Top activities and ideas for outdoor adventures
Mountain biking in Naseby Forest
Naseby Forest has around 52 km of signposted mountain-biking trails for all levels, from first timers to confident riders. Trails are free to use, you just need to check for any temporary closures before you set out.
- Flowing single track for riders who enjoy more technical terrain
- Wider, undulating forest roads and double track for relaxed rides
- Cool, shaded riding under the trees in summer
These sites might come in handy:
Otago Central Rail Trail from Naseby
The Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand’s original Great Ride, built on the former railway line between Middlemarch and Clyde. It’s a smooth, off-road cycle trail suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Naseby sits only a short detour from the Rail Trail and works naturally as a quiet overnight stop during a full multi-day journey. Riders often stay here for the calmer atmosphere, extra space to unwind and a comfortable night’s rest before continuing their ride.
If you’re looking to build a relaxing break into your Rail Trail journey, Naseby is an easy place to pause. Many visitors enjoy spending an extra day here to explore the forest, try a gravel loop or simply take time out before returning to the main trail.
- Stay in Naseby while riding selected sections in both directions
- Use local operators for shuttles, luggage transfers and bike hire
- Naseby makes a natural overnight stop on the full trail - a peaceful break away from the busier trail towns
Learn more on the official site: Otago Central Rail Trail.
Exploring Naseby by e-bike or gravel bike
Naseby and the wider Maniototo region are ideal for exploring by bike or e-bike. Quiet country roads, wide open views and almost no traffic make it easy to enjoy relaxed rides at your own pace.
If you’d like to go a little further, local bike-hire and shuttle operators can help you choose a loop that matches your comfort level.
Guests can charge e-bikes directly at Naseby Apartments, making multi-day adventures simple and convenient.
4WD and dirt bike adventures
Naseby is a great base for 4WD and dirt bike exploration, with quiet high country routes spreading across the Maniototo and Central Otago. Many of the tracks start within a short drive of town, linking gravel roads, farm access tracks and old goldfields routes.
Surfaces range from smoother gravel through rocky climbs to shallow creek crossings, so it is worth choosing a route that matches your experience, vehicle and the conditions on the day. Experienced drivers can head out independently, or you can join a guided trip for local knowledge and safe access to more remote areas.
Self-guided 4WD routes
Explore accessible Maniototo backcountry routes featuring dramatic landscapes and unique historic sites:
- Oteake Conservation Park – rugged high country terrain with classic Central Otago views
- Serpentine Scenic Reserve and Poolburn Dam – rocky landscapes and historic goldfields scenery
- Old Dunstan Road – a remote, historic route with fast-changing weather
Always check conditions, seasonal closures and weather before departing. Official DOC information can be found here: DOC - Oteake Conservation Park
Guided 4WD tours
Discover backcountry routes with experienced local 4WD tour companies based in Ranfurly:
- High Country Journeys – multi-day tag-a-long 4WD tours (bring your own vehicle) based in Ranfurly: highcountryjourneys.co.nz
- Off Trail Tours – personalised 4WD touring, also Ranfurly-based: offtrailtours.co.nz
Booking in advance is recommended.
Walking and forest trails
If you enjoy exploring on foot, easy and intermediate tracks lead through the pines and around local reservoirs. They are ideal for a slow morning, a short leg stretch after driving, or a gentler day between bike rides.
You can find an overview of walking tracks and forest access here: Naseby Forest walks overview
Trail running
Naseby's stable forest surface, cooler temperatures and gentle elevation changes work well for trail running, whether you are heading out for half an hour or a long training block.
The town is home to the Great Naseby Water Race ultra marathon, which uses a mix of forest roads and water race single track around the area. Check more information here: Great Naseby Water Race
Outdoor curling, ice-skating and luge
At the Maniototo Adventure Park, you can enjoy fun outdoor adventures right in Naseby. The park features New Zealand's unique indoor curling centre alongside seasonal outdoor activities.
- Outdoor curling
- Ice skating on the outdoor rink
- Luge experiences – both the winter ice luge and the summer forest luge
These activities sit just minutes from the apartments and are an easy addition to an outdoor-focused stay. Book at the official website: Maniototo Adventure Park
How long to stay
For outdoor-focused visits, 2 to 3 nights is an ideal length of stay. It gives you enough time to explore the forest, ride a section of the Rail Trail, enjoy activities at the Maniototo Adventure Park, and still have a quiet evening to unwind.
Example stay:
Day 1: Arrive, take a short walk in the forest, then enjoy dinner in Naseby.
Day 2: Choose between a Rail Trail section, a longer mountain bike route, or a visit to the Maniototo Adventure Park for curling, ice skating or the luge (season dependent).
Day 3: Head out on a 4WD or gravel-road loop with scenic viewpoints and historic goldfields landscapes. If skies are clear, finish the evening with stargazing right from your deck.
If you have more time, adding one extra night allows you to slow the pace, explore another trail, or spend a relaxed half-day enjoying forest walks and the quieter side of the Maniototo.
Explore more activities
Outdoor adventures are only one part of what makes Naseby special. You can discover the winter atmosphere, plan relaxed family days, enjoy quiet escapes or explore some of New Zealand’s clearest night skies. Each theme has its own short guide:
See all themes on the main Things to do in Naseby page.
Ready to plan your adventure?
Naseby gives you space, quiet and an easy base for days out on the trails, roads and hills. If you’re starting to shape your visit, choosing the right apartment is the simplest next step.