The Alexandra Region
Alexandra in the heart of the Central Otago region of New Zealand. It is located on the banks of the Clutha River (at the confluence of the Manuherikia River), on State Highway 8, 188 km by road from Dunedin and 33 km south of Cromwell. Lake Wanaka, Queenstown and Arrowtown are about one hours drive away.
The district is one of the farthest from a coastline in New Zealand and one of the few to experience a continental
climate with short but cold winters and long, hot, dry summers.
The town was founded during the Central Otago goldrush in the 1860s, and was named after Alexandra of Denmark. It is the
service town for a significant stone-fruit industry. Grape production is another major local industry as it is in the Central Otago Wine Region. The town is a popular holiday destination
during the summer, however Alexandra is perhaps best known for its annual springtime event, the Blossom Festival.
Central Otago
The Central Otago region is inviting throughout all seasons - fishing all year, fresh summer fruit, water sports,
gold courses, vineyards, wine tasting, restaurants, heritage gold mining sites, spectacular autumn colours, snow
boarding and skiing all combine to make this a memorable and magical place.
Alexandra - Click for (much) larger
Activities
Gold History - retrace the steps of the goldminers who sought fortune in the harsh and unforgiving terrain. There are museums and historic sites dotted throughout the region.
Premium Pinot Noir - indulge in fine wine and food, fresh fruit and herbs. The valleys of Central Otago are home to the world's most southerly wine region. Pinot Noir wines from here excel in the vibrant, spicy flavour and smooth texture and have justly earned world-wide acclaim.
Tracks and Trails - Around the hills of Central Otago, the tracks are almost endless. Many have a real sense of history and lead to alpine herb meadows, secret valleys and peculiar rock formations. Enjoy an idyllic stroll among the hills or, for the more energetic, mountain bike the 150km Rail Trail, the first such ride in New Zealand. The Clutha River is only a few minutes walk away from your accommodation and offers a riverside walkway through to Clyde where history is tangible in the old stone buildings and fascinating museums.
Lakes - If it is fishing or water sports you enjoy then there are three lakes within a very comfortable driving distance from here - Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown is only an hour or so away too. Use Alexandra Views for your lodgings while you go fishing!
Ski Fields - If it is snow boarding or skiing that is your delight then we have four world renowned ski fields in easy distance. - you will be spoilt for choice with Cardrona, Treble Cone, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
Perhaps you can follow the wine trail, visit art and craft galleries or swim at our multi pool aquatic centre. In winter, try ice skating or curling at our Olympic sized rink. There really are an endless number of interesting things to do in Alexandra and the surrounding region.
