Naseby Forest
Name |
Naseby Forest |
Location |
Naseby |
Co-ordinates |
1375083 5010170 |
Alternative co-ordinates |
|
Configuration |
Network |
Distance |
20 km |
Status |
Off-leash |
Grade |
Easy-Moderate |
Access |
Car park area at north end of Broom Street, at eastern end of Naseby village. |
Description |
An extensive selection of sandy tracks running through well-managed pine forest with lots of features of interest to explore. Watch out, though, because the maps at the entrance way tend to be out of date, and it's easy to get lost! |
Connecting tracks |
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Further information |
Unlike many New Zealanders, we like conifer trees, but I'd accept that commercial plantations of the dreaded Pinus radiata in this country tend to be sterile and even daunting places to walk. Naseby Forest, however, is something of an exception. It's well managed, and visitors are made to feel more than welcome. Many of the paths wind unhindered through the forest, and even the main tracks are comfortable to walk on and are lined with a mixture of conifers, laurel and rowan, making them seem gentle on the eye. In autumn, especially, the colours are stunning.
There are routes to suit almost every taste, and though most of the more interesting ones are cycleways, in our experience everyone is very courteous and accommodating, and there are no problems at all in sharing the forest.The paths are well-marked, and there are signs at many of the intersectiobns, but the network of routes is complex, and I can vouch from experience that it's easy to get lost. So it's worth down-loading the forest map from the Naseby Village website (see further information, below. There are also maps at the entry gate, though be warned that the older 'hand-drawn' map at the Broom Street entrance is highly misleading and in no way portrays reality; the newer maps based on the satellite images are much better.
The village of Naseby is also beautiful and fascinating, so make sure you leave time top explore it before you leave.
There are routes to suit almost every taste, and though most of the more interesting ones are cycleways, in our experience everyone is very courteous and accommodating, and there are no problems at all in sharing the forest.The paths are well-marked, and there are signs at many of the intersectiobns, but the network of routes is complex, and I can vouch from experience that it's easy to get lost. So it's worth down-loading the forest map from the Naseby Village website (see further information, below. There are also maps at the entry gate, though be warned that the older 'hand-drawn' map at the Broom Street entrance is highly misleading and in no way portrays reality; the newer maps based on the satellite images are much better.
The village of Naseby is also beautiful and fascinating, so make sure you leave time top explore it before you leave.