Activities

There’s plenty to do in and around Naseby. You can choose from a mix of relaxing versus energizing activities. It’s one of those places where you can do as little or as much as you want or feel like.

The Information Centre in Derwent St is a good place to get more information on any of the activities listed below.

Mountain biking

Naseby is a well-known favourite for mountain bikers. If you want to hire bikes in Naseby and/or organise a guided trip through the forest, talk to Kila at Kila’s Bike Shop, situated next door to the Black Forest Café (kilasbikeshop@xtra.co.nz, 03 444 9088). Phil at Altitude Adventures in Alexandra is also happy to take guided trips and supply bikes (www.altitudeadventures.co.nz). There are also bikes to hire in Ranfurly (0800 BIKING). If you equip yourself with a map from the Information Centre, you can’t go too far wrong having a ride around the forest at your leisure. And, of course, the Central Otago Rail Trail is only 15km away (www.railtrail.co.nz).

Curling

Curling is an old Scottish ice-based sport, not dissimilar to lawn bowls. A $1.6m international curing rink was completed in 2005. Tuition is available and it’s a good idea to “book ice time”, as the rink is a popular place (03 444 9878). There is also an outdoor rink, which is open in the winter months, providing a different curling experience again (www.nasebyicesports.co.nz).

Luge

Operating from winter 2009 – during the suitably frosty months – the new luge is attracting much attention. The Information Centre will be able to provide details on opening and pricing, or call in down at the ice rinks.

Iceskating

Outdoor iceskating – there’s nothing like it. The outdoor rink hires iceskates for both children and adults. For more information and pricing, go to www.nasebyicesports.co.nz or the Information Centre when you get to town.

Walking

The same tracks that excite the mountain bikers also provide endless options for those who prefer good old walking. Wandering along the old water race is magical and a good way to forget your day-to-day worries. Maps are available at the Information Centre.

Swimming

In summer, the swimming dam is the most popular spot in town. The man-made dam includes a diving board at one extreme, and plenty of shallows for the younger (and older) swimmers at the other.

Golf

The delightful nine-hole Naseby golf course is a true country course. Watch out for the chickens which hang out near the 3rd hole tee off and the water race which dissects the 7th hole. There’s a set of clubs available at He Wahi Ra. Be sure to take some refreshments – it can be hot and thirsty work playing a round under the Central Otago sun – and $10 cash for the round. For the real golf enthusiast, there are another three golf courses within a 20-minute drive of Naseby.

Four-wheel driving

Four-wheel driving offers you the opportunity to see much of the amazing Maniototo landscape within a single day. Driver and guide John Mulholland has more than 10 years experience, operating 4WD Safaris and the contacts to take you into some special country, many miles from roads as you know them. There is also very little this local doesn't know about the Maniototo, its history and its people. John offers two main tour options. Each is about six hours long and includes a great lunch. (You can book at www.maniototo4wdsafaris.co.nz.)

Trout fishing

Whether you’re experienced or inexperienced at trout fishing, you’ll love Naseby and the surrounding area. The Information Centre has Fish and Game maps available and licences can be purchased at nearby Ranfurly. Ranfurly is also home to local trout-fishing guide Dean Whaanga (www.fishotago.co.nz). Please note the season runs 1 October to 30 April.

For more activities around the Maniototo, see: www.maniototo.co.nz/activities.