One of the most charming of Otago's gold rush settlements, Naseby is often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Maniototo'.
Situated 2000 ft above sea level, this historic town is located within Naseby forestry, 10 minutes northeast of Ranfurly. Set below the Mt Ida Range, below which are the classic high country summer runs of Mt Ida and Soldiers Syndicates, Naseby is a rich contrast to the surrounding tussock laden, golden rock lands.
Gold was discovered in 1863 and as many as 5000 diggers once toiled on its goldfields, but gold recovery often went unheralded. Relics and tailings can still be seen along some of the many walkways in and around the forest. Extensive races built to supply the miners with water for sluicing are now used for irrigation purposes.
Take time to explore – a wealth of Victorian architecture including the red brick Naseby Post Office and the Watchmakers, Kauri villas such as Old Doctors Residence, buildings constructed from adobe (sun dried mud brick) and the nearby Black Forest, where planting started in 1900.
Visit the Maniototo Curling International ice rink on the town’s outskirts and have a go at the ancient ice sport. It is suitable for all ages. The rink is the largest, year round, indoor curling rink in the Southern Hemisphere. An outdoor ice rink alongside it is open only during winter for curling, ice skating and ice hockey. The downhill luge behind the rinks is a winter must.
Naseby's population is 100, but swells during the holiday season. A variety of accommodation, quality dining, museums, tennis courts, bowling green, swimming dam, golf course, four wheel drive tours, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and forest walks are readily accessible.
Serenely tucked away, Naseby is a special place that will surprise you with its own exceptional attractions and thrills. | |