The couple celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this week and will commemorate the occasion with family in the town this weekend.
Mrs Paterson said the secret to the long relationship was trust.
``You have to give and take. We've seen sadness and had ups and downs.''
On their many trips, the two have explored the country in their 1986 Hino Rainbow motorhome.
``We love travelling around, seeing beautiful scenery. We've seen most of the country. We don't get out as often these days, though,'' she said.
The two are area life members of the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association.
They first met in Waikato, where Mrs Paterson (nee Scott) lived at the time.
Mr Paterson, who was born in Lawrence, was billeted there as a young farmer.
It was not long before the two married there in a traditional ceremony, Mrs Paterson said.
``My family were dairy farmers, so we had to do it between milkings.''
The couple lived on a sheep and beef farm at Beaumont for much of their lives, before moving to Alexandra in 1986.
They had two sons and now have seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, who live in New Zealand and Australia.
News of their long relationship seems to have spread, as they have received letters from the Queen, the Governor-General and various New Zealand politicians.
