Plan a Luxury Getaway to Alexandra and Clyde
Escape to the balmy climate of Central Otago, boasting fields of grapevines and some of the top cycle trails in the country. Alexandra and Clyde are a far cry from their nearby Central Otago counterparts. They offer a blissful retreat with quaint and beautifully-preserved gold mining villages, golden tussock hills contrasting with the vibrant blue waters of the Clutha and Manuherikia Rivers. From lavish historical lodges to vineyard stays, there’s plenty of ways to wrap your trip in luxury. Find out more in this luxury travel guide to Alexandra and Clyde.
Luxury Tours and Activities in Alexandra and Clyde
- Enjoy a premium experience on the Otago Central Rail Trail or Roxburgh Gorge Trail with Luxury Rail Trail Tours
- Lap up the scenery on a river cruise or jet boat tour
- Tour Alexandra’s wineries and vineyards
- Go off-roading on a 4WD safari with Rock and Tussock SafarisÂ
- Tee off at Alexandra’s and Roxburgh’s golf courses
- Indulge in fine local cuisine at Olivers.
For more details on each experience, take a look at the 6 Best Luxury Experiences in Alexandra & Clyde.

Luxury Adventure Activities
Get out in the great outdoors of Alexandra and Clyde through their premium adventure experiences.
Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail
With two of the New Zealand Great Rides departing from Alexandra and Clyde, exploring the hills and river gorges on two wheels is a must-do experience. 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 on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Should you prefer a more independent experience with just the basics, bike hire and shuttle companies will set you up for the trail and help you plan the perfect itinerary, such as with 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.
Scenic Lake and River Cruises
A more relaxing 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. Alternatively, join Beaumont Jet for their thrilling jet boat ride down the Roxburgh Gorge, offering adventure tours, eco-tours to a remote island and 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.
Premium 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.
For more premium experiences, take a look at the 6 Best Luxury Activities in Alexandra & Clyde.

All-Weather Luxury Activities
While Alexandra and Clyde boast some of the driest weather in the country, they are still towns in New Zealand, which means rain can be an aspect of your getaway. Nevertheless, it hardly matters what the weather is doing when you’re sipping local wines…
Wineries in Alexandra and Clyde
Alexandra is surrounded by more than 10 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 also let someone else worry about driving 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 winery meal.
Off-Roading Tours
Offering bespoke 4WD tours, Rock and Tussock Safaris not only offer alternative wine tours, but you can use this premium 4WD company to reach some of the best surrounding sights or join them for a summer fishing trip. 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.
Need more inspiration? Check out the 6 Best Luxury Activities in Alexandra & Clyde.

Fine Dining in Alexandra and Clyde
When it comes to fine dining, there’s one name 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 miners established in 1869. There are three eateries in this complex, the fine dining and local fare of Olivers Restaurant, the casual dining of the Merchant of Clyde Cafe, Deli & Bakery, and the Olivers Bar pouring beer straight from their in-house brewery.
When looking for lavish dining experiences in Alexandra and Clyde, you can always turn to the wineries. Share platters with friends or loved ones at La Bella Vita Cafe & Eatery (65 Graveyard Gully Road). Guests staying at Grey Ridge Wine & Vineyard Accommodation are also treated to gastronomical experiences.
For more restaurant recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Alexandra & Clyde.
Luxury Accommodation in Alexandra and Clyde
- Olivers Central Otago Lodge & Stables
- Pitches Store
- Grey Ridge Wine & Vineyard Accommodation
- Hawkdun Rise Vineyard & Accommodation
- The Lord Clyde
For more details on our top recommendations, see the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Alexandra & Clyde.
More About Luxury in Alexandra and Clyde
That’s it for the luxury travel guide to Alexandra and Clyde. For more experiences that don’t necessarily fall under the “luxury” category but are still amazing to do, check out the following guides:
- The Honeymoon Guide to Alexandra & Clyde
- The Travel Guide to Alexandra & Clyde for Families
- The Complete Travel Guide to Alexandra & Clyde
Finally, find even more tips to make your luxury getaway exceptional in The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand.

Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.