Last updated July 2026
Nestled in Southland, Mavora Lakes offers a remote escape for camping, fishing and tramping within a day trip from Invercargill. The two lakes sit in Mavora Lakes Conservation Park amid mountains, native forest and tussock grassland. Visitors enjoy non-powered camping beside clear waters, trout fishing in the lakes and Mararoa River, and multi-day walks through the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The park also served as a filming location for scenes in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Basic facilities and a gravel-road approach keep the setting rustic and peaceful.
Practical Information
| Location | Mavora Lakes Conservation Park, Southland |
| Access | Gravel roads off SH94, 39 km from turn-offs near Mossburn or Te Anau |
| Camping | 60 non-powered sites across two areas; standard DOC campsite |
| Fees (per night) | Adult $10, Child (5–17) $5, Infant free; DOC Campsite Pass accepted |
| Bookings | Recommended, especially Dec–Feb; book online via DOC |
| Facilities | Long-drop toilets (wheelchair accessible), BBQs, non-treated water, picnic tables, boat ramp |
| Restrictions | No motorised boats on South Mavora Lake; dogs under control and leashed in camp areas |
| Best for | Camping, trout fishing, tramping, mountain biking |
About Mavora Lakes
Mavora Lakes comprises North Mavora Lake and South Mavora Lake, drained by the Mararoa River. The park lies between Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau in the Southern Alps foothills and forms part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. DOC manages the area for recreation while protecting its alpine and montane ecosystems.
The landscape features clear lakes, beech forest, tussock grassland and mountain views. It supports native birds including robins and falcons. The setting provides a quiet, backcountry experience with no cell coverage or rubbish bins, so visitors must pack out all waste.
Public vehicle access follows formed roads, though a locked gate on the 4WD track along North Mavora Lake requires prior registration for a code. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders have open access. Road conditions vary with weather, and the final approach is unsealed.
The park attracts anglers, trampers and those seeking a Lord of the Rings connection. Summer sees the highest use, while shoulder seasons offer quieter visits. Avalanche risk exists in surrounding terrain from May to November.
Camping at Mavora Lakes
Two main camping areas sit beside South Mavora Lake and between the two lakes. The 60 non-powered sites suit tents, caravans and motorhomes on a first-come, first-served or booked basis. Long-drop toilets, BBQs and fire drums, non-treated tap water and picnic tables are provided. Campfires are permitted only in designated spots and subject to fire bans.
Payment occurs on-site via self-registration or a camp warden. A DOC Campsite Pass is preferred. No powered sites or rubbish collection exist. Caravans left unattended for more than five days must be removed.
Fishing at Mavora Lakes
Both lakes and the Mararoa River hold brown and rainbow trout. Artificial fly, spinner and bait fishing are permitted, with all-year season in the main waters. Motorised boats are allowed only on North Mavora Lake; they are prohibited on South Mavora Lake. A current Fish & Game Southland fishing licence is required for all anglers.
Popular spots include tributary mouths and vegetated shorelines. Weather changes quickly, so check conditions and carry appropriate gear. Child and junior anglers may use certain baits under regulations. Respect quiet zones and pack out all fishing waste.
Tramping and Walking Tracks
The 50 km Mavora-Greenstone Walkway links the campsite with the Greenstone Track over four days, passing tussock valleys and beech forest with huts for overnight stays. Shorter options include the South Mavora Track, Kiwi Burn Loop, Fisherman Track and River Walk.
Tracks suit a range of abilities, from lakeside strolls to multi-day tramps. Mountain biking and horse trekking are also popular on formed routes. Always check weather, carry navigation and emergency gear, and follow the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory when snow is present.
Lord of the Rings Filming Locations
Several scenes were filmed at Mavora Lakes. North Mavora Lake stood in for Nen Hithoel where the Fellowship moored after their Anduin journey. The swingbridge at South Mavora Lake represented the departure from Lothlórien. Forest near North Mavora Lake featured the escape from Uruk-hai, and the area around the lakes depicted the Riders of Rohan and the trail toward Fangorn Forest.
Visitors can explore these sites on foot or by vehicle where permitted. Markers and natural features help identify locations, adding a cinematic element to camping and walking trips.
What Visitors Often Say
Campers praise the peaceful lakeside setting, clear night skies and sense of remoteness. Many note the well-maintained gravel road and value the basic but functional facilities for a true backcountry stay.
Anglers and walkers highlight abundant trout, scenic tracks and the Lord of the Rings atmosphere. Reviewers recommend booking ahead in summer and preparing for variable weather and limited services.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Official park information, access rules, track details and booking links.
DOC Mavora Lakes Campsite page: Current fees, facilities, booking requirements and site rules.
Fish & Game Southland: Fishing regulations, seasons and licence information for the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book camping in advance?
Bookings are recommended, especially from December to February and on public holiday weekends. The site can fill up; same-day online bookings are possible if space remains.
Is a fishing licence required?
Yes, a current Fish & Game Southland licence is mandatory for all anglers. Regulations cover methods, bag limits and seasonal rules.
Can I use a motorboat on the lakes?
Motorised craft are permitted only on North Mavora Lake. They are prohibited on South Mavora Lake to preserve tranquility.
What is the road like to reach the park?
The final 39 km follows gravel roads that are generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in good conditions. Check recent reports for weather-related changes.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are permitted but must remain under control at all times. They must be leashed in camping areas and at hut sites; no dogs are allowed inside huts.
Is there cell phone coverage?
No regular cell coverage or Wi-Fi is available at the lakes. Plan accordingly for safety and communication.
What wildlife might I see?
Native birds such as robins and falcons are common. The area also supports alpine species and aquatic life in the lakes.
Are there avalanche risks?
Avalanche danger exists in surrounding terrain, particularly May to November. Check the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory before heading into steep or snowy areas.
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