Dunedin
- Alexandra
- Queenstown
193 km (121 miles)
Approximately 2.5 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
In the late 19th century, Dunedin acquired an impressive amount of ostentatious Victorian architecture. Today you can enjoy the historic buildings, imposing churches, palatial homes and ornate hotels. There’s even a castle. Eco-tourism is the other face of Dunedin – visit penguin and albatross colonies.
There are three ways to get to Alexandra. The fruit route takes you south to Milton, then on through the orchards of Roxburgh. The Middlemarch route takes you through the Rock and Pillar Range. The Dunback route travels up the coast to Palmerston before it turns inland. The Middlemarch and Palmerston routes merge before the art deco town of Ranfurly. Explore the historic mining area of St Bathans before you reach Alexandra.
As the main centre for Central Otago, Alexandra is a prosperous, attractive town. Walk up to the huge clock on the hill and explore the gold mining displays at the local museum. In winter, Manorburn Dam freezes to become a skating rink. In summer, you can enjoy the delicious stone fruits that grow in the region.
Scenic Highlights
Shaky Bridge, Manuherikia River
Do you dare to walk over Shaky Bridge? Historical suspension bridge built for the early gold rush.
Teviot Woolshed
Be surprised by the size of sheep farming operations in the Teviot Valley 130 years ago, and enjoy a heart warming tale about a lonely gravestone.
The Old Bridge Piers, Clutha River
The Old Bridge Piers are the remains of the original Alexandra Bridge, which was completed in 1882.
Karitane
Walk, swim, surf, fish or simply relax in this picturesque village on the coast north of Dunedin.
St Clair Beach
Only minutes from the city centre, this sweeping surf beach is a place to walk, swim, surf or dine out.
Mount Cargill
Walk to the top of Mount Cargill and enjoy spectacular views of Dunedin, the coast and the surrounding countryside.
Tunnel Beach Walkway
Explore the sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves at Tunnel Beach; look for fossils as you descend through the pioneers' hand-carved tunnel.
University of Otago
Of all New Zealand's cities, Dunedin has the largest concentration of grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings. The university's clock tower is a particularly handsome architectural landmark.
Dunedin Railway Station
Marvel at the size, architecture and rich embellishments of Dunedin Railway Station - it's the grandest 'Gingerbread House' you'll ever see.
Dunedin's inner city heritage walks
Two inner city heritage walks make it easy to explore Dunedin's outstanding collection of Victorian and Edwardian buildings.
Middlemarch
Experience the Central Otago wilderness by making the charming town of Middlemarch your local base for hiking, biking and river fishing.
Dunedin Botanic Garden
Enjoy native birdsong and hillside views as you encounter more than 6,800 plant species in Dunedin's beautiful 28 hectare botanic garden.
Glenfalloch Woodland Garden
Follow the trails around beautiful Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, which has been has been named a "Garden of Regional Significance" by the New Zealand Garden Trust.
Otago Peninsula
Put a day aside to explore Otago Peninsula, where eco-experiences range from penguin and fur seal colonies to the toe-tingling cliffs of The Chasm and Lovers Leap.
Pineapple Track
Hike along the Pineapple Track high above Dunedin and enjoy magnificent views of the city and Taieri Plains.
Central Otago vineyards
If wine is your passion, you'll quickly appreciate why Central Otago pinot noir is so richly praised. The climate and the soil work together to create magic in the bottle.
Otago Central Rail Trail
For bikers, hikers and horse riders, the Otago Central Rail Trail is a unique journey through an unforgettable landscape.
Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail
A series of historic reserves and walkways will help you to unearth the stories from Central Otago's gold rush glory days.
Clyde Dam
Clyde Dam, the largest concrete gravity dam in New Zealand. The lake formed by the dam, Lake Dunstan, is 26.4 square km in size.
Roxburgh
Fish for trout, kayak a 30 kilometre lake or hike historic trails through the surrounding hills and mountains.
Clyde township
In historic Clyde you can make yourself comfortable in a cafe or hire a mountain bike to explore the surrounding hills.
Activities
Dunedin - Coastal Otago
Bird Watching (5),
Museums (3)
Central Otago
Cycling/Mountain Biking (1),
Heritage Attractions (4)
Tour and Sightseeing
Dunedin - Coastal Otago
Bird Watching (2)
Tour and Sightseeing
Central Otago
Cycling/Mountain Biking (3)
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