Clinton is a small town in South Otago, in New Zealand's South Island, with convenient road connections to Dunedin, Central Otago via Lawrence or Tapanui, the Catlins and Invercargill.

It is located on State Highway 1 approximately halfway between Balclutha and Gore (the section of State Highway 1 between Clinton and Gore is known as "The Presidential Highway", after Bill Clinton and Al Gore, though the names are a coincidence), and the Main South Line railway passes through the town.

Clinton was named for Henry Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle, former British Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 54.2% had no religion, 32.3% were Christian, 1.0% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.0% were Hindu, 1.0% were Buddhist and 1.0% had other religions.

[10] Clinton railway station opened on 1 November 1877 and closed for passengers on 1 December 1970 and for goods in October 1990.

[13] The refreshment room is mentioned in articles from the 1930s[19] when the station employed a stationmaster and two clerks.

[20] Clinton continued to be the customary refreshment stop for express steam trains and later railcars until passenger services through the township ceased.