Naseby: Gold Mining History and Forest Experiences

Naseby brings together traces of the gold rush, forest trails, ponds and special winter activities. The town’s history can be discovered through its historic buildings and museum; outdoors, options range from trails in Naseby Forest to experiences involving water and snow. Which holiday accommodation in Naseby suits your trip therefore also depends on whether you want to focus on culture, outdoor activities or both.

Gold Mining History and Historic Places

The Naseby Historic Area lies in the Hogburn gully. It includes part of Derwent Street and all of Earne Street. The area’s historic buildings and autumn colours are considered iconic images of Central Otago’s gold mining history. Those interested in this history will find a tangible connection to the town here: its streets and buildings are linked to Naseby’s gold mining past.

A notable building is St George’s Anglican Church. Built from concrete in 1874, it was New Zealand’s first place of worship built from concrete and is a Category I historic place. The history of outdoor curling is another of Naseby’s distinctive historic connections: Scottish gold miners played a formative role, and the first recorded game took place in 1878.

The Maniototo Early Settlers Museum displays memorabilia from the past and family history from the region. The Watchmaker’s Shop and Jubilee Museum are also part of the museum. Another historic connection to the town is the former Naseby Post Office beside the Courthouse: in 2010, it contributed to the historic townscape and continued to serve as a visitor centre and shop at that time.

Winter Activities and Things to Do in Town

The Maniototo Adventure Park is in the centre of Naseby and offers a family-friendly activity all year round. Winter activities offered from June to August include ice skating, curling, snow activities and an ice luge. The luge is 360 metres long. Professional instructors provide sleds and helmets and give guidance on using them. Winter activities can therefore be a focus of their own on a trip, alongside historic discoveries and forest trails.

Another ride is the Gold Rush Luge, which runs through a forest of pines and larches. Those who enjoy combining outings with outdoor activity will also find forest trails and historic walking trails in Naseby. In Naseby Forest, trails pass through washed-out areas and along historic watercourses. These landscape features give the walking and hiking trails a distinct connection to the forest’s history and character. Orienteering is also offered in the Naseby Forest Recreation Area.

Ponds, Picnic Areas and Trails

Naseby Swimming Dam has toilets, picnic tables, benches and a playground. The dam is usually filled a few weeks before Christmas and emptied again after Easter. Coalpit Dam in the Forest Recreational Area has brown and rainbow trout; it is a popular picnic spot for families. Toilets are available there from October to April. These different details help distinguish between the two places when planning outings or a break outdoors.

Access to Hoffman’s Dam is also clearly described: vehicles cannot reach the dam; a 30-metre walking track leads there from the car park. Visitors can factor this short walk into their plans. Another sporting experience is the Great Naseby Water Race, an ultramarathon through the hills, streams and forests of Naseby.

When choosing holiday accommodation in Naseby, you can consider which aspects of the town matter most for your trip: historic buildings and the museum, forest trails, winter activities or time spent by the dams.

More local pages: Kokonga, Lauder, Earnscleugh, Kyeburn Diggings, Cromwell, Lindis Valley, Queensbury and Clyde.

For the wider travel overview: Central Otago District.