Winter is coming and in the Maniototo it is set to be bigger and better for ice sport enthusiasts.

The opening date for the outdoor ice rink is set, a more efficient refrigeration plant is in, curling, ice hockey and school holiday events are booked - now it’s just a matter of crossing fingers for a cold snap and a few frosts in May, according to Maniototo Adventure Park (MAP) manager John Grant.

John, who has a marketing background - including in winter sports in Queenstown - came on board last year to establish a new charitable trust and move MAP into more of a commercially sustainable operation.

He said winter numbers last season were solid, and the month of July was huge, “a real cracker”.

“The facility is unique with our outdoor rink, there’s some real magic about ice sports, they’re cool, historic and skating is a good activity for some exercise and fun."

John said the outdoor rink will be open for Kings Birthday weekend (May 31 - June 2) and an opening event would mark the occasion.

“For the ice luge its climatic dependant, it was at the end of June last year it opened, we’re hoping for earlier.. Now our more efficient refrigeration plant is in [it was installed last season] we are more confident we can retain ice integrity.”

The winter ice season usually runs until the end of August when the angle of the sun hits the ice earlier in the afternoon and warmer temperatures make it uneconomic to keep things running, John said. 

Ice skating is a special experience on an outdoor rink - Naseby’s is picturesque and set amongst the trees. PHOTO: Image-Central/MAP Supplied

During the school holidays there would be a costume disco, followed by ice week and luge week camps giving youngsters a chance to hone their skills. 

In June the adventure park is holding “big weekends” including the Winter Festival, for people to experience ice sports for the first time and Matariki celebrations.

The glow stick and lit up ‘Lights on Ice Dance Party’returns on June 20 from and there would be prizes for best dressed.

Major curling dates for the season are; the Maniototo Adventure Park Mixed Doubles May 9 -11), Australian Nationals (May 15 -25), NZ Mixed Doubles Qualifying Competition (June 11 -25) and then NZ Curling Nationals (June 25 -29).  

John said there were more curling tournaments held through the season and the sport was well supported and enjoyed by many locals and visitors, requiring “softer skill, judgment and balance.” 

The Erewhon Cup, the oldest ice hockey competition in New Zealand - first played in 1937 in Opawa, Christchurch - is being held in Naseby this year on July 19 -22.

The event alternates between Tekapo and Naseby.

John said that meant almost 30 hours of ice hockey games over the weekend. 

Last year's winners Wakatipu Goldrush would be looking to keep a hold of the trophy and bragging rights.

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