Mavora Lakes Campsite | Camping in Fiordland National Park
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Adult: $10, Child: $5 |
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Bookings Required |
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NSC - Non Self Contained |
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Toilets - Long Drop |
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Water Tap - Non treated |
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Campfires Permitted |
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Dogs on Leash Only |
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45°16'29.0"S 168°10'21.7"E |
The South & North Mavora Lakes Campsite is by far the most versatile spot to go camping in Fiordland National Park. Offering walking tracks, overnight tramps, fishing and hunting, offroad 4 wheel driving, mountain biking, boating and even horse riding too.
In This Camping Guide:
Mavora Lakes Campsite Facilities
Campers in the grass along the shore of North Mavora Lake.
CAMP SITES
At Mavora Lakes, you can camp in two main areas: along the edge of the Southern Mavora Lake or at the bottom of the North Mavora Lake. Most people camp by the North Lake since there’s more room and access to all that the northern area has to offer. There are no actual designated “tent sites” in the campground. A few campfire grills are scattered throughout the area but you’re free to park or set up camp wherever you please. Tent users, caravans, motorhomes and vehicles are all welcome.
TOILETS
Long drops / porta loos are scattered throughout the northern camping area. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer just in case, these toilets get lots of action! Numerous water taps (non treated) are located near the toilets too.
CAMPFIRES / COOKING FACILITIES
Fire rings made of rocks and a few metal grills can be found all over the camping area. There are also wooden picnic tables conveniently situated near the grills for cooking food. If you plan to do some campfire cooking, remember to bring your own wood. Or if you brought a kayak or boat, you can collect driftwood to burn from the other side of the lake.
RESTRICTIONS
Jet skis are not allowed at all and motorised boats are only allowed on the North Mavora Lake. The South Mavora Lake is open to only kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and fishing.
FEES & BOOKINGS
Fees:
Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Booking in advance is required year round and can be completed on the DOC Booking Site. When you book online, sites are chosen on arrival via a first come first serve basis. If you don’t prebook though you can pay via the camp ranger (if present, $10 service fee applies) or through the honesty box system found on site. DOC Campsite Passes can also be used here too.
What To Do at Mavora Lakes
1. Get in the Water: Swim, Kayak or Boat
The best part of camping directly on the shore of Lake Mavora is how easy it is to access the water! While South Mavora Lake is restricted to non motorised water craft only, North Mavora Lake welcomes boaters of all kinds (except jet skis, sorry!). Launch from the boat ramp, take a relaxing paddle at sunset or take a dip in the refreshing water. The lakeshore is a bit gravelly but provides many shallow areas for young kids to safely swim.
Kayakers paddling on the North Mavora Lake.
2. Walk the South Mavora Lake Walking Tracks
Starting from the North Mavora Lake Camping Area, the South Mavora Lake Walking Track follows the shoreline of the entire Southern lake. As you loop around the lake you’ll walk through shaded forest, cross swing bridges and eventually return to the camping area (2.5hr return). Alternatively, you can continue heading South and follow the Mararoa River downstream towards Kiwi Burn Hut (4hr one way).
Looking South towards South Mavora Lake from the South Mavora Lake Walking Track (2.5hr return).
3. Go Offroading
At the Northernmost end of the camping area is a gate leading to the Greenstone Mavora Walkway. You may apply for permission to unlock the gate (code will be given) and access using quads, motor bikes, mountain bikes and other 4WD vehicles. Walkers do not need prior permission. Read the full Mavora access gate driving rules before heading out.
Camping Area to Careys Hut (10km): suitable for mountain biking, motor biking and 4WD vehicles.
Careys Hut to Boundary Hut + Forks Hut (6km): very rough, not recommended for vehicles. Both tracks suitable for mountain biking.
Beyond Boundary + Forks Hut: no vehicle or mountain bike access permitted, foot traffic only.
Mavora Lakes Road. 40 kilometers of gravel road leads you to the campsite.
4. Hunting & Fishing
Hunt for red deer, fallow deer, chamois, pigs and possums in Mavora Lakes Conservation Park. Open area hunting permits are required for hunting within the highlighted green area on the map below.
Seasonal Restriction: No hunting permitted within 1 km radius of both Mavora Lakes from December 20th - January 31st (or public holidays).
Have a go at fishing for your dinner, the Mararoa River and both Mavora Lakes are filled with rainbow and brown trout. Only artificial bait is allowed and the total bag limit is 2 fish per person. All anglers are required to hold the current season’s fishing license.
Mararoa River Fishing Season: October 1st - April 30th
Hunting is permitted in the green highlighted area with an open area hunting permit.
5. Find The Lord of the Rings Film Locations
LOTR fans will be in awe at the beauty of some of these filming locations: including Nen Hithoel, Silverlode and Anduin rivers, Fangorn Forest edge and South of Rivendell. The South Mavora Lake swing bridge was filmed in the scene where the Fellowship leave Lothlorien and end their journey along the Anduin River.
6. Horse Riding
Horse riding is allowed within the Mavora Lakes Conservation Area, but horses must be held in the holding paddocks overnight. A horse holding paddock is located near the bottom of North Mavora Lake and another can be found at Forks Hut. No horse access is permitted beyond Boundary Hut.
Camping with our 3 month old in October 2021, this was his first ever camping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, dogs are allowed inside Mavora Lakes Conservation Park but must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed inside any of the DOC huts.
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No, there is no cell reception or wifi in Mavora Lakes or at the campsite.
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Yes, swimming is safe in both the North and South Mavora Lakes.
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Yes, fishing for rainbow and brown trout is permitted in both Mavora Lakes and the Mararoa River. Anglers must hold the current season’s fishing license. Mararoa River fishing season runs from October 1st - April 30th.
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Yes, an open area hunting permit is required to hunt for red deer, fallow deer, chamois, pigs and possums inside Mavora Lakes Park. No hunting is permitted within 1 km radius of both Mavora Lakes from December 20th - January 31st (or on public holidays).
How to Get to Mavora Lakes Campsite
The lake shore in front of the North Mavora Lake Camping Area. Super shallow, calm and safe for young kids to swim.
Mavora Lakes Campsite is located off of State Highway 94 between Mossburn and Te Anau. There are two turn off points you can take to get there: at Centre Hill or Burwood Station. Both gravel roads will reach the same end destination in about 40 km’s. When in doubt, stick to the left.
Te Anau to Mavora Lakes (1hr 30 min)
Invercargill to Mavora Lakes (2hr 30min)
Queenstown to Mavora Lakes (3hr)
Other Things To Do Near Mavora Lakes
Crossing the Kiwi Burn Swingbridge at the start of the Kiwi Burn Hut Track.
Mavora Greenstone Walkway: This 4 day tramping track takes you along the North Mavora Lake shore, through open valley tussock, up beechy forest hills, over swingbridges and ends at Lake Wakatipu. Great for beginner trampers and families as it veers more on the less strenuous side.
North Mavora Lake to Careys Hut: 10km, 2.5hrs
Careys Hut to Boundary Hut: 6km, 2hrs
Boundary Hut to Taipo Hut: 12km, 3-4hrs
Taipo Hut to Greenstone Hut: 10km, 4-5hrs
Greenstone Hut to Greenstone Road: 11km, 3-5hrs
Kiwi Burn Hut Track: (pictured above) Tramp to one of the most family friendly Lake Mavora huts, Kiwi Burn Hut. In just under 2 hours, you’ll encounter a swing bridge, multiple stream crossings, dense forest, wetlands and a backcountry DOC hut. Full loop track takes 4 hours.
Disclaimer: Please adventure at your own risk. The author of this article is not liable for any injuries or damage that may occur. It is up to the individual to determine their own capabilities and limits, and to thoroughly research before venturing into the great outdoors. Read our full Disclaimer.
