Although Mr Balme is based in Central Otago, he often travels to Naseby during weekends to see his $200,000, 360m, 10-turn creation in use.
The luge enthusiast has high hopes for Naseby and wants to see an ice festival held in the village each winter.
In 2003, Mr Balme had a vision of establishing a natural ice luge to promote the sport in New Zealand.
Through a friendship with Peter Becker, Mr Balme discovered Naseby and, to his delight, the area of pine-covered hill behind the village's international curling rink.
"One thing led to another and for the first three years we tried to find the right track through the pines. Once we had a plan, we got the International Luge Federation on board and secured $60,000 from grants," he said.
Earthworks started in May 2006, with the help of volunteers who provided hundreds of hours of labour.
The luge's refrigeration system and a brand new snow-making machine each cost about $55,000 and completed the facility.
Mr Balme said in the future he hoped to clear a gently sloping patch of pines for a children's tobogganing hill.
