YOU’LL NEED

Pack the usual spares for a day on the trails, although there is a General Store for those last minute trail snacks. Most importantly, there are a couple of cafés for pre-ride lattes and pubs for post ride celebrations.

DISTANCES

The forest contains 50km worth of singletrack with fire trails giving access to various areas within the park. Options are available to link up a couple of trails for a 40-minute razz - or head out for full day. There is more than enough trail to not have to ride the same section twice. There is also scope for pretty epic back country/ gravel grind adventures in the surrounding mountains if you are that way inclined.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

General info is available from any of the Information Centres in the Otago region. But for the full lowdown, your best bet is to drop by the Naseby Lodge and speak to Kila Hepi, the man behind all the trails.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

December to April. It can get pretty chilly so be prepared for cool weather. There was fresh snow on the surrounding peaks when we visited in December!

WHILE IN THE AREA

Check out the Maniototo curling rink, the only specialised indoor rink in the southern hemisphere. Good for a laugh and cooling down after a day on the trails. Spin the legs on the Otago Central Rail Trail and treat yourself to a few guilt-free beers or latte stops.

LOCAL BIKE SHOPS

No bike shops in town so bring your own spares. Alexandra, 90km to the west, has wellstocked shops.

LOCAL CLUB CONTACTS

MBO - Mountain Biking Otago mountainbikingotago.co.nz

REGULAR EVENTS

12 Hour Naseby Challenge.