-	All photographs of Alexandra

The thriving town of Alexandra is Central Otago’s business and political capital. located in the heart of Central Otago, Alexandra is situated at the junction of State Highway 8 and provincial Highway 85, 188 km by road from Dunedin and 33 km south of Cromwell.

Alexandra is situated at the conjunction of two rivers, the Manuherikia and the Clutha. A little further up the Clutha is the historic gold mining township of Clyde and the immense Clyde hydro electric power dam.

Alexandra owes its origins to the discovery of gold between Clyde and Cromwell in 1862, when thousands of miners travelled to the district along the Old Dunstan Road from the Taieri. After four years of mining the easily found gold was gone and the population decreased. Then the development of the gold dredge brought the settlement back to life, and soon there were dozens of rowdy machines operating all along the river. Evidence of their dredging can still be seen in the hectares of tailings to the northwest of the town. A preserved history of this era can be viewed in Alexandra Museum’s collections. Visitors can tour old gold diggings and dredge sites like the spectacular Earnscleugh Flat tailings. check out Shaky Bridge, an early suspension bridge. Magnificent stone piers are all that is left of Alexandra’s first bridge over the Clutha river.

Alexandra made its own name in the dredging boom of the 1890's. At that time people also began to see the fruit-growing potential of the area. Today the fruit trees still make sure Alexandra stays prosperous. It is a town of contrasts there are still many old buildings but many modern ones as well. The town is an oasis of trees among barren rocky hills and dredge tailings.

The dry climate has enabled relics of gold mining activities and stone buildings to survive into the present day in remarkably good condition. The summers are hot and dry and the winters crisp and cool. Central Otago is renowned as being one of the driest areas in New Zealand, hence its official classification as semi desert.

Today Alexandra is a thriving metropolis, with a population of over 4 500, catering to the needs of a prosperous orchard and sheep farming community. Its spectacular spring blossoms, fine gardens and parks, unique scenery, and proximity to the Lakes and ski fields of the Southern Alps make it the ideal holiday destination. Mountain biking, 4wd and horse trekking are also now very popular as the Otago Central Rail Trail passes through the town. Fishing, swimming, boating and kayaking are also pastimes you can enjoy here.

Alexandra accommodation is a wonderful experience, from heritage homes to modern hotels and motels, homely farmstays and a camping ground, you will enjoy quality hospitality, at a reasonable price.