Maniototo Adventure Park

Seeking thrills? You’ve come to the right place. Just down the road from Naseby’s main centre, Maniototo Adventure Park offers a diverse week-long schedule of exhilarating, competitive and relaxing activities for the entire family.

Renowned in the international curling community, the adventure park boasts the only dedicated indoor curling rink in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s not uncommon to run into New Zealand’s national team here, as well as curling champions from all over the world. Don’t let that intimidate you though – the rink is open to anyone wanting to try their hand at the sport, and it’s a fun way to mix up your usual get-togethers with friends or team-building sessions at work. Open year-round (a refreshing escape on hot Central Otago days), the rink provides all the equipment you need, along with helpful guidance. For a more traditional experience, reminiscent of the Scottish gold miners who introduced the sport to Naseby in the late 1800s, you can sweep and slide on the outdoor curling rink during winter.

If you’re in the mood to get your heart racing, head outside and up the hill to the starting point of the park’s two luges. The Ice Luge, established in 2008, offers an exhilarating 360-metre descent, winding through pine trees. While the ice track only operates in winter, the Gold Rush luge never sleeps and delivers an adrenaline rush all year round (fun fact: it was originally part of the Cresta Run at Coronet Peak). Sleds and helmets are provided for both luges, and professional instructors are on hand to share tips and tricks – whether you prefer to take it slow or go full throttle.

The park experience wouldn’t be complete without a classic winter activity: ice skating. Bundle up in your warmest gear and glide around the rink, surrounded by enchanting woodlands that will transport you to somewhere else entirely.

Whether you’re layering up a Rail Trail cycling trip with additional adventures, or looking for a bit of fun while holidaying in and around Central Otago, you’re sure to be recalling the memories made at Maniototo Adventure Park for many years to come.