Hidden in the hills of the Maniototo region, surrounded by pine forest and steeped in gold rush history, Naseby is the kind of town that surprises you. It’s small, quirky, full of charm and it’s proudly “2000 feet above worry level.”
Whether you’re visiting for curling, history, stargazing, or just the clean, crisp air, Naseby offers an unforgettable slice of real Central Otago. And once you’ve been, you’ll wonder why more people don’t know about it.
Try Your Hand at Curling (Yes, Really!)
Naseby is the curling capital of New Zealand, and home to the only dedicated indoor curling rink in the Southern Hemisphere.
Whether you're a complete newbie or channelling your inner Olympian, curling is fun, weirdly addictive, and a must-do while you're in town.
- Try a have-a-go curling session with friends or family.
- Visit the outdoor rink in winter if you want a more traditional experience, frosty and full of character.
Bonus: The instructors are friendly, the competition is light-hearted, and the laughs are guaranteed.
Get Among the Trails & Forest
Naseby is surrounded by a network of pine forest trails, making it a dream spot for mountain biking and walking.
- Naseby Forest Trails – Ride or walk through peaceful shaded paths, past historic dams, old gold sluicing’s, and creeks.
- Hoffman’s Dam – A scenic picnic spot and swimming hole in summer.
- Water Race Track – A mellow, family-friendly ride through beautiful forest.
Bring your own bike or hire one in town. There’s terrain for everyone from cruisy trails to technical single-track for experienced riders.
Step Back into the Gold Rush
Naseby was born in the 1860s gold rush, and its heritage lives on in the beautifully preserved buildings, old stone cottages, and relics scattered around the town.
Don’t Miss:
- The Ancient Briton Tavern – One of the oldest continuously operating pubs in NZ. Perfect for a pint and a yarn by the fire.
- Naseby Museum – Small but packed with local history, gold mining stories, and a charming old-time vibe.
- Old Post Office & Jail – Great photo stops and a peek into 19th-century Otago life.
You can even try gold panning in some areas or just imagine the old miners’ lives as you walk the same dusty streets.
Stargazing & Stillness
With some of the clearest night skies in the country, Naseby is perfect for stargazing. Bring a telescope or just lie on your back and look up. There’s almost no light pollution, and on a crisp winter night, the Milky Way is spectacular.
And because it’s so quiet here, you’ll hear… nothing. Just wind in the trees and maybe a morepork calling in the distance.
More Quirky, Cool Things to Do
- Play a round of indoor or outdoor bowls (yes, it’s a thing here!)
- Sledding and snow fun in winter on the local slopes (bring the kids!)
- Check out local art and woodcrafts, often sold in small galleries or from local homes
Where to Stay
Naseby has a handful of cosy, character-filled places to stay, including:
- Historic hotels like the Royal Hotel
- Quaint self-contained cottages and B&Bs
- A quiet campground right near the forest trails
Final Thoughts
Naseby is the kind of town where you can breathe deeply, sleep soundly, and reconnect with nature, history, and good old-fashioned Kiwi hospitality. It’s off the beaten track but that’s the point.
Come for the curling, stay for the stars, and leave with a story or two.
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