Piopiotahi | Milford Sound © Tim Roxborogh
Mavora Lakes
Piopiotahi | Milford Sound © Tim Roxborogh

A popular camping and recreation spot for both Fiordland locals and visitors, Mavora Lakes is an impressive landscape of lake, forest and tussock grasslands. Two serene lakes, North Mavora and South Mavora provide ample opportunities for swimming, paddling and, of course, walking.

To get to Mavora Lakes from Te Anau, take State Highway 94 toward Mossburn. The turn-off onto the unsealed Mavora Lakes road is approximately 20 minutes drive from Te Anau. Another 20 - 30 minutes driving will have you at the Mavora Lakes. Take care on the unsealed road.


South Mavora Lake Walking Track

Duration: 2.5 hours

This walking track starts at the swing bridge near the camping area at North Mavora Lake. It follows the Mararoa River downstream, and around the shores of South Mavora Lake to another swing bridge at the lake’s outlet. An unmarked route used by anglers also follows the shores of North Mavora Lake for about an hour.

Lake Mavora to the Kiwi Burn Hut

Duration: 4 hours

This track is suitable for families. There are two entry points to this walk. The first crosses the swing bridge at the outlet of South Mavora Lake and travels down the true right of the Mararoa River for 2 hr 30 min. Here it joins with the other access point, signposted on the Mavora Road, 1.5 km from Hikuraki Station - this access is through farmland (be sure to leave gates as you find them) before crossing an impressive swing bridge.

The next segment of the track to the Kiwi Burn Hut takes about 1 hr 30 min, following the Mararoa River downstream then branching to the hut. The track then continues past the hut, returning to the swingbridge.  

**Dog friendly - keep dogs on a lead**