According to the 2001 census of population and dwellings, the permanent population is 4407, a drop of 210 since 1996. 23.5% of the population is aged over 65, higher than the national average.
The town first grew during the Central Otago gold rushes of the 1860's
Alexandra is the service centre for a significant stone-fruit growing district, and this is celebrated in the town's blossom festival each spring. However, many orchards were destroyed in the 1980's as a result of the controversial construction of the Clyde High Dam 10km upriver. The town is a popular holiday destination.
The region is one of the furthest from a coastline in New Zealand and one of the few which experiences a continental climate with severe winters and hot, dry summers.
External Links
Alexandra District Promotions website
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