Romantic Experiences in Alexandra and Clyde
If you’re the type of couple who love to adventure together but also appreciate the importance of relaxation, you’ll love what Alexandra and Clyde have in store. Home to a couple of the New Zealand Great Rides, Alexandra and Clyde offer rewarding experiences that couples can tackle as a team. As the cycle trails are quite cruisy, however, you’ll definitely have time to fit in a boutique winery visit here and a visit to a quaint historical gold-rush village there. So, add a flair of romance to your trip to Central Otago with these romantic activities in Alexandra and Clyde for couples!
For more trip-planning advice, check out The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Alexandra & Clyde and find a place to stay in the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Alexandra & Clyde.
1. Cycle One of the Great Rides Together
Chances are, you’re in Alexandra and Clyde to do some cycling. If not, then you should be! From day rides on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail to the multi-day adventure of the Otago Central Rail Trail, Central Otago is home to some of the more premium cycle trails in the country, two of which are classed as New Zealand Great Rides. Local operators like Central Cycle Trail Co. (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Bike it Now (on Viator and Tripadvisor), Shebikeshebikes, Trail Journeys and more can get you up and running with cycle hire and shuttle transport to tackle the trails.
The Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand’s original “Great Ride” and covers 152km (94 miles) following an old railway route passing mountainous landscapes to dry desert-like scenery. Alternatively, the Clutha Gold Trail is another highlight, 73km (45 miles) following the Clutha River incorporating historical gold mining sites and charming villages. Find out more in the 5 Best Bike Trails in Alexandra & Clyde.
Location: Otago Central Rail Trail – Start from Albert Drive or State Highway 8, Clyde. Roxburgh Gorge – Starts from Southern historic bridge pier, Alexandra.
© James Jub - Destination Central Otago2. Visit the Romantic and Historical Towns of Clyde or Ophir
Speaking for charming villages, Central Otago is home to arguably some of the most romantic villages in New Zealand. Clyde is one of them, often referred to as a “living museum” with its schist stone architecture established during the Otago Gold Rush and now harbouring cute cafes for a romantic lunch. Similarly, the town of Ophir is home to the country’s oldest running post office, where you can pick up a complimentary booklet with information on all the noteworthy buildings of the small settlement. Ophir also hosts some of the most romantic accommodation choices in Central Otago.
Location: Ophir – Ida Valley-Omakau Road, approximately 28km (17 miles) from Alexandra.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Stroll Hand-in-Hand Through Jolendale Park
This is New Zealand, so you’re always going to find somewhere amazing to go for a stroll. One of the most endearing options in Alexandra is Jolendale Park, an arboretum with native and exotic trees mixed with rocky outcrops, old mining relics and a reservoir. Nearby, you’ll also find the Kamaka Walkway where it’s common to hear bellbirds singing in spring and summer. You might also want to enjoy a picnic by the picturesque Lanes Dam. Find out more about these attractions in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Alexandra & Clyde.
Location: Jolendale Park – Peterson Place. Kamaka Walkway – Start halfway along Aronui Road or from Kamaka Crescent. Lanes Dam – 45 Aronui Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Bask in the Vineyard Scenery with a Glass in Hand at Alexandra’s Wineries
The balmy Central Otago weather combined with a glass in hand; what could be more romantic? The wineries of Alexandra and Clyde can certainly provide this scene, with many opening their cellar doors in the summer months for tastings and platters. You can either visit them yourselves, using the listings we offer in the 10 Best Wineries in Alexandra or enjoy tastings at multiple wineries with Vine2Wine Uncorked wine tours. Additionally, some of the wineries offer accommodation, should you want to enhance the romance!
Location: See the 10 Best Wineries in Alexandra for winery locations.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Indulge in a Date Night at One of the Boutique Cinemas
While it might seem unimaginative to go to the cinema for a date night, the cinemas in Alexandra and Clyde offer something a little different. Both the Central Cinema in Alexandra and the Clyde Cinema are boutique, so offer an air of charm that you won’t find in large city cinemas. Plus, the Clyde Cinema also has an on-site bistro so you can take a glass of wine or a sweet treat to accompany your movie.
Location: Central Cinema – 21 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra. Clyde Cinema – 6a Naylor Street, Clyde.
© Pixabay6. Treat Your Loved One to Lunch at a Romantic Cafe
While Alexandra and Clyde offer wineries and a few elegant dining options, such as Olivers Restaurant listed in The Luxury Guide to Alexandra & Clyde and Paulina’s Bar, the cafes are truly where these towns shine. Enjoy the gorgeous gold-rush townscape of Clyde while dining outside The Old Clyde Bank. They serve hearty breakfast and lunch dishes to lighter meals and sweet treats from the cabinet. A gorgeous venue inside and out, The Courthouse Cafe serves well-presented cafe treats among a historic building and gardens with fresh flowers on the table. For more dining recommendations, head to The Foodie Guide to Alexandra & Clyde.
Location: Paulina’s Bar – 6 Naylor Street, Clyde. The Bank Cafe – 31 Sunderland Street. The Courthouse Cafe – 8 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore Romantic Things to Do in Alexandra and Clyde for Couples
That’s it for the most romantic things to do in Alexandra and Clyde for couples. For more experiences that are just as fun but might not necessarily come under the “romance” category, check out the following guides:
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Alexandra
- 9 Cool Things to Do in Clyde
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Alexandra & Clyde
- 5 Things to Do in Alexandra & Clyde for Foodies
- 6 Best Luxury Experiences in Alexandra & Clyde
- The Complete Travel Guide to Alexandra & Clyde
Finally, plan more of your travels around New Zealand using The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to New Zealand and inspire yourself with more experiences using the 51 Best Things to Do on the South Island.
