Set on a rock face high above the town, Alexandra 's clock measures 11m in diameter, and its physical size is a constant source of amazement to visitors. Its construction was instigated by the Alexandra Jaycees in 1966. At night the time can be clearly read up to 8km away.

In the heart of Central Otago with a population of around 4,500, Alexandra is 190km from Dunedin, 93km from Queenstown, 88km from Wanaka and 30km south-east of Cromwell.

Alexandra is a town of contrasts - there are still many old buildings but many modern ones as well. Out of town the contrasts continue; orchards and dredge tailings, lush valleys and parched schist slopes.

The dry climate has enabled relics of goldmining activities and stone buildings to survive into the present day in remarkably good condition. The climate of Alexandra/Clyde is semi-arid with lovely hot summers and crisp cool winters.

Our town 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 (the entire route can still be followed from Clarks Junction to Alexandra by four wheel drive vehicle).

Today Alexandra is a thriving service centre, catering to the needs of a prosperous orchard and sheep farming district. Its pleasant parks, spectacular spring blossom, fine gardens, unique scenery, and proximity to the lakes and skifields of the Southern Alps make it the ideal holiday destination.