Mavora Lakes Campsite
Located in Mavora Lakes Conservation Park in the Southland region
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Introduction
Mavora Lakes Campsite has two main (standard) camping areas: one alongside South Mavora Lake, and the other between South Mavora Lake and North Mavora Lake.Look out for robins and falcons. Walk, tramp, mountain bike or go trout fishing.
Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
- Mountain bike
Landscape
- Rivers and lakes
Facilities
- BBQ
- Boat launching
- Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans)
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Mountain biking
Seasonal restrictions
No tap water in winter.
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Dog access
Image gallery
North Mavora Lake was a location for Nen Hithoel in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Find out about this and other Lord of the Rings filming locations.
The toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Fees
Payment with a DOC Campsite Pass is preferred. Otherwise, pay your fees with cash at the self-registration stand at the campsite or to the camp warden if present. Put the correct fee in the envelope provided and place the receipt section of the envelope on your vehicle or tent.
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Bookings are required all year. Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
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, at Centre Hill or Burwood Station, then follow gravel roads for 39 km.
Location
Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1221497-N4975941
Latitude: -45.2680102, Longitude: 168.1749978.
Campfires permitted. Be aware of fire bans and higher fire risk during summer months. Contact the local DOC office or council for details. Follow the on-site signs.
Fires should be lit only in the barbecues and fire drums provided. Use dead wood only. Chainsaws are not permitted. The use of portable stoves is encouraged.
Motorised craft are allowed on the North Mavora Lake only.
Jet skis are not allowed.
There are no rubbish bins so all rubbish must be carried out when you leave.
Tents and caravans must be removed from the park if unoccupied for more than five days. Caravans may be stored in the area set aside during December/January.
Driving rules
You must only use your vehicle on formed roads. The main road through the campsite is a legal road which means road rules apply. Any vehicles, including motorbikes, must be driven by a licenced driver and have a current registration and warrant of fitness. No non-licenced, unregistered motorbikes, including those ridden by children, are to be ridden on the internal campsite roads.
The Mavora Lakes Conservation Area is a multi-use area. You must respect the right of others for quiet enjoyment and to have a great experience.
Public vehicle access is generally unrestricted year-round, but roads can be closed at any time due to:
- safety
- environmental risks
- weather and seasonal conditions
- road conditions, and
- threats to conservation land.
Follow the 4WD care code. This helps the long-term sustainability of the activity and the environment.
If you want to use a vehicle in Mavora Lakes Conservation Area, you must also consider the suitability of the various tracks for your vehicle:
- the track from the camping area to Careys Hut is suitable for mountain biking, motor biking and 4WD vehicles.
- the track to Boundary Hut and the route to Forks Hut are very rough and not recommended for vehicles. Both tracks are suitable for mountain biking.
- mountain biking, motor biking, and 4WD vehicles are not permitted beyond Boundary and Forks huts.
Failure to comply with the rules or conditions of access may result in restrictions and notification to the Police. Police conduct random inspections and will prosecute offenders.
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 |