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Hospitality

Over the last 140 years Naseby has seen its share of interesting times and characters. Harsh living conditions in this barren and unyielding landscape have forged the indomitable and endearing character of the people who call Central their home. The Ancient Briton was Naseby's first Hotel, built in 1863. For the weary miners, it was not only a sanctuary offering respite from the cold but the town's main social and cultural meeting place. One can imagine the appreciation it would have had in the harsh and lonely lives of the miners, who mostly came to the town with high hopes and the misplaced expectation of a brief and fortuitous stay. All year round townsfolk, high country farmers and gold miners alike would gather at their local bar to catch up on the news of the day and recharge their spirits after long hours spent toiling in the gold fields and high country runs.

Deep in winter when the weather became too cold to work, would appear perfect curling conditions, and locals took to the sport and made it the major social activity of the town. Today it remains as such.

While Gold mining put Naseby on the map, the patronage thereafter mostly came from the high country folk. Over the years the musterers, shearers, fencers, horse-breakers, and even the rabbiters all met (as many still do) at the Ancient Briton. High country mustering is an iconic part of Central Otago history, and while sadly these leases are now going back into D.O.C. hands, the legacy of this great life is still alive today in the local Naseby farming community.

The locals are an integral part of the warm and character of this remote community, and your experience would not be complete without a night in the local pubs.

As recently as a few years ago, local farmer and town bard Ross McMillan felt it improper that his horse should wait outside while he drank with his mates inside. (musterers often spend weeks on end in the high country with just their horse and dog for companionship) So with a mildly protesting publican, he rode his horse to the bar where it duly stayed for the night, and a great evening was had by all. Ross (who writes under the name of 'Blue Jeans') and Des Styles (gold panning master and another popular poet) , are regarded as a couple of Naseby's favourite sons, and you'll find them sharing their passion for Naseby most good nights in the pub.

Whether you're here to hone your skills in the forest, on the ice, or just put your feet up, staying at the local Hotel is a quintessential part of that experience. Discover what draws families, groups, curlers, and bikers to Central Otago's best kept secret, and keeps them coming back every for more.

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