It's about time spent with the right people
A Family Friendly Holiday to Remember
Get the family together and head inland to the Māniatoto for a fun yet relaxing few days.
Spend time in Naseby, often referred to as being 2000 feet above worry level, with its surrounding Black Forest, or Ranfurly with its spectacular backdrop of the flat topped Hawkdun Ranges and the vast Māniatoto plains.
Bring your bikes (or hire them locally) and your adventurous spirit. From curling and luging to mountain biking and history – there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained for a long weekend, or longer.
Naseby's indoor curling rink is open year-round, bring the whole family to play - it's easier than you think
There will be plenty of smiles as the family take on the luge down through the forest at Maniototo Adventure Park
Day One
Unpack the car, kids and bikes at your chosen family friendly accommodation. Being home to the Otago Central Rail Trail - New Zealand's original great ride - your hosts are familiar with the needs of family groups travelling with bikes.
Set the tempo for your weekend at Maniototo Adventure Park where you can all try your hand at curling and/or the luge. The competition is real. Then head to the local historic Royal Hotel for dinner – not only is the food great, it feels like you are dining on a movie set.
There is something special about dining with the locals in Naseby, it also feels like you've landed in a movie set
Accommodation choices to be found in the Māniatoto range from holiday parks to motels to bed and breakfasts
Day Two
Today is all about exploring this beautiful area.
Begin by heading out for a walk or bike ride in the Naseby Forest. You’ll be surprised at the hidden history of the place. Then enjoy lunch at Naseby’s Black Forest Cafe before hopping in the car for a trip out into Danseys Pass. Refreshments can be found at the iconic coach inn built in 1862.
Loop back via Kyeburn, maybe take a short walk to the Galaxid sanctuary, then head to Waipiata Country Hotel for dinner. Why? Because everyone needs to try a Waipiata pie!
Naseby Forest is a great place for walking and cycling with plenty of trails to choose from
The Black Forest Cafe in Naseby is one of the options to be found serving great food
The historic Danseys Pass Hotel was built in 1862 as a Coach Inn stop for the horse drawn coaches travelling to the Central Otago goldfields
The Waipiata Country Hotel is where you will find the full-of-flavour Waipiata Pies on the menu
Day Three
This is a day to explore more corners of the Māniatoto.
Take a drive to Oturehua where the Gilchrist Store may jog some memories of life long ago. Historic Hayes just down the road has something for everyone to explore for an hour, or two.
End today with a night sky tour. Naseby residents know how good the skies are – they are working towards becoming a recognised international night sky community.
Optional side trip
From Oturehua head towards St Bathans detouring to Cambrians on the way. As well as the historic Cambrians schoolhouse, the common is a riot of spring flowers thanks to custodian Bob L de Berry.
Nearby St Bathans and the Blue Lake is not only spectacular scenery, its reputedly haunted hotel is also a fun place to stop for refreshments and a story or two.
Historic Hayes Engineering Works, Homestead and Cafe at Oturehua is a great place to learn about inventions of the past
Feel like you have stepped back in time when visiting the Cambrians School which is cared for by the local community
Blue Lake in St Bathans is a spectacular reminder of the search for gold. Image Credit: The Southern Way / James Hustler
Finish the day with a Night Sky Tour in Naseby - according to experts the quality of the skies here are some of the best in the world
Day Four
This might be your last day but there's time to fit more in!
If you love art, there are several amazing galleries to visit. The Lohi Linen destination store in Ranfurly is a great place to find a variety of works by local creatives.
Or maybe it's time for that last short bike ride together. The 14.5km section of the Otago Central Rail Trail between Kokonga and Hyde will take you over viaducts & through tunnels providing views to the surrounding hills - and if you are lucky the spectacular cloud formation known as the Taieri Pet.
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