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 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
Meridian contractors have begun clearing wilding pines alongside Section 2 of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail near the lakeside end of Pukaki Flat.
To ensure public safety, a temporary trail diversion has been established using an existing formed track. The detour runs towards State Highway 8, follows a route parallel to the highway, and then rejoins the Alps 2 Ocean Trail.
This diversion affects Section 2 and the Alternate Start from Tekapo.
The diversion route is clearly marked with Alps 2 Ocean signage and will remain in place while tree-felling operations are underway, expected to continue through to mid-October 2026.
Please follow all signage and take care while travelling through the area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this important wilding pine control work is carried out.
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 - Alps 2 Ocean Trail Diversion
Meridian contractors have begun clearing wilding pines alongside Section 2 of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail near the lakeside end of Pukaki Flat.
To ensure public safety, a temporary trail diversion has been established using an existing formed track. The detour connects to State Highway 8, follows a route parallel to the highway, and then rejoins the Alps 2 Ocean Trail.
This diversion affects Section 2 and the Alternate Start from Tekapo.
The diversion route is clearly marked with Alps 2 Ocean signage and will remain in place while tree-felling operations are underway, expected to continue through to mid-October 2026.
Please follow all signage and take care while travelling through the area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this important wilding pine control work is carried out.
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 Conifer Control Operations at Bog Roy and Rostriever Stations - Thursday 3 September 2026 until Mid-September
An aerial wilding conifer control operation will be taking place across Bog Roy and Rostriever Stations in the coming weeks.
The operation will be carried out by CSI Heli using aerial basal-barking techniques to target scattered wilding conifers in the higher country above areas previously treated by ground crews.
While work will be taking place above the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, helicopter activity will be visible to trail users. Warning signage will be installed at both ends of the affected trail section for the duration of the operation.
Work is expected to begin on Thursday 3 September or Friday 4 September, weather permitting, and should be completed over the following week. Contractors have approval to continue work through to mid-September if weather delays occur.
Please take care while cycling through this area, and follow any signage or instructions from contractors.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benmore Dam | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Aviemore Dam | Thursday 24 September 2026 | 08:30-16:00 | Friday 25 September 2026 | 08:30-16:00 |
| Aviemore Dam | Tuesday 8 September 2026 | 08:30-16:00 | - | - |
| Aviemore Dam | Wednesday 9 September 2026 | 08:30-16:00 | Thursday 10 September 2026 | 08:30-16:00 |
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
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.
