This short walk is up the hill to the iconic Alexandra clock, a unique illuminated hillside timepiece that has served the town since 1968.
The walk starts in Alexandra township and crosses the historic Shaky Bridge (in Kerry Street) over the Manuherikia River. This is a very old wooden suspension bridge and the name is most descriptive! Originally a vehicle bridge into Alexandra, it is now a footbridge only, with magnificent views down to the river and gorge below. There are good swimming holes in the river nearby.
After passing alongside vineyards at the foot of the hill the track climbs steeply up a rocky and uneven track to the foot of the 11 meter wide clock. This was a Jaycee project involving many hours of voluntary work to install the components. The mechanism has been upgraded several times and is a reliable timekeeping feature of the Alexandra landscape. At Easter an illuminated cross is placed on the hillside nearby.
From here the panoramic view of Alexandra and the surrounding countryside will reward the effort getting up. All the mountain ranges in the area can be seen, from the Old Man Range right around to the Hawkdun Range.
Return by the same route as you came and perhaps stop for refreshments in the café near the Shaky Bridge. Allow about an hour for this easy but steep walk from the town centre. |
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