The luge track has been three years in the making, and Saturday's celebrations were the icing on the cake for designer Geoff Balme, of Christchurch.
On hand to witness the occasion were Ice Rink and Luge president Jock Scott, New Zealand Olympic Committee president Eion Edgar, Central Otago District Mayor Malcolm Macpherson, and luge coach Karl Flacher, of Austria.
The official celebrations were preceded by several luge races by 21 schoolchildren, aged 9 to 17, and an adult who had taken part in the first week-long ice luge training camp run by Mr Flacher.
The International Luge Federation coach and former Austrian luge champion, who has coached Austrian and German teams in European and international competition, told the crowd he had enjoyed his week in Naseby and he was very proud of the team he had trained.
All participants in the training camp were recognised with certificates and mementos, while the winners and place-getters in the races held before the opening were given medals and caps.
As part of the celebrations, the luge, the Maniototo International Curling Rink and the Maniototo Ice Rink were open to the public without charge.
Ice rink manager Allan Dunford said the difference in the luging skills shown by the youngsters from Monday to Thursday was "unbelievable", and he hoped children from the Maniototo would one day be lining up to represent New Zealand in the Winter Olympics.
Dr Macpherson congratulated the community for the volunteer work carried out to complete the luge project.
"This is indeed a great facility, with international significance," he said.
Mr Balme said sponsors were being sought for curves on the luge track.
