On the way/near by
If it’s hot (or even if it’s not), pop over to Naseby to try your hand at curling in their indoor rink: there’s a lot more skill to sliding that big round rock along the ice than you might think – but, thanks to the nifty pushing sticks available, you don’t need great strength to do it. Check out Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead near Oturehua – this is where the fence wire strainer was invented, and the cattle stop, the water trough windmill, the boot scraper… It’s a working museum and the original homestead has some unique touches too.
Ranfurly has a cute museum, the Centennial Milk Bar, which celebrates the town’s Art Deco heritage (there’s a festival in February). You’re close to the famous Otago Rail Trail – try a day tour with Shebikeshebikes if the classic five-day journey is too much cycling for you. Or pop over to the historic gold-mining town of Ophir for a wander and a bite to eat – and St Bathans is nearby too, with its glorious, if unimaginatively named, Blue Lake.
How much?
It costs $85 per person for a couple, $120 for one, for a three-hour workshop and kennel tour, and the ride. They also offer kennel tours alone; or you can go for an hour’s hike with a dog carrying your gear, for $70 per person.
Best time to go
They have sleds with wheels as well as runners, so snow isn’t necessary – but the dogs’ coats are so thick that they’ll overheat if it’s too warm. The temperature needs to be below 17 degrees Celsius for an outing. Just ring beforehand. To check, ph 027 504 4352.
More information
realdog.co.nz. – Pamela Wade