A new luge track is set to be opened in the small central Otago town of Naseby, with its creators billing it as 'New Zealand's coolest ride'.
The new development is particularly significant as it is the first-ever snow and ice luge track in the southern hemisphere - thus adding to the country's already considerable winter attractions.
The 360m, ten-curve track is also unique in the sense that it is run on a base of hard-packed snow covered by a layer of ice - as opposed to the common Olympic luge found in Europe, which is run on an artificial track.
The creation is the brainchild of local ice rink chairman Jock Scott, who said: "We started thinking what else children used to do in Naseby through the winter and the answer was easy - sledding, and it went from there really."
Natural luge runs are used for activities such as ski snow sledding, self-steering rubber bobsledding and racing luges, which can reach speeds of 70kph.
Such recreational activities will undoubtedly prove popular with the many backpackers who visit New Zealand, who would be well advised to ensure they take out travel insurance which covers winter sports before participating.
