Image: Shellie Evans | ©
Mavora Lakes.
Mavora Lakes Conservation Park

Located in the Southland region

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.

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, either at Centre Hill or Burwood Station, then follow gravel roads for 39 km.

There is no regular public transport to the Mavora Lakes. Transport connections are available from the end of the Greenstone Track to Glenorchy, or from the Divide on the Milford Road.

You will need a gate code to access the 4WD track along North Mavora Lake

There is a locked gate on the 4WD track along North Mavora Lake. 4WD and motorbike users need to register to get the code before taking their vehicles past the camping area. 

Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control at all times

Dogs can be taken into the park, but must be under control at all times. All dogs must be tethered on a leash in the camping areas and at hut sites. No dogs are allowed in huts. Clean up after your dog in amenity areas.

Cats and other domestic animals are not permitted in Mavora Lakes Park.

Kiwi Burn Hut is located in Snowdon Forest Park, which is a controlled dog access area that requires a dog permit.

There may be avalanche danger

Check the avalanche terrain in this area.

Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Fiordland National Park. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.

Check the avalanche danger before you go on the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

  1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
  2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
  3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.