Other Things to Do

There are so many things to do in and around Naseby and some have been identified under their own headings in ‘Activities’ but that’s not all you can do during your stay in Central.

You can now spend an exciting day experiencing the thrill of a 4WD journey along the old Dunstan Trail, one of New Zealand’s most historic trails. Although it initially took 3 days, it was the quickest and most direct way for the early settlers and goldminers to travel from Dunedin into Central Otago. Cobb and Co.’s first coach service began in 1862 but it didn’t last long because of the severe winters which made crossing the hills hazardous and impassable at times. The well organised ‘Nature-wise’ tour starts in Dunedin with a train journey through the spectacular Taieri Gorge. Then from Middlemarch you travel by 4 wheel drive vehicle to Clyde. In December each year, part of the journey is undertaken by horses and coach just like the old days. Watch out for this special experience because it is booked out well in advance.

For more information contact;
Nature-wise
Email      info@nature-wise.co.nz
Website www.nature-wise.co.nz

The Art Deco Walk at Ranfurly has become a popular attraction since its
inception in 1999. The walk takes about an hour and passes more than
30 sites where there are fascinating Art Deco buildings constructed
after the suspicious and devastating fires which destroyed many of the
town’s buildings in the early 1930s. The most photographed building on
the walk is the Centennial Milk Bar which is adjacent to the refurbished
Railway Station housing many photographs and stories of Ranfurly’s past and acting as the town’s Information Centre.

Maniototo Visitor Information Centre
Email:       maniototo@centralotagonz.com
Web Site: www.ruralartdeco.co.nz

The Hayes Engineering Works at Oturehua is well worth a visit even if you’re not at all mechanically inclined. In the 1890s Ernest Hayes invented and manufactured tools and equipment, including wire strainers, which were to add efficiencies to agriculture in the area. These inventions soon found a place on farms nationally and later internationally. The power for the manufacturing process was first produced in 1910 by a 60 ft high windmill that he constructed. Because of the problems associated with wind power, Hayes later built a water-driven Pelton wheel which was powered by water from a reservoir at the top of the hill adjacent to the factory. The works are open during the weekends from August through to May and now belongs to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

For more information contact;
Hayes Engineering Works
Email:     hayes@historic.org.nz
Website www.historic.org.nz