Alexandra & Clyde
Here, in the heart of Central Otago take time to discover our place at a more relaxed pace.
Surrounded by craggy tor-studded mountain ranges that have been morphed and squeezed over many millennia and never far from the powerful Clutha Mata-Au and adjoining Manuherikia Rivers, take time to explore our place for yourself.
Enjoy a walk up to the Clock on the Hill, 4WD Driving, fishing, wine-tasting or simply have a picnic on the banks of the many dams in the area.
No matter where you go, there is a wonderful sense of rich heritage that can be felt, seen, and experienced - whether it's the magnificent schist piers of Alexandra's first bridge, the beautifully restored cottages or the delightful historic village of Clyde.
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Activities
Itinerary Fillers to Make the Most of the Alexandra Basin
Pedal for Pinot!
Cycle your way around the Alexandra Basin to five different wineries in an epic 25km loop. This free, fun and self-guided bike tour covers Dunstan Road, Ruru, Judge Rock, Legacy and Three Miners, so you not only get some variety in the landscapes you cycle through, but also in the wine you taste! Click the button below for a free copy of the Pedal 4 Pinot Map!
Alexandra
The Heart of Central Otago
Conveniently located right on the junction of State Highway 8 and 85, Alexandra is one of the biggest towns in the Central Otago region.
It is the hottest, driest and coldest town in New Zealand due to the extreme Central Otago seasons;
Summer explodes with holiday makers wanting to enjoy the hot, dry heat and cool off in the Manuherikia and Clutha Rivers.
The landscape changes dramatically in Autumn and shades of fiery reds and orange glow over the whole town and wider region.
In Winter, days will often have brilliant blue skies, but don't let that distract you from the crisp temperature!
Alexandra welcomes Spring with the annual Blossom Festival as the flowers flourish in the warmer temperatures.
Celebrating the Best of the Region
Top Quality Produce
The outskirts of Alexandra township showcase some of the best local produce. The Alexandra Basin is home to world-class wineries and vineyards as the climate is perfect for making pinot noir with 'vividly varietal, aromatic and finely structured'. Each of the different wineries in the basin have distinct point of differences - Click here to find out more.
Along Earnscleugh Road you will pass orchards and orchards filled with top quality fruits and vegetables, as well as honey, nuts, flowers, and more! You will often find locals selling homemade styled chutneys, relishes, pickles and sauces as a result of the orchards haul. Made locally with local ingredients, you can buy these at local farmers markets, road - side stalls and sometimes in store at the supermarket.
Alexandra Art Scene
Inspiration from the landscapes
Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery is the region's largest art gallery and exhibition spaces. They showcase a variety of artists all year around, as well as variety of mediums. Sculptors, photographers, painters, crafters and more will leave you inspired and in awe about the Central Otago identity and how each artist interprets it.
You will also find local artists at the summer weekly farmers market selling prints, pottery, paintings and more! It's a fantastic way to actually meet the artist in person and learn the stories behind each of their pieces.
There are many community art groups based in Alexandra as well where you can find your group of like-minded people to share ideas, tips and tricks and make friends with while being creative.
Clyde
About Clyde
A 'Living Museum' really is the best way to describe the small township of Clyde. With old heritage building facades lining the main street, Clyde is the perfect balance of past, present and future.
The small but powerful town has reclaimed its identity in recent years. Once, a lazy holiday home destination has been transformed into a hive of activity with new businesses appearing every season.
With many bike hire and transfer options available, it's easy to see why Clyde acts as a hub for cyclists. Acting as a base for both the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Lake Dunstan Trail, Clyde is a must-stop destination for the lycra-clad visitors.
Shopping
Clyde has re-established itself with its high quality retail sector with lots of variety. Perfect for those who are wanting to mooch around the shops while the rest of the group is out biking.
Folklore is in the same building complex as Sisson Gallery. A local favourite, Folklore has high quality goods for sale such as art, candles, homewares, books, jewellery and so much more. Down the street is Lily & Esther, which showcases New Zealand designer labels such as Karen Walker and Kowtow. Touch Yarns is primarily a shop filled with incredible wools, sewing patterns, fabrics and everything haberdashery related. However they also stock a huge range of beautiful books, gifts, homewares, garden accessories, baby swaddles and so much more so it's definitely worth heading in store. Bunts Florist has the freshest cut flowers in Alexandra Basin.
Art
Clyde is home to two art galleries; both are very different but equally as fantastic so it is definitely encouraged to visit both!
Sisson Gallery is the exclusive home to exhibited works by acclaimed New Zealand landscape photographers Sarah Sisson & Todd Sisson.
Eade Gallery proudly represents Central Otago artists. Taking inspiration from the surrounding landscapes all over Central Otago, Eade Gallery showcases a variety of local artists under one roof. Eade Gallery has something for everyone from original paintings, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, photography, prints and cards.
Visit Clyde's Boutique Tasting Room
Tucked up on the hill overlooking the Clyde township is Clyde Village Wine. This boutique vineyard is the incredible result of Chris & John's hard work. They offer a delicious Pinot Noir and a Pinot Noir Rose. On Summer's Day, have the tasting under the apricot trees, and in the cooler months, their tasting room is cozy and intimate.