Your Getaway Guide to Naseby in Central Otago

A little away from the town centre, Maniototo Adventure Park offers a mix of family-friendly activities all year round. Home to the Southern Hemisphere’s only dedicated indoor curling rink, national teams from New Zealand, Australia and beyond find themselves sweeping up a storm in Naseby. However, it’s not just for the serious players.

The indoor and outdoor curling rinks invite all visitors to try their hand at the sport with all equipment and tips provided. There’s also two exhilarating luges that wind down through the forest outside, one ice luge open in winter and a Gold Rush luge that operates all year. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed with a touch of romance, the ice skating rink is a timeless winter favourite.

Naseby’s 500 hectares of working forest area, owned by Earnslaw One, is also a playground for mountain bikers – as well as those who prefer a gentle stroll in nature. It’s been coined by some as the mountain biking capital of the South Island, and it’s easy to see why.

Almost 100 different mountain bike tracks have been carefully carved out and maintained, with family-friendly trails such as the popular Mount Ida Water Race as well as thrilling single track trails for more experienced riders. Many of the tracks reward its travellers with views overlooking the green pine canopies and stunning mountain range. The best part? Access is completely free. All you need is a bike and helmet which can be hired from the Naseby Holiday Park Office at one of the forest entrances. Note: access to the forest is subject to operational needs and forest conditions (e.g. high fire risk, logging, pest control, etc.). 

A small group of old stables down Earne Street have been lovingly restored by Phil Flanagan and transformed into a gallery and studio space. Phil is a well-known local landscape photographer, documenting the dramatic and ever-changing beauty of the Māniatoto region. Alongside these mesmerising images, Stardust Gallery also showcases the work of landscape painter and sculptor Jenny Chisholm. Whether you’re simply admiring or in the market for a beautiful piece to remind you of your time in Central Otago, a visit to Stardust is a must for art lovers. In the room next door, Phil also hosts free screenings of movies for both kids and adults during the busier months.

One of the first things you’ll notice after one night in Naseby is its clear, starry skies – particularly breathtaking for those visiting from the big smoke. Naseby Night Sky Tours is the best way to fully appreciate the star-studded heavens. This relaxed and informative dark-sky experience is hosted by astrophysicist Paul Bishop and open to small groups of people aged 8 years and over. The tour takes place in the middle of a farm, just 5 minutes from Naseby with transport available from their HQ on Derwent Street. Across the hour, Paul covers astronomy 101 and guides visitors through an exploration of the moon, solar system and key constellations – viewed using a mix of the naked-eye and telescopic equipment.

It’s known by locals as the best little cafe in New Zealand – a bold claim but one we’re not going to argue with. Black Forest Cafe is open from 8.30am and is a go-to spot for locals and holidayers in search of their first coffee of the day. As well as making an excellent brew, the cabinet and countertops are filled with jars of nostalgic slices and biscuits, seasonal cakes, as well as hot pies and fresh filled rolls. If you’ve got the time, we recommend ordering the chicken and waffles from the all-day menu and finding a sunny spot in the courtyard or by the fire inside to enjoy it.

You can’t leave Naseby without visiting one of the oldest pubs in Aotearoa at least once. Royal Hotel has been standing for over 150 years, and we expect it’s got another 150 in it. Inside the restaurant, an extensive series of black and white framed photos adorn the walls and narrate the pub’s rich history. One of our favourite country pubs in Central Otago, the Royal Hotel offers a warm atmosphere with great pints, Lammermoor whiskey and gin (a Māniatoto-based distillery), lovely local wines, and refined versions of classic pub fare – though you’ll always be able to get a good bowl of fries.

Step into the past at Ballarat Cottage & Gardens, a beautifully preserved 1867 sod-brick cottage with picturesque surroundings. This lovingly maintained holiday home blends old-world charm with modern comforts, offering three inviting bedrooms in its newer extension. The lush grounds are filled with historical farming and gold mining artefacts, adding even more character to this peaceful retreat on the edge of town. Perfectly positioned for mountain biking, walking, and curling, and more, it’s an excellent base for exploring and unwinding.

A 15-minute drive from Naseby, Shortlands Shed is part of the Canopy Camping collection and offers two glamping ‘sheds’ set in the middle of a 15,000-acre high country sheep station. The two separate sites, Manuka Views and Nobbler Creek, are set far away from each other, making it a romantic retreat for couples wishing to escape civilization for a few nights. While each ‘shed’ boasts its own unique design and style, guests can expect luxurious and cosy touches at both including a cedar wood-fired hot tub perfectly positioned for 360-views of the high country and stargazing.

For nature lovers, nothing beats the feeling of setting up camp surrounded by a forest of Larch and native New Zealand trees. Naseby Holiday Park has several accommodation options, including quaint historic cottages, impossibly cute cabins, as well as powered and non-powered sites for keen campers. Located on the edge of the Naseby Forest Recreation Area, it’s ideal for mountain biking and hiking, with a swimming dam just around the corner for summertime dips.