Mavora Lakes
Image: Shellie Evans | ©

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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.

How to Check, Clean, Dry

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.

How to Check, Clean, Dry

  • 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).

Contacts

Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
Phone +64 3 249 7924
Email fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz
Address Lakefront Drive
Te Anau 9600
Hours Visitor centre hours and services
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