Mavora Lakes Conservation Park — North and South Mavora Lake Lakeshore Camps

Mavora Lakes is a high tussock-and-beech valley tucked into the Southland back country. It’s best known as a Lord of the Rings film location. Two lakes, North and South Mavora, sit among mountain beech forest, with open flats and long views to the ranges. Camping is lakeside, with the Department of Conservation’s basic, lightly serviced sites (long-drop toilets, no power, no potable water on site). Treat lake water before you drink it. Sandflies are relentless in summer, and fire rules change by season, so check before you strike a match. Rules and fees on DOC land change, so confirm the current setup before you commit.

Access is by gravel road off State Highway 94 (Burwood Station Road) or from the Mossburn side. It’s usually fine for a standard 4WD or a careful high-clearance 2WD in the dry, but expect washboard and a few creek-side wet spots after heavy rain. Cell service is basically nil. Pack in everything and pack out all your rubbish. Have a dirty day.

Beech forest lakeshore camps deep in Southland