Mararoa River Track

  • Walking
Length
45.1 km
Journey Time
2 days
Region
Southland
Sub-Region
Southland District
Part of Collections
Te Araroa - New Zealand's Trail , Te Araroa - South Island
Track maintained by
Te Araroa Trail Trust

Te Araroa trail section: Parts of this section are marked with poles. Other parts are unclear and may be overgrown – allow enough time. 

Trampers continuing on from the Mavora Walkway can walk south, down and around North Mavora lakeshore to the swingbridge across the Mararoa River at the lake’s outlet.

The track stays west of, though close to, the Mararoa River and then South Mavora Lake to this lake’s outlet where another swingbridge provides an alternative access point from Mavora Lakes Road. 

Beyond this swingbridge, the track continues down the true right side of the Mararoa River to a third and final swingbridge at km 2,785.8. The bridge aligns with another track that intersects Te Araroa and provides access to Mavora Lakes Road.

Along the way, a careful assessment of the trail ahead is required: if the Mararoa River can be forded safely just beyond the Kiwi Burn confluence, then Te Araroa trampers can continue down the track on the true right side to the Kiwi Burn, then either divert 1.5km to the Kiwi Burn Hut, or ford the Mararoa River and continue south on the true left bank. 

If the Mararoa is not fordable, then Te Araroa trampers must cross the final swingbridge at km 2,785.8.

Trampers can then continue down the true left bank on the river side of the fence and, after 3km, rejoin Te Araroa opposite the Kiwi Burn confluence.

Estimated time for 17.5km from Mavora Lakes Campsite to Kiwi Burn Hut, including 1.5 km diversion to the hut: 5 hours.

Below the Kiwi Burn confluence, Te Araroa is marked with poles down the Mararoa’s true left bank. This is on the river side of the fence all the way down to Wash Creek, some 16km distant. Travel is occasionally damp underfoot and a little slow through long grasses but the route improves and becomes easier in parts as progress is made.

The riverside track from south of Kiwi Burn hut (km 2788.7 to km 2803.3) is badly overgrown and difficult. It may be advisable for southbound hikers to use anglers' trails to cross to the road and then follow Mavora Lakes Road to Wash Creek.

After fording Wash Creek, the route climbs to Mavora Lakes Road. Turn right onto the road and continue for 11km through to SH94. Turn right and walk, carefully, along SH94 a further 2.5km to where Te Araroa turns into Princhester Road. The Lower Princhester Hut is 6km up Princhester Road.

Estimated time for 17.5 km from Kiwi Burn Hut to Mavora Lakes Road, 5 hours. It's another 2.5 hours along the road to SH94.

DOC’s Mavora Lakes Park pamphlet includes additional information on some of this trail section and the surrounding area.

There is 22km left on SH94 to Mossburn and 33km right on SH94 to Te Anau, a pleasant lakeside town and gateway to Fiordland National Park

Conditions

Potential hazards

  • Vehicles on road or track – take extreme care on Mavora Lakes Road and SH94
  • Farming operations
  • River crossings – never cross flooded rivers
  • Small stream crossings
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold

How to get here

Northern Start: Mavora Camping Area, Mavora Lakes Road

Southern End: Junction of SH94 and Princhester Road

Transport

Te Anau getting there/away

  • InterCity - P: 03 365 1113 - Daily buses to Queenstown, Dunedin and Christchurch

  • Private Transfer an on-demand service at a time to suit. Cost from $45.00 per charter dropping off at state highway 94. For a drop off at the end of the Princhester Road Cost from $55 per charter. Contact Topline Tours Linda & Denis P: 03 249 8059 or 03 249 9550 or try cell 029 770 3134

  • Tracknet - P: 0800 483 262 provide public transport to and from Princhester Road from Te Anau

Accommodation

Trail Pass

Campsite_Included Mavora Lakes Campsite - km 2,772.3 -

Hut_Included Kiwi Burn Hut - km 2,788.7 - Included in The Trail Pass

Te Anau accommodation

Many other options at all levels are also available in Te Anau.

Mossburn accommodation

Food And Supply

Te Ānau resupply:

On the Trail:

  • Sprig & Thistle:  A vintage-style caravan full to the brim with coffee and homemade savouries and sweets.  On the Trail at 6 Princhester Road, The Key.
  • Davaar & Co: Woolen Jerseys crafted from Davaar Station sheep's wool.  Our jerseys are sustainably grown, spun & knitted entirely in New Zealand. Also located at 6 Princhester Road, The Key.

Track Elevation and Map

Total 1 photos. Click image above to view them all.

More information

Te Ānau general information

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Mountain Safety Council Plan My Trip
Page last updated: 10/12/2024, 7:59 am