Naseby: Gold mining history, forest walks and winter activities

Naseby combines gold mining history with forest walks and seasonal outdoor activities. In town, a church with a nationally significant building history and a historic area tell stories of the past. Winter activities take centre stage at Maniototo Adventure Park; Naseby Forest and the dams offer more ideas for spending time outdoors. If you’re planning a stay, it’s worth considering the different highlights and seasonal conditions.

Gold mining history and historic sites

St George’s Anglican Church in Naseby is a Category I historic place. Built of concrete in 1874, it was New Zealand’s first place of worship built from concrete. This national first contributes to its special significance and makes the church a distinctive part of the town’s architectural history.

Naseby Historic Area lies in the Hogburn gully. It includes part of Derwent Street and all of Earne Street. Its historic buildings and autumn colours are considered iconic images of Central Otago’s gold mining history. In Naseby, architectural landmarks and a landscape associated with the gold rush era come together.

Outdoor curling is also part of Naseby’s history: Scottish gold miners played a formative role, and the first recorded game took place in 1878. The Maniototo Early Settlers Museum features mementos from the past and the region’s family history. The museum also includes the Watchmaker’s Shop and the Jubilee Museum. Check the latest opening arrangements before visiting.

Winter activities at Maniototo Adventure Park

Maniototo Adventure Park is in the centre of Naseby and is considered a family-friendly destination year-round. During the winter months of June to August, activities include ice skating, curling, the ice luge and snow activities. As winter operations and equipment rules may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.

The ice luge is 360 metres long. Professional instructors provide sleds and helmets and give guidance on using them. The Gold Rush Luge is another activity at Maniototo Adventure Park: its track passes through a forest of pine and larch trees. These two details give you a concrete idea of how the activities differ—from the long ice luge to a ride through the forest.

Forest walks, dams and outdoor activities

Naseby has forest tracks and historic trails for walking. The tracks in Naseby Forest pass through areas carved by water and follow historic waterways. Orienteering is also an activity in the Naseby Forest Recreation Area. The landscape provides a practical guide when choosing between a walk and another activity in the forest.

In the wider destination of Central Otago District, Naseby Forest has a 100-kilometre mountain biking trail network. Grades range from 1 to 5, with options for beginners through to advanced riders. This makes it clear how the wider regional cycling options differ from the walking tracks and activities in town.

The dams offer different ways to spend time outdoors. Naseby Swimming Dam has toilets, picnic tables, benches and a playground. Coalpit Dam, in Naseby Forest Recreational Area, contains brown and rainbow trout and is a popular family picnic spot. Toilets are available there from October to April. Seasonal water levels and facility availability may change; check the latest information when planning your visit.

Hoffman’s Dam cannot be reached by vehicle. A 30-metre walking track leads from the car park to the dam. Allow time to cover this section on foot and check the latest access information before visiting.

Event and regional context

The Great Naseby Water Race is an ultramarathon through the hills, streams and forests of Naseby. If you’d like to plan your trip around the event, check the latest dates and arrangements.

In the wider destination of Central Otago District, the Bannockburn Sluicings offer a different perspective on gold mining history: a short-lived gold rush era left a scarred landscape. Various trails allow you to explore on foot or by bike. This regional perspective complements Naseby’s own historic sites without conflating them with landscapes across the entire district.

Discover more destinations: Patearoa, Omakau, Kokonga, Clyde, Lindis Valley, Coal Creek Flat, Tarras, Waipiata

For the wider travel overview: Central Otago District.