Mavora Lakes Conservation Park
Located in the Southland region
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Introduction
Mavora Lakes Park is an impressive landscape of mountains, lakes, forest and tussock grassland, recognised as part of the Te Wāhipounamu/South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area.The Mavora Lakes consist of two lakes named North Mavora and South Mavora. They are situated amongst an impressive landscape of mountains, lakes, forest and tussock grassland.
Register for access to the 4WD track along North Mavora Lake.
It is a popular camping area during summer, with opportunities for fishing, boating, four-wheel driving, hunting, horse trekking, mountain biking and tramping.
The Mavora - Greenstone Walkway is a 50 km, four day tramping trip linking the Mavora Lakes camping area with the Greenstone Track. It passes through open valley tussock land and beech forested hill country.
The park was used as a filming location for some scenes in the Lord of the Rings film series: Nen Hithoel, Silverlode and Anduin rivers, Fangorn Forest edge and South of Rivendell - see Lord of the Rings filming locations.
Find things to do and places to stay Mavora Lakes Conservation Park
The Mararoa River between the lakes and below the South Mavora Lake provides good canoeing. Motorised craft are allowed only on the North Mavora Lake. Hovercraft and jet skis are not permitted on either lake.
Navigation safety bylaws enforced by Environment Southland, state the speed limit as 5 knots within:
- 50 m of another vessel or person in the water, and
- 200 m from the shore or any vessel showing a divers’ flag.
Abide by these laws that exist for your safety and the safety of others.
Before launching your boat check for invasive weeds.
Fishing in the lakes is permitted all year round, but the season for the Mararoa River is 1 October – 30 April. All anglers must have a current season’s fishing licence.
Brown and rainbow trout are found in the Mararoa River and both lakes. Artificial baits only are permitted. Visit Fish & Game for local fishing regulations.
- The track from the camping area to Careys Hut is suitable for 4WD vehicles.
- The tracks from Careys Hut to Boundary Hut and to Forks Hut are very rough/difficult and not recommended for vehicle access.
- Keep to the tracks and formed roads, and be considerate to others at campsites when driving. Vehicles and mountain bikes are not allowed beyond Boundary and Forks huts.
To access Mavora Lakes Conservation Area with a vehicle you’ll need to follow some rules and get access codes for a locked gate.
More information about motor vehicle access into North Mavora.
Horse trekking is permitted within the park, but horses are not to be tethered in the camping area. A holding paddock is provided at the bottom end of the North Lake and at Forks Hut.
Trekking routes are not specified, but all sensitive habitat areas especially stream margins and wetlands should be avoided. The Mararoa River should only be crossed between the lakes or at the 4WD vehicle access point to the Windon Burn.
No horse trekking beyond Boundary Hut.
Horse owners are responsible for providing processed feed for their animals. To help reduce the spread of weeds, ensure that feed is free of undesirable plant material (such as oats).
Mavora Lakes are accessible on gravel roads off SH94, a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Te Anau. There are two turn-off points from SH94 between Mossburn and Te Anau, either at Centre Hill or Burwood Station, then follow gravel roads for 39 km.
There is no regular public transport to the Mavora Lakes. Transport connections are available from the end of the Greenstone Track to Glenorchy, or from the Divide on the Milford Road.
You will need a gate code to access the 4WD track along North Mavora Lake
There is a locked gate on the 4WD track along North Mavora Lake. 4WD and motorbike users need to register to get the code before taking their vehicles past the camping area.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control at all times
Dogs can be taken into the park, but must be under control at all times. All dogs must be tethered on a leash in the camping areas and at hut sites. No dogs are allowed in huts. Clean up after your dog in amenity areas.
Cats and other domestic animals are not permitted in Mavora Lakes Park.
Kiwi Burn Hut is located in Snowdon Forest Park, which is a controlled dog access area that requires a dog permit.
There may be avalanche danger
Check the avalanche terrain in this area.
Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Fiordland National Park. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.
Check the avalanche danger before you go on the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:
- Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
- Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
- Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.
Contacts
| Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 249 7924 |
| fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Lakefront Drive Te Anau 9600 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |