The Naseby Luge Track is now complete, and a light fall of snow last weekend allowed a few youngsters to test their skills.
While it can only be used in the winter, the luge is expected to provide a whole new form of ice sport, both competitive and recreational.
Project manager Geoff Balme, who is also president of the New Zealand Luge Association, said the project team was waiting for some colder weather so they could make snow and get it packed down on the track.
He has been sourcing second-hand sleds from Italy, and almost 40 sleds will be available in various forms, including racing, touring and recreational.
Mr Balme and Maniototo Ice Rink manager Allan Dunford are working on other rides as well, and 30 trikes, with skids instead of wheels and steel spikes which drop down to act as brakes, are also on their way.
A rubber dinghy will be converted to a rubber bobsled "to give people a safe ride to the bottom".
"We'll just push them off from the top and away they'll go," Mr Balme said.
The first luge training camp, for youngsters aged between 10 and 15, will held from July 7 to July 11.
It will be run by International Federation of Natural Luges' Austrian coach Karl Flacher.
