Naseby Recreation "2000 ft above Worry Level"

Naseby, nestled at the foot of the Ida Mountain Range on the New Zealand South Island, is a wonderful place to go when you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are some of the recreational activities that are available in the area:

Walking and Biking Tracks

There are a number of different walking tracks within easy access from Naseby. Several of the tracks interlink so that a variety of length and difficulty levels can be undertaken by walkers and bikers of different age groups and fitness levels.

Click this Naseby area recreation map to open a larger version in a new window:
Naseby area recreation map. Click to see a larger version.

Walking durations

  • A to C: Coalpit Dam to Hoffman's Dam - 1 hour
  • C to D: Hoffman's Dam to Translater Road - 1 1/2 hour
  • D to E: Translater Road to Hog Burn - 1/2 hour
  • F to G: From Naseby via Cemetery, Hoffman's Dam, Coalpit Dam and Species Walk, return via Hog Burn to Naseby - 6 hours

Curling and Ice Skating

Maniototo Curling International at Naseby operates all year round and is believed to be the only dedicated indoor curling rink in the southern hemisphere. The rink is kept busy with curling competitions throughout the year, but there is still plenty of time available for people who have not yet tried the sport to drop in and have a go at it. The rink provides the equipment and coaching if required.

The Maniototo Ice Rink opened in 1991 on the site of what was formerly Brown's Pond. The season lasts from June to August. This outdoor ice skating rink is popular with families for a day on the ice. Ice skates and curling equipment are available for hire and a canteen provides refreshments. The rink hosts a full programme of ice hockey and curling competitions during the season.

Across the road from the artificial outdoor rink, the Centennial Pond's natural ice caters for traditional curling competitions.

Camping

The Naseby Camping Ground is a popular site for campers and caravans on a year round basis and particularly so during the holiday periods.

Swimming

The Naseby Swimming Dam is situated opposite the Camping Ground on Translater Road.

Fishing

Coalpit Dam is an excellent picnic spot (with toilet facilities) and popular with families. The dam has both brown and rainbow trout in its waters. Although it is not a deep dam all methods of fishing are used, with spin anglers having the best success, using very small wobblers and veltics. Coalpit Dam also has a boat ramp.

Hoffman's Dam has no vehicle access and you have to walk in 300 m from the carpark. The dam, stocked with both brown and rainbow trout, is very deep and bait anglers should fish close to the edge. All methods of fishing are used, but fly fishing is more successful in the evening using small sedge patterns.

Goldfields Heritage Trail

The old gold claim workings near Naseby has a distinctly historic quality. The rawness of the sluice-scarred hills exposed in the former gold-mining days has now been softened by the spread of wilding trees. It is possible to walk or ride mountain bikes through the gold workings. Spend time in the Early Settlers Museum at Naseby and then step back through time in the Watchmaker's Shop.

The town with its gold-miner's cottages remain much the same as in the last century and walking through the old town gives a good impression of what the town used to be like during the gold rush days.