Best Things to do in Naseby

6 of the Best Things to do in Naseby

Just a short detour from Ranfurly on the Otago Central Rail Trail lies Naseby.
A popular playground for locals and those in-the-know, Naseby is a true hidden gem that’s famously 2,000ft above worry level…

- photography by Geoff Marks

Being a hidden gem isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

Naseby owes its existence to the goldrush of the 1860s which saw the town grow rapidly and boom. However, as gold fever subsided and when the town was bypassed by the Otago Central Railway which was constructed in the late 1890s, Naseby was condemned to a long period of stagnation and decline.

Ironically, today, Naseby owes its revival - in a roundabout way - to the railway. The development of the Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand’s original Great Ride, now brings thousands of visitors each year to visit Naseby. But not by train, by bike.

Naseby has retained many of its historic buildings.

Naseby is a popular detour for cyclists on the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Despite being a popular destination with Rail Trail visitors since the year 2000 when the trail opened, Naseby has retained its historic goldmining character and that period of ‘stagnation’ has meant that many old buildings went without refurbishment or modernisation and so were preserved in their original state giving Naseby a charming heritage, almost Wild West vibe.

Visitors to Naseby are often content just to stroll through the small town exploring the heritage buildings, galleries, stopping for a coffee at the Black Forest Cafe or a meal at the historic Royal Hotel. But, just scratch a wee bit below the surface and you’ll find some uniquely Naseby things to do and that will genuinely transport you to 2,000ft above worry level...

6 of the Best Things to do in Naseby

1. Otago Central Rail Trail

It almost goes without saying that the Rail Trail is one of the top things to do in the region. Take time to explore the quirky art deco town of Ranfurly or the Interplanetary Ride on the cycle trail, before heading to Naseby.

From the old railway station in Ranfurly – which now serves as the isite visitor information centre – its 14km on quiet country roads to the centre of Naseby. An easy ride which takes 45 - 60 minutes for most people. Alternatively, shuttle buses can be arranged in advance with bike tour companies.

2. Naseby Forest Recreation Area (Ernslaw One Ltd)

Surrounding the town, the Naseby Forest Recreation Area consists historic goldmining sites, a huge network of walking & mountain biking tracks, swimming and fishing dams, plus picnic areas.

The network of mountain bike trails is particularly impressive with a variety of grades to suit beginners (grade 1-2) through to intermediate and advanced riders (grade 3-5 tracks). The bike tracks are well marked in the forest and a map can be download here or picked up from the Ernslaw One office in Naseby.

Naseby Forest is privately owned by Ernslaw One Limited, who are great supporters of the Naseby community and kindly provide access to over 500ha of forest for recreational use. Ernslaw One are also supporters of the Maniototo Adventure Park through the donation of the land for the indoor curling rink and permit the winter ice luge and summer goldrush luge to operate on their land.

Note: Please check at the main forest entrances, on this website or call the Forest Manager on 021 991 930 for closure notices, particularly during the summer when there is potential for high fire risk. Please respect any closures for your safety.

Please check the status of Naseby Forest before access. It can be closed due to fire or operational risks.

The mountain bike tracks in the forest are generally well marked.

Mountain bike tracks range from easy grade 1-2 trails...

... to intermediate-advanced grade 3-5 tracks.

Naseby Forest also offers swimming in the summer, fishing, walking tracks and picnic spots.

3. Gravel Biking

Gravel biking is the fastest growing discipline in the cycling industry and the quiet, undulating gravel roads of Central Otago, especially around Naseby, are perfect for gravel biking adventures.

From Naseby a spin up to the famous Danseys Pass Hotel for lunch makes a great day trip, or check out the Kyeburn Loop - a new gravel route mapped out by Tiaki Maniatoto – a local community conservation group - which offers a chance to visit some of their amazing habitat restoration sites, including NZ’s first galaxiid sanctuary.

An essential lunch stop on any gravel ride in this area is at the Waipiata Hotel to sample their famous pies.

A new gravel bike loop designed by Tiaki Maniototo.

There are some sensational gravel roads to explore around Naseby.

A gravel ride from Naseby to the Danseys Pass Hotel for lunch is highly recommended.

4. Maniototo Adventure Park

Here, you can experience the ice year-round at the southern hemisphere’s only dedicated and world-class indoor curling rink. Whether you're a first-timer or a pro, curling is great fun and can become highly competitive! For a winter adrenaline rush take a run on the expertly designed Ice Luge, or enjoy a whirl on the Gold Rush Luge which runs year-round. For a more leisurely activity, lace up some skates and glide among the trees for a magical escape into nature.

An adrenaline rush on the winter ice luge at the Maniototo Adventure Park.

The Gold Rush luge is open year-round [photos: SUPPLIED].

Naseby is home to the Southern Hemisphere's only indoor curling rink [photo: SUPPLIED]

5. Stargazing and Night Sky Tours

Central Otago, and Naseby in particular, is one of the best places in New Zealand for stargazing. With a clear, clean atmosphere and internationally approved dark sky street lighting, Naseby provides an exceptional opportunity for stargazing. The town is also very close to achieving internationally recognised dark sky community status.

Find out more about the Naseby night sky here.

6. History and Heritage

As you stroll or ride around Naseby the town’s heritage is obvious. For a greater insight into the region’s history a visit the Early Settlers Museum is a must. Here you can delve into the fascinating stories of the early settlers of the Māniatoto. The Jubilee Museum, just across the road from the Early Settlers Museum, boasts a fine selection of vintage vehicles and machinery.

For a more active history lesson, ride or walk a section of the Mount Ida Water Race which offers an excellent introduction to backcountry biking for beginners. The 108km Mount Ida Water Race began construction in 1873 to supply water to the Naseby gold mining area and still supplies water to Naseby township and farmers in the area today. You can access sections the water race from the Oteake Conservation Area, or from the Naseby Forest Recreation Area.

Naseby is a great place for stargazing [photo: Paul Bishop].

The historic Royal Hotel in the heart of Naseby is next to the Early Settlers Museum.

Naseby might just be a small town in the middle of the vast Māniatoto, but it’s a wee marvel that you’ll want to visit time and time again.

A Māniatoto Marvel

6 of the Best Things to do in Naseby

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