies, as part of the National Wallaby Eradication Programme is taking place from 4 May to 12 June 2026, with ground control from 11 to 12 June. The shooting area is near parts of the Alt Route: Lake Takapō to Twizel near the Tekapo Canal, and Section 2 at Pukaki River. Warning signage will be placed at river access entry points near these areas. Please take care while cycling in these areas in night time hours.
Alt Route: Lake Takapō to Twizel
Night Shooting of wallabies - Tekapo Canal
Night shooting of wallabies, as part of the National Wallaby Eradication Programme is taking place from 4 May to 12 June 2026, with ground control from 11 to 12 June. The shooting area is near parts of the Alt Route: Lake Takapō to Twizel near the Tekapo Canal, and Section 2 at Pukaki River. Warning signage will be placed at river access entry points near these areas. Please take care while cycling in these areas in night time hours.
Section 3: Twizel to Lake Ōhau Lodge
No new information at this time.
Section 4: Lake Ōhau Lodge to Ōmarama
No new information at this time.
Section 5: Ōmarama to Otematata
Wilding Pine control in the Bog Roy Conservation area - Monday 4 May to Tuesday 12 June 2026
Removal of wilding conifer trees is taking place near Section 5 as part of the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme.
Although Section 5 will still be open, there are 4WD trucks and side-by-side vehicles that will using parts of the A2O route for access purposes. Please be careful in this area and give way to all vehicles used by contractors.
Locations of the work taking place are on the maps below.
Map of the peninsula where this work is taking place - white box indicates signage where wilding pines are being felled.
Yellow sun dots indicate access points for contractors working on the removing of wilding conifers.
Section 6: Otematata to Kurow
Planned Date | Planned Time | Contingency Date | Contingency Time |
| Friday, 10 April 2026 | 8:30 to 12:30 | Monday, 13 April 2026 | 8:30 to 12:30 |
Dam Top Closures – Alternative Routes for Cyclists
From time to time, the tops of the Aviemore and Benmore Dams may be temporarily closed.
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.
Section 7: Kurow to Duntroon
No new information at this time.
Section 8: Duntroon to Ōamaru
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.
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.
