Luxury Tours in Alexandra and Clyde
Home to three of the top bike trails in the South Island, one of the driest climates in New Zealand, as well as gorgeous golden tussock-topped and desert-like hills, Alexandra and Clyde offer a side of Central Otago that far too many miss. Nevertheless, that’s what keeps these small historic gold-rush towns looking so charming and peaceful. Discover the most premium ways to experience them, whether it’s for a special occasion or “just because”, in this list of luxury experiences in Alexandra and Clyde.
For more luxury travel tips, take a look at The Luxury Guide to Alexandra & Clyde and the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Alexandra & Clyde.
1. Enjoy a Premium Cycling Experience on the Otago Central Rail Trail or Roxburgh Gorge Trail
With two of the New Zealand Great Rides, the Otago Central Rail Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trail beginning in Alexandra and Clyde, exploring the surrounding landscapes on two wheels is a must-do! What’s more, you can do it in luxury, especially with operators like Luxury Rail Trail Tours sorting out all of the logistics, including accommodation and dining reservations along the trails. Should you prefer just the basics, however, bike hire and shuttle companies will set you up for the trail and help you plan the perfect itinerary. Seek the expertise of Central Cycle Trail Co. (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Bike it Now (on Viator and Tripadvisor), Shebikeshebikes, Trail Journeys and more. All of these bike tour companies have a range of rentals, from quality mountain bikes to e-bikes.
Location: Learn more about the cycle trails and where they start in the 5 Best Bike Trails in Alexandra & Clyde.
© James Jub - Destination Central Otago2. Lap up the Scenery on a River Cruise or Jet Boat Tour
A less strenuous way to explore Alexandra and Clyde is on one of the jet boat tours and river cruises. Clutha River Cruises offers an array of cruise options, from their 2h30min scenic cruise aboard their pontoon craft to high-speed thrills on their jet boat tour. Alternatively, join Beaumont Jet for their thrilling jet boat ride down the Roxburgh Gorge, offering adventure tours, eco-tours to a remote island conservation area, and cycle transfers for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. Central Water Taxis also offers cycle transfers, as well as lake cruises on Lake Roxburgh which is rich in Maori, European and Chinese history. See more activities like this in the 9 Things to Do in Alexandra & Clyde with Kids.
Location: Clutha River Cruises – 51 Sunderland Street, Clyde. Beaumont Jet – Alexandra Boat Ramp, Dunorling Street, Alexandra. Central Water Taxis – 20 Old Golf Course Road
Alexandra.
© James Jub - Destination Central Otago3. Tour Alexandra’s Wineries and Vineyards
Alexandra is surrounded by more than 10 boutique wineries and vineyards, many offering tastings and drinks accompanied by platters at their cellar doors. While you can organise your own self-drive trip using the 10 Best Wineries in Alexandra, you can let someone else worry about the driving and itinerary on the Vine2Wine Uncorked wine tour. Take your pick from tours lasting three to five hours, with a visit to at least three wineries including either a cheese platter or a three-course meal. See more gastronomical experiences in the 5 Things to Do in Alexandra & Clyde for Foodies.
Location: Wine tour pick-ups available from Alexandra accommodation. For winery locations, see the 10 Best Wineries in Alexandra.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Go Off-Roading on a 4WD Safari
Offering bespoke 4WD tours, Rock and Tussock Safaris not only offer an alternative wine tour experience, but you can use this premium 4WD company to reach some of the best surrounding sights. Their safaris take you to the hard-to-reach hidden gems, from the short and sweet sundowner experience of the Earnscleugh Clyde Lookout to the full-day mission to Bannockburn, ascending the Old Woman Range for a picnic lunch. Additionally, Rock and Tussock offer fishing trips in summer.
Location: Pick-ups available from local accommodation.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Tee Off at Alexandra’s and Roxburgh’s Golf Courses
More ways to enjoy the great outdoors of Central Otago is on the golf courses. Take a swing at the country course of Alexandra Golf Club, a flat but undulating course with tree-lined fairways and remnants of its original dry desert and native grasses to negotiate. A special trip is worth making to tee off at the Roxburgh Golf Club, an 18-hole course amidst the rocky outcrops and majestic hills of the Roxburgh Gorge.
Location: Alexandra Golf Club – 118 Clyde-Alexandra Road, Alexandra. Roxburgh Golf Club – 280 Scotland Street, Roxburgh, approximately 43km (28 miles) from Alexandra.
© Pixabay6. Indulge in Fine Local Cuisine at Olivers
When it comes to fine dining, there’s one restaurant that is on every local’s lips if you ask: Olivers. Located in Clyde, the award-winning restaurant is set in the charming heritage setting of what was a local store for gold miners established in 1869. There are three eateries to this complex, the fine dining and local fare of Olivers Restaurant, the casual dining of the Merchant of Clyde Cafe, Deli and Bakery, and Olivers Bar pouring in-house brewed beer. For more restaurant recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Alexandra & Clyde.
Location: 34 Sunderland Street, Clyde.
© Olivers Central OtagoMore Luxury Experiences in Alexandra and Clyde
That’s it for the best luxury experiences in Alexandra and Clyde. For more things to do that don’t necessarily fall under the “luxury” category but are still astonishing, check out the following guides:
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Alexandra
- 6 Romantic Activities in Alexandra & Clyde for Couples
- 5 Things to Do in Alexandra & Clyde for Foodies
Finally, find even more tips to make your luxury getaway exceptional in The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand.
