Historic Clyde, Central Otago

Clyde is a small town in Central Otago, New Zealand. It is nestled in a sheltered basin at the foot of an immense and crooked gorge, now flooded by the huge concrete hydro dam just up stream. The old gorge was a severe test of mettle for early goldfields traffic and horse teams often paused in Clyde to prepare for the rigours ahead.

The town is surrounded by an area renowned first for gold then for its stone fruit orchards, especially in the Earnscleugh district. The fruits thrived here in the hot, dry summers but more recently huge areas of grapes have been planted with local vineyards producing their internationally renowned Pinot Noir. Many historic buildings have survived and the town centre has been declared an historic precinct. Some buildings have been reburbished as cafes, bars, and places to stay.

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