CLYDE Clyde is the location of the Clyde Dam, one of the largest I New Zealand and the body of water that is dammed is called Lake Dunstan named after historic village that forms an element of the Clyde township. The Clutha River is the swiftest river (per volume) in the southern hemisphere. The river then runs to the Roxburgh Dam before finally meeting the sea at Balclutha. Clyde is a larger town than what first impression conveys, but for the majority of goods and services Alexandra is the key provider. Clyde’s second spurt of growth occurred as a result of the Dam construction and is in essence a new town; but because of the Dunstan input Clyde is referred to as an ‘historic town’ The churches are all over 100 years old. The hotels are vintage 1860’s. Clyde boasts two museums. Clyde grew up around the former settlement of Dunstan during the Central Otago gold rush of the 1860s. The town could once claim to be the most populous in New Zealand during the height of gold fever. The town's post office (and thus the town) was officially renamed from Dunstan to Clyde on 22 May 1865, after Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde. Clyde is fast becoming known as a tourist haven. The location is particularly attractive to those visiting the region's many vineyards and orchards. The regional weather is particularly warm and dry during the summer months. The War Memorial is located on the edge of the Dunstan village.