Naseby, New Zealand
About
Nestled in the Māniatoto/Maniototo region of Central Otago, New Zealand, Naseby is a historic gold-mining town that has retained its small-town character. With just 150 residents, Naseby may be small in scale, but it offers visitors an experience that feels distinctly and authentically New Zealand. Quaint streets, heritage buildings, and a warm community atmosphere combine with the grandeur of its surrounding forests and night skies to create a place unlike any other.
In recognition of its pristine southern skies, Naseby is proud to be the first International Dark Sky Community in New Zealand. Naseby is only the third town in the Southern Hemisphere to achieve International Dark Sky Community status from DarkSky International after Niue and Carrickalinga. This designation acknowledges not only the clarity of the night sky here, but also the town’s commitment to preserving it for generations to come. On any given evening, visitors are met with a dazzling sweep of stars, the Milky Way stretching overhead, and, on the right night, spectacular displays of the Aurora Australis dancing across the horizon which can be visible with the naked eye.
By day, Naseby’s charm continues where visitors can enjoy a meal at a friendly pub or local café. Winter brings its own magic, with Naseby recognised as one of the country’s top destinations for cold-weather activities. Curling, ice hockey, and the uniquely thrilling sport of ice luge draw athletes and families alike, while the snow-dusted forests create a storybook backdrop for adventure. In summer, the town offers easy access to mountain biking trails, forest walks, and a slower rhythm perfect for relaxing and recharging.
What makes Naseby remarkable is the way its heritage, community, and environment are interwoven. Once a thriving hub during the 19th-century gold rush, today it thrives in a different way, by offering an experience that is deeply rooted in community. Whether you come for the history, the activities, or the night sky, the town has a way of making visitors feel like locals.
As New Zealand’s first International Dark Sky Community, Naseby has secured its place as both a guardian of the natural world and a host of genuine Kiwi experiences. Here, visitors can enjoy the best of small-town hospitality by day and the wonder of a truly mesmerizing sky by night, a combination that ensures Naseby’s charm will endure well into the future.
Designated
2025
Category
International Dark Sky Community
Address
5 Earne Street, Naseby 9396
New Zealand
Google Maps
Contact
Jill Wolff
Dark Sky Project Lead, Naseby Vision Incorporated
+64 21 316 923
[email protected]
Anthony (Antz) Longman
Head of Destination Tourism Central Otago, Central Otago District Council
+64 21 721 770
[email protected]
DarkSky International
Amber Harrison, Dark Sky Places Program Manager
+1 (520) 347-6363
[email protected]
Land area
8 km²
Documents
Application
Announcement
Annual Reports
Website
https://www.centralotagonz.com/nasebydarksky/
Weather
Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies in Naseby (-45.03, 170.15).
