Alexandra travel guide

At the junction of the Clutha and Manuherikia Rivers, Alexandra was one of the first gold mining towns to be established in Central Otago. Its creation was due to the first strikes made in 1862 by Horatio Hartley and Christopher Reilly in the once rich Dunstan fields, in what is now the neighbouring town of Clyde. The river junction became known as Lower Dunstan and later became the settlement of Alexandra. Once the gold ran out at the end of the 1800s the orchardists moved in, making fruit growing Alexandra’s modern-day industry. The town is at its best in autumn when the riverside willows and poplars, ironically, bathe the valley in another golden hue. Alexandra serves as the principal gateway to the Otago Central Rail and Dunstan gold mining heritage trails, which are a major attraction for mountain bikers and 4WD enthusiasts.

Almost instantly noticeable and visible from almost everywhere is the 11-m diameter clock on part of the Knobbies Range to the east of Alexandra. Completed in November 1968, its creation came about through no particular reason other than the pure and simple desire of one Alexander Jaycee. After managing to get his idea endorsed by the town’s residents, he then found the support and finances to build it, requiring 1264 hours of work. Although hardly ugly, it seems a little out of place, and does not reflect the general atmosphere of life in the town. One gets the feeling that if it stopped no one would be particularly bothered about going up there to give it a tap.

A short walk from the centre of town will take you to Shaky Bridge, which crosses the Manuherikia River on Fox Street (just below the clock). Originally built in 1879, it was once used by wagons and horses. Now purely a footbridge, although aesthetically pleasing, it does not provide the impending adrenaline rush that its name suggests, however, the smart Shaky Bridge Vineyard Café and Restaurant on the far side provides added incentive.

If you are a Lord of the Rings fanatic, Alexandra will no doubt provide the launching pad to visit the remote Poolburn Reservoir, which sits on the Rough Ridge Range 40 minutes east of the town. There, an expansive area of rocky outcrops (tors) and tussock surrounding the reservoir, provided the perfect backdrop for the realm of ‘Rohan’. Note that the area is by no means easy to reach and you are advised to seek detailed directions from the VIC (I-Site) before venturing out independently. If you do not have a reliable vehicle of your own then you can always join one of the local tours, perhaps taking in the former gold mining village of Ophir on the way. Contact the VIC (I-Site) in Alexandra for the latest details....read more