sheltering in the trees near the fire pits.
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Mavora Lakes Campsite has two main (standard) camping areas: one alongside South Mavora Lake, and the other between South Mavora Lake and North Mavora Lake.
A beautiful place to stay with views of mountains and the lake. There is some great biking in the area as well as heaps of walks and fishing.
This is a popular camping spot with BBQ's, picnic areas and designated fire spots. There is a boat ramp here, please note though that motor boats are only allowed on the North Mavora Lake. The access to this camp site is over 30kms of gravel road.
You can find more details of activities at Mavora Lakes Park on the DOC website.
Mavora Lakes Campsite is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
Feature | Value | Value |
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Unpowered Site | Adult | $10.00 to $15.00 per night |
Unpowered Site | Child | $5.00 to $7.50 per night |
Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC SouthlandCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau |
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Categories |
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Operating Season And Hours |
This campsite cannot be booked, sites are on a first come basis. |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Websites |
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Feature | Value | Info |
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Overnight Camping Site Cost |
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Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Low Cost Camping You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged. Adult (18+ years): $6 per night |
Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Camping and any vehicle You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle. |
Campsite Managing Organisation |
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Campsite Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this campsite? DOC Managed This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Maximum Sites Available |
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Maximum Sites AvailableHow many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in? More than 20 sites There are more than twenty camping/parking sites available to stay overnight in. More like 60!! |
Water Supply |
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Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. Water is available from streams or from rain water tanks depending on location. You may wish to boil water before drinking |
Shower |
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ShowerIs there a shower at this location? No shower No shower is available. |
Dump Station |
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Dump StationDump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles. |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot. |
Powered Sites |
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Powered SitesDoes this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
Dogs |
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DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? Dogs allowed The location allows dogs. There may be conditions that may be met eg. dogs must be on a leash. Dogs must be under control at all times. |
Vehicle Access |
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Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. |
DOC Campsite Category |
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DOC Campsite CategoryWhat category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into? DOC Standard Campsite Department of Conservation Standard Campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services. Toilets (usually composting or pit variety) water supply (tap, stream, or lake) and vehicle or boat access. Wood barbeques and fireplaces, showers (cold), picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided. Standard Campsites generally can not be booked. |
Campfire Rules |
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Campfire RulesWhat are the rules for open air fires? Fires permitted (in designated sites) Open air fires are allowed only in the provided fireplaces. Open air fires are not allowed if a total fire ban is currently in place. |
Toilet |
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ToiletIs there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public. Long drop only |
Iconic campsite!
This is a very beautiful spot.
Very remote but beautiful place.
Tough one to review.
Beautiful area to camp.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 8 |
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40% |
9/10 | 6 |
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30% |
8/10 | 3 |
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15% |
7/10 | 1 |
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5% |
6/10 | 2 |
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10% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3.5/5
This was our first overnight stay after picking a van up in QT.
It is a fair drive off the main roads but is worth it, in good weather we can imagine the views would be very special. Large area available for camping with interspersed basic long drops around the sites. Opportunity to have sites sheltered in/under trees or near water's edge. There are some basic facilities to help small camp fires/BBQ during set periods.
Reviewed about 4 years ago
4.0/5
Great DOC-run site with picnic tables, fireplaces and drop toilets scattered throughout the spacious campground area.
Note the sandflies are thick so be prepared...
There are a few shorter walks that you can do around the lakes or longer hikes to huts if you are adequately equipped.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Location: It is magic!
Price: $9,00 p.p for one night
If you can, go here!
Insects: There are a little bit sand flies and mouses
Wc’s: Long drop toilets, but the are clean
Douche: no douche, you have water where you can swim in
The road is 40 km of a grind way, but... When you arrive drive to a place you like. It is a peaceful place, a rough pearl!
Reviewed over 4 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful area to camp.
You’ll be lucky if you get a decent spot by tables and a bbq though. We found a quiet spot by the lake though and had a great night. We planned to stay for 2 nights however a truck with a large family arrived at about 9am the next morning and started unloading a quad bike, dirt bike, speakers, crates of beer and playing heavy metal early in the morning. Not our scene and they parked literally 15ft away from us when there was so much other space. Moral of the story is don’t go on a weekend in summer and pay for one night at a time in case you want to move on.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
3.0/5
Tough one to review.
10/10 for the beautiful surroundings, no doubt about that. However, the activity there is a big setback, although you should be clear if you camp further south. It is a shame that there is an offroad track right beside the lake, i.e lots of bikes, ATVs, and 4x4s making noise and creating clouds of dust. Lots of boaters as well. Someone also decided to use their chainsaw at around 10 pm to create an even bigger bonfire. The huge clouds of smoke did cover the smell from the toilets, if I should look on the bright side. One of the prettiest campsites we’ve been to, nonetheless, with few good walks (if you don’t mind engine noise). The 8 dollars pp gave us mixed feelings. On one hand we want to help with the upkeep of the environment, on the other it feels like we paid for a motor show.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
Fantastic area with multiple areas to camp.
If in a 4wd access to extra areas including huts also available
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
The best place I stayed in, in our adventure in NZ.
We had a campervan and went out of our way a little bit (30 mins) to get to this campsite. I’m a LOTR fan myself and actually felt the most ‘LOTR vibe’ being here - even more than Rohan or Gondor ‘areas’! You could actually believe yourself in hearing Sam say ‘MR FRODO! ... & I’m coming with you!’.
We have a particularly special experience with this campsite as it started snowing overnight and we woke up to a winter wonderland in the morning. A truely magical experience (in November!). Campervan was fine driving back on snow-y roads as well.
10/10 recommend. I don’t know about toilets etc because we were self contained - but I think I saw one :)
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.5/5
Stunning views.
Lots of camp sites, fire places, toilets and untreated tap water. Strongly recommend! But lots of sandflies.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.5/5
Iconic campsite!
Amazing views being nestled in alpine lake valley. Huge area to camp, numerous firespots, good toilet availability. Excellent walks, recommend one from north to south lake across suspension bridges. We went on busy New years weekend and still found serenity. Be aware vehicle track at very end of campsite leading up mountain can get busy and noisey with 4wds and motor bikes. Sandflies seemed to
More of an issue in amongst trees. Highly recommend!
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
5.0/5
Very lovely camping spots in the forest near the lake with lots of space in between them.
Some fire places and tables provided - a picture book camping experience!
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
3.0/5
This is a very beautiful spot.
The lakes are lovely and DOC have provided great campsites with picnic tables and fire boxes. However, it appears to be frequented by people (mostly Kiwis) who are not really there to appreciate the peace, beauty and wildlife, but instead have arrived with trail bikes, power boats and crates of beer. Instead of using the long drop toilets, many of them prefer to shit in the woods. Yuck. Not worth the 35km gravel road.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
4.0/5
Very remote but beautiful place.
Quite a drive, so only worth of it if you stay for a few days and you want to explore the area
Reviewed almost 10 years ago and experienced in November 2014
3.5/5
This was our first overnight stay after picking a van up in QT.
It is a fair drive off the main roads but is worth it, in good weather we can imagine the views would be very special. Large area available for camping with interspersed basic long drops around the sites. Opportunity to have sites sheltered in/under trees or near water's edge. There are some basic facilities to help small camp fires/BBQ during set periods.
Reviewed about 4 years ago
4.0/5
Great DOC-run site with picnic tables, fireplaces and drop toilets scattered throughout the spacious campground area.
Note the sandflies are thick so be prepared...
There are a few shorter walks that you can do around the lakes or longer hikes to huts if you are adequately equipped.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Location: It is magic!
Price: $9,00 p.p for one night
If you can, go here!
Insects: There are a little bit sand flies and mouses
Wc’s: Long drop toilets, but the are clean
Douche: no douche, you have water where you can swim in
The road is 40 km of a grind way, but... When you arrive drive to a place you like. It is a peaceful place, a rough pearl!
Reviewed over 4 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful area to camp.
You’ll be lucky if you get a decent spot by tables and a bbq though. We found a quiet spot by the lake though and had a great night. We planned to stay for 2 nights however a truck with a large family arrived at about 9am the next morning and started unloading a quad bike, dirt bike, speakers, crates of beer and playing heavy metal early in the morning. Not our scene and they parked literally 15ft away from us when there was so much other space. Moral of the story is don’t go on a weekend in summer and pay for one night at a time in case you want to move on.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
3.0/5
Tough one to review.
10/10 for the beautiful surroundings, no doubt about that. However, the activity there is a big setback, although you should be clear if you camp further south. It is a shame that there is an offroad track right beside the lake, i.e lots of bikes, ATVs, and 4x4s making noise and creating clouds of dust. Lots of boaters as well. Someone also decided to use their chainsaw at around 10 pm to create an even bigger bonfire. The huge clouds of smoke did cover the smell from the toilets, if I should look on the bright side. One of the prettiest campsites we’ve been to, nonetheless, with few good walks (if you don’t mind engine noise). The 8 dollars pp gave us mixed feelings. On one hand we want to help with the upkeep of the environment, on the other it feels like we paid for a motor show.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
Fantastic area with multiple areas to camp.
If in a 4wd access to extra areas including huts also available
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
The best place I stayed in, in our adventure in NZ.
We had a campervan and went out of our way a little bit (30 mins) to get to this campsite. I’m a LOTR fan myself and actually felt the most ‘LOTR vibe’ being here - even more than Rohan or Gondor ‘areas’! You could actually believe yourself in hearing Sam say ‘MR FRODO! ... & I’m coming with you!’.
We have a particularly special experience with this campsite as it started snowing overnight and we woke up to a winter wonderland in the morning. A truely magical experience (in November!). Campervan was fine driving back on snow-y roads as well.
10/10 recommend. I don’t know about toilets etc because we were self contained - but I think I saw one :)
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.5/5
Stunning views.
Lots of camp sites, fire places, toilets and untreated tap water. Strongly recommend! But lots of sandflies.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.5/5
Iconic campsite!
Amazing views being nestled in alpine lake valley. Huge area to camp, numerous firespots, good toilet availability. Excellent walks, recommend one from north to south lake across suspension bridges. We went on busy New years weekend and still found serenity. Be aware vehicle track at very end of campsite leading up mountain can get busy and noisey with 4wds and motor bikes. Sandflies seemed to
More of an issue in amongst trees. Highly recommend!
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
5.0/5
Very lovely camping spots in the forest near the lake with lots of space in between them.
Some fire places and tables provided - a picture book camping experience!
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
3.0/5
This is a very beautiful spot.
The lakes are lovely and DOC have provided great campsites with picnic tables and fire boxes. However, it appears to be frequented by people (mostly Kiwis) who are not really there to appreciate the peace, beauty and wildlife, but instead have arrived with trail bikes, power boats and crates of beer. Instead of using the long drop toilets, many of them prefer to shit in the woods. Yuck. Not worth the 35km gravel road.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
4.0/5
Very remote but beautiful place.
Quite a drive, so only worth of it if you stay for a few days and you want to explore the area
Reviewed almost 10 years ago and experienced in November 2014
4.5/5
Quite a long gravel road to reach it (37km) but worth it!
Great sceneries with the lakes, mountains and the filming locations of Lotr. Just 6$ each but toilets could be better.
Reviewed over 10 years ago
4.0/5
Beautiful surroundings in the middle of nowhere.
Prepare for basic facilities (no shower, no kitchen) and sandflies and you'll have a great time.
Reviewed almost 11 years ago
5.0/5
The DOC guy was so nice to us, everything was really clean.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013
4.5/5
Great environment, absolutley quiet and beautiful.
Warm showers probably would be against the concept.
Reviewed over 13 years ago and experienced in March 2011