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A combination of historic buildings in an upland valley virtually surrounded by exotic forest makes Naseby rather different. It wasn’t always like this. It took serious effort starting in 1898 using prison labour and then a major government-sponsored tree-planting programme during the depression years of the 1930’s to cloak under a green mantle the scars of mining. More recently wilding pines have swelled the forest’s boundaries and a myriad of trails through the trees have made Naseby a Mecca for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities.

As gold mining settlements do, Naseby sprang up overnight in 1863 when the Parker brothers discovered gold there. Within a month 2000 miners had descended on Naseby’s diggings. At that time though, some reckon that the town was called Hogburn, others say it was Parkers.

From being an overnight canvas town, Naseby quickly took on an established look, and even though gold was discovered elsewhere, it remained the Maniototo’s main centre. That is until political pressure dictated that it was bypassed by the Otago Central Railway. Brand new Ranfurly 15km away became the main town, a decision that still rankles with some. Today, Naseby has a hundred permanent residents, several museums and galleries and Australasia’s first international indoor curling rink is open daily from 10am to 5pm and from 6pm to 9pm by arrangement. it’s a very reasonably priced opportunity to have a go at the ancient art of curling www.curling.co.nz.

If it’s an adrenalin rush you’re after, New Zealand's only ice luge is now open www.lugenz.com.

Naseby's International Indoor curling rink is open daily from 10am to 5pm and from 6pm to 9pm by arrangement.	Naseby's natural ice luge is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Costing over $200,000 it offers a thrilling 360m, 10 turn downhill.
Built in 1900, the grand post office building reflected Naseby’s position as the Maniototo’s key township. Today it houses the information centre. The second building from the left of the photo was the Masonic Hall.	The Early Settlers Hall built in 1878 as the Maniototo County Office beame the Early Settlers Museum in 1936 when county administration was moved to Ranfurly. The building beyond is the Royal Hotel dating back to a time when there were more than 20 hotels in Naseby.
Built in 1863 this was Naseby’s first church. In 1873 it became the Public Library, which it still is to this day

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