Welcome to the final installment of our "My Town" series.

This initiative is to find the charm and attractions of diverse small townships nestled in the heart of Central Otago. Our aim is to provide holiday-makers with an immersive experience that delves far beyond the well-known landmarks, such as Cromwell’s iconic big fruit sculpture and the majestic Clyde Dam. The series will unfold with weekly releases every Saturday and Wednesday until the 26 of January. Over this period, we will cover towns of Central Otago, exposing the region's hidden treasures from a locals perspective.

Episode 13: The wider Alexandra area

Central App reporter Aimee Wilson wraps up the final installment in our series by sharing her highlights from across the wider Alexandra area, population 6120.

How did your story in Alexandra begin?

I grew up in Alexandra in the 1980s and then came back as a journalist in my late 20s, before moving into the Queenstown Lakes district and then finally returning home again when I had young children.

Aimee, Relaxing at Champagne Gully on Lake Dunstan, shares her highlights of living in Alexandra. PHOTO: Supplied

What is it about Alexandra that you couldn’t live without and why?

The summer fruit for sure. It’s such a delight to be able to drive around the many orchards and roadside stalls during summer and find treats and treasures, from boysenberries to gooseberries, and of course peaches, nectarines and cherries.

Where’s the best spot in town for lunch?

I don’t like to favour one place over another and I try to share the business around. If I need somewhere quiet to interview someone I go with the Courthouse outside. If the kids are in tow, then a trip to the Kiwi Milk Bar offers both nostalgia and some more traditional options.

There are many great places for outdoor dining right across Central Otago, and if I want something fancy the Packing Shed in Earnscleugh is quite special.

The Packing Shed in Earnscleugh has some fancy treats for lunch. PHOTO: Supplied

What’s a fun fact about Alexandra?

It used to have one of the last remaining pie carts in New Zealand going back to the 1950s. I really miss that place, even though it seemed to attract a certain level of disorder in weekends.

Originally based outside the Bendigo Hotel in downtown Alexandra before the 1999 floods, it was then moved north to Pioneer Park before catching fire in 2012, and that was the end of that after an impressive 64 years.

What’s one thing people need to check out when visiting Alexandra, and why?

It’s worth exploring places like Conroys Dam and the Aldinga Conservation Area where there are gold mining huts, and you can walk back along the fence line where the protected Otago skinks are living. 

Where in Central Otago do you like to escape to and why?

The tracks around the Alexandra Airport are quite different and with great views overlooking Springvale. It’s another world out there, yet still close enough to town if you need to dash back in a hurry.