Last updated October 2026
Mavora Lakes are two mountain lakes in the Mavora Lakes Conservation Park, reached on gravel roads off State Highway 94 between Mossburn and Te Anau.
North and South Mavora and the Mararoa River that links them hold brown and rainbow trout, and the clear water suits sight fishing for trout cruising the edges. Both lakes are open all year to fly, spin and bait fishing, while the river has a season.
At a Glance
- Location
- Mavora Lakes Conservation Park, off State Highway 94 at Centre Hill or Burwood Station, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Te Anau
- Water
- Fresh: North Mavora, South Mavora and the Mararoa River
- Main species
- Brown and rainbow trout
- Season
- Both lakes open all year; Mararoa River 1 October to 30 April
- Methods
- Fly, spin and bait
- Best time
- Late morning to early afternoon in sun for cruising fish; early morning and evening for spinning
- Access
- 39 km of gravel road; shore fishing from the DOC camping areas and the North Mavora outlet
- Boats
- Motor boats on North Mavora only; no fishing from any motorised boat on South Mavora
- Camping
- DOC Mavora Lakes campsite; book ahead
- Rules
- Fish & Game Southland; licence required
No tides. Wind off the mountains decides the lake fishing: calm, sunny days suit sight fishing for cruising trout, and a strong wind makes North Mavora cold and rough.
The Background
From above, North Mavora is a long, narrow lake running up a forested mountain valley, with beech forest down to its western side and an open grass flat at its southern end where the road and the DOC camping area meet the water.
Below it the Mararoa River runs a few kilometres south through the bush to South Mavora, a smaller lake surrounded by beech forest.
North Mavora is the bigger lake. Its eastern shore can be walked and has a sand and gravel beach along much of it, while the western shore is reached only by boat. An unmarked anglers’ route follows the North Mavora shore for about an hour.
The park is part of Te Wāhipounamu, the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. North Mavora was the Nen Hithoel location in the Lord of the Rings films, and the Mavora Greenstone Walkway, part of Te Araroa, starts here.
This is remote country with no internet coverage, so come prepared and tell someone your plans.
How to Fish Mavora Lakes
Where and when
On North Mavora, the outlet where the road meets the lake is a good spot because fish gather in the current, but the river there is deep and powerful and not wadeable, so fish it from the bank.
The eastern beach gives easy walking and casting. On South Mavora the best water is at each end, where the Mararoa comes in from the north lake and at the southern outlet, and its small bays hold cruising fish, though the bush limits casting.
A Fish & Game Southland ranger has written that the prime time for cruising browns on the lake edges is from about 9am to 1pm, when the sun is up and you can see them. For spinning, he suggests the lake drop offs in the early morning and in the late afternoon and evening.
What to catch and what to use
- Dry flies: a small Royal Wulff is the ranger’s choice, and presentation matters more than the pattern: put the fly in the path of the cruising fish without lining it. Mayfly patterns, and Humpy or Cicada patterns in warm weather, also work.
- Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Prince, black nymphs and caddis emergers.
- Wet flies: koura imitations such as Red Setter, Mrs Simpson, Hamill’s Killer and Woolly Bugger.
- Lures: Tasmanian Devils in traffic light colours, Tobys with some red, and Rapalas.
- From a boat: harling and trolling probably account for most fish caught on the lakes. Lake trout average about 1.5 to 2 kg.
The Mararoa River
Between the lakes the Mararoa is deep and hard to reach, and fish rising there are often out of casting range. Above North Mavora the river is small, clear and easy to wade; the 4WD track up the eastern side of the lake reaches it about 1 km above the lake.
Below South Mavora the road runs beside the river for most of the way to State Highway 94. The river is open from 1 October to 30 April.
What to bring
Strong insect repellent for the sandflies, polarised glasses, warm and windproof layers, extra food, and a way to call for help. Clean and dry your gear before you arrive.
Getting There and Facilities
- Getting there: turn off State Highway 94 between Mossburn and Te Anau at Centre Hill or Burwood Station, then drive 39 km of gravel road. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from Te Anau, and DOC may close the roads for weather or road conditions.
- Camping: the DOC Mavora Lakes campsite has two camping areas, one beside South Mavora and one between the lakes. Fees apply and DOC keeps no spaces for campers without a booking, so book ahead, especially from December to February and on public holiday weekends.
- Facilities: wheelchair accessible toilets. There are no rubbish bins, so take your rubbish out. Fires only in the barbecues and fire drums provided, and fire bans apply.
- Wheelchair access: Fish & Game lists the campsite as the easiest spot for anglers with limited mobility, with more spots on the road beside the lakes.
- 4WD track: the track along North Mavora has a locked combination gate. Drivers of 4WDs, quad bikes and motorbikes must register online with DOC for the code; walkers and mountain bikers do not.
- Dogs: allowed under control, on a leash in camping areas and at huts, and not past Boundary Hut.
- More: for camping, tramping and the film locations, see our Mavora Lakes guide.
Rules and Safety
- You need a current Fish & Game licence, carried with you. It covers all of New Zealand except the Taupō district.
- Under the Fish & Game Southland regulations both lakes are open all year and the Mararoa River from 1 October to 30 April, all to fly, spinner and bait fishing. Check the current brochure for bag limits and notes.
- South Mavora: you must not fish from any motorised boat, including one with an electric motor.
- Boats: motor boats are allowed on North Mavora only. Jet skis and hovercraft are not allowed. Keep to 5 knots within 200 m of the shore and near other boats and swimmers.
- Felt soled waders are banned. Didymo is found in the area, so Check, Clean, Dry all gear and boats between waterways.
- Weather: wind coming down off the mountains can quickly make North Mavora cold and rough. Avalanches can come down the surrounding slopes, usually from May to November.
- There is no internet coverage at the park. Share your plans, carry warm clothes and extra food, and follow the Land Safety Code.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Outside Sports Te Anau, 38 Town Centre, Te Anau: fishing gear and Fish & Game licences.
- Invercargill Hunting & Fishing, 98 to 100 Leven Street, Invercargill: tackle and licences.
- Fish & Game Southland, 17 Eye Street, Invercargill: licences and local advice.
From locals
Can I take my dog with me when fishing at Mavora Lakes?
Is North Mavora a good spot for kids to have a first go at fishing?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Mavora Lakes: Common Questions
What fish are in the Mavora Lakes?
Brown and rainbow trout, in both lakes and the Mararoa River.
Are the Mavora Lakes open all year?
Yes. Both lakes are open all year. The Mararoa River is open from 1 October to 30 April.
Can I use bait at Mavora Lakes?
Yes. The Southland regulations allow fly, spinner and bait fishing on both lakes and the river.
Can I fish from a boat on South Mavora?
Not from any motorised boat, including one with an electric motor. Motor boats are allowed on North Mavora only.
Where is the best shore fishing?
The North Mavora outlet where the road meets the lake, the eastern beach of North Mavora, and both ends of South Mavora.
Do I need to book the campsite?
Yes. DOC keeps no spaces for campers without a booking, so book online before you go.
Is there mobile coverage at Mavora Lakes?
No. There is no internet coverage in the park, so share your plans before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Fish & Game Southland regulations 2026/27: seasons, methods, boat rules and limits for the Mavora lakes and the Mararoa River.
- DOC: Mavora Lakes Conservation Park: access roads, closures, dogs, boating and the 4WD gate.
- DOC: Mavora Lakes campsite: fees, bookings and facilities.