Last Updated on: 21 July 2023

The Alexandra to Clyde River Track is a dual purpose track specifically designed for both walkers and bikers.

It follows alongside the mightyĀ Clutha Mata-au RiverĀ as it swiftly meanders through the valley.

The Alexandra to Clyde River TrackĀ is an excellent track which makes for a leisurely walk.Ā  We took 3 hours to walk the 12 km from the township ofĀ AlexandraĀ through to picturesqueĀ Clyde.Ā  Or if you prefer, you can bike theĀ Alexandra to Clyde River TrackĀ ā€“ a great family outing!

The banks of the mightyĀ Clutha Mata-au RiverĀ are steeped with gold mining history.Ā  Did you know that in 1920, 20 dredges were working on the Clutha Mata-au River betweenĀ AlexandraĀ andĀ Clyde?

Explore the Local Area By Bike

Once you have arrived in Clyde, you may decide to explore the area further.Ā  One of the best ways to do this is by aĀ self-guided cycling tourĀ along the Central Otago Rail Trail.Ā  If pedal power isnā€™t your thing, these tours also haveĀ e-bikesĀ available.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location:Ā South Island NZ
  • Distance:Ā 12 km
  • Time needed:Ā 3 Hours
  • Difficulty:Ā Very Easy
  • Wheelchair Access:Ā No
  • Route:Ā Round Trip
  • Elevation:Ā Unknown
  • Wet Feet:Ā No
  • Toilets:Ā No
  • Dogs:Ā No
  • Mobile Coverage:Ā Yes
  • Last Updated:Ā November 2020

We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gearĀ to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

This walk follows the Clutha River and passes the nationally significant Earnscleugh Tailings. Gold was discovered here around 1862 and dredging continued until 1963. The result is these tailings which are hundreds of metres wide.

Track Quality

Good firm walking surface. Heavy boots not required.

Hazards

As this is an easy track, some cyclists can travel fast.

Transport

If you give up on the first half, you can hitch a ride back from Clyde

Water

Fresh drinking water is not available along this track. There are cafes in Alexandra and Clyde.

Driving Instructions

Unknown

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

The track begins (or ends) minutes away from the centre of Alexandra. There are restaurants and cafes in both Alexandra and Clyde. Alexandra has a decent shopping centre.

Area & Trail History

This track was opened in 1989 to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the European settlement of Otago. This walk follows the Clutha River and passes the old Earnscleugh Tailings. Gold was discovered around here in 1862. The best time to mine for gold was when the Clutha River was at itā€™s lowest which was in the freezing wintertime. When the easy gold ran out, the miners switched to sluice boxes then on to Spoon dredges then Wheel dredges. In 1920 there were 20 dredges working on the Clutha River between Alexandra and Clyde

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Points of interest along the walkā€‹

Start of the 150th Anniversry walk
Alexandra to Clyde River Walk - 150th Anniversary Walk - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Point 1: Alexandra to Clyde River Track

Once across the Alexandra bridge, you should find the River track sign on the light pole, and to your right, there is a small shed. Turn right and follow your nose up the Clutha river

Take the high road.
dredge tailings
Alexandra - Clyde 150th Anniversary Walk & Mountain Bike Ride

Point 2: First bridge

I looked down into the creek, and I saw three rainbow trout feeding alongside the riverbank. If it does rain do not worry, take the bridges and boardwalks. You will see km markers all the way along the walk (which are very helpful for those who like to know if they are ā€˜there yetā€™)ā€”a total of 11.3 km in all.

Alexandra - Clyde 150th Anniversary Walk & Mountain Bike Ride
Alexandra - Clyde 150th Anniversary Walk & Mountain Bike Ride
Alexandra - Clyde 150th Anniversary Walk & Mountain Bike Ride

Point 3: Earnscleugh Historic Tailings

Earnscleugh Historic tailings are easy to find just look for the old pieces of dredges lying beside the track. The Alexandra dredge produced 6500 ounces of gold over twelve rears.

Alexandra - Clyde 150th Anniversary Walk & Mountain Bike Ride
Clutha River
Clutha River
Clyde carpark
Clyde bRIDGE

Point 4: Clyde River bridge

Here I was lucky to find a tree full of sweet plums!Ā  A quick stroll across this historic bridge into the historic township of Clyde.Ā  Here you will find cafes to fuel you up.

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