Naseby combines reminders of its gold mining history with forest trails, dams and winter activities. Historic buildings and the history of curling give the town a cultural focus, while the forest and dams offer scenery and recreation. This gives you a range of ways to plan your stay.

Gold Mining History in Buildings and Stories

St George’s Anglican Church in Naseby is a historic Category I site. Built from concrete in 1874, it was New Zealand’s first place of worship to be built from concrete. The Naseby Historic Area also tells the story of the town: it lies in the Hogburn gully and includes part of Derwent Street as well as all of Earne Street. The area’s historic buildings and autumn colours are considered iconic images of Central Otago’s gold mining history.

The Maniototo Early Settlers Museum displays keepsakes from the past and family history from the region. The museum includes the Watchmaker’s Shop and the Jubilee Museum. Check current opening arrangements before your visit. Another historical thread leads to outdoor curling: Scottish gold miners played a formative role in it, and the first recorded game took place in 1878.

Winter Activities and Things to Do in Naseby

Maniototo Adventure Park in the centre of Naseby is considered a family-friendly destination for activities all year round. Winter activities from June to August include ice skating, curling, an ice luge and snow activities. The ice luge is 360 metres long; professional instructors provide sleds and helmets and offer guidance on how to use them. The Gold Rush Luge runs through a forest of pine and larch trees.

As winter operations and equipment rules can change, check the current activities and conditions before visiting. This is particularly useful if you have a specific activity in mind or plan to use the ice luge.

Forest Trails, Dams and Water

Naseby has forest trails and historic tracks that can be used for walking. The trails in Naseby Forest pass through eroded areas and follow historic watercourses. Orienteering is also available in the Naseby Forest Recreation Area. These offer different ways to explore the forest and mining history without being combined into a single route.

Naseby Swimming Dam has toilets, picnic tables, benches and a playground. As facility availability and seasonal water levels can change, it’s worth checking the latest information before your visit. In the Forest Recreational Area, Coalpit Dam contains brown and rainbow trout and is a popular family picnic spot. Toilets are available there from October to April; if you plan to fish, check the applicable rules and conditions beforehand.

Hoffman’s Dam cannot be reached by vehicle. A 30-metre footpath leads there from the car park. Check current access conditions before setting out, as they can change. The short walk from the car park should be distinguished from the longer forest trails; no walking time or particular difficulty level is specified.

Event in the Great Outdoors

The Great Naseby Water Race is an ultramarathon through the hills, streams and forests of Naseby. If the event is important for your travel plans, check the dates and latest arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Chatto Creek, Coal Creek Flat, Kokonga, Patearoa, Omakau, Lindis Valley, Waipiata, Millers Flat.

For the broader travel overview: Central Otago District.