“On a Mish” #448 An Introduction to Awesomeness (Part One). Mararoa River. Mavora Lakes Park. Southland. 4.2.2026. It is no secret that Georgie and I absolutely love going to the Mavora Lakes. Whether it be a day trip or overnight adventure, we are keen and will be looking forward to a good time with incredible scenery to match. It is also very cool when we can convince someone else to join us on our journey into epicness, and it is even better when that person is new to the area and I am the one giving them an introduction to awesomeness…
On a warm day in February, I wanted to go camping and by chance it was on my flatmate Vivek’s days off. Vivek has lived at my house on and off for the last couple of years and it has been very cool watching him fall in love with the little town (Te Anau), perched on the edge of Fiordland National Park. It happened to me many years ago, and it is amazing to see the place have a similar effect on someone else.
During our time living together we have never managed to go on a mish, and I really wanted to change that fact. And because I knew he hadn’t been to the Mavora Lakes I wanted to be the one who gave him the introduction. The weather was perfect, and really there wasn’t any excuse to not go out and enjoy a night under the stars of Mavora.
After gathering gear and food we piled into the car and headed west. At every opportunity Georgie had her head out of the window and her tail’s constant back and forth showed how much she was already loving the adventure. This would be her 7seventh time camping at the park, so she is now very familiar with the place and has no issue with showing it to the world.
After completing the very convenient 45-minute drive to the Mavora Lakes from Te Anau we were struck with the camping grounds biggest issue, where do we camp? With around sixty campsite the choices are nearly endless. Our decision was made a little bit easier by the fact that a harsh southerly was rolling though the area, and we wanted a spot out of the stiff breeze. After a few laps we found the perfect spot out of the wind beside the Mararoa River (between North and South Mavora Lakes).
With a home for the night confirmed we paid our camping fees and then began to erect the tents. It wasn’t long before we were set up and ready to prepare our dinner. I am very fortunate that Vivek is a chef, because he created a feast that was further enhanced by the epic location. So far so good, this introduction to awesomeness / the Mavora Lakes is going perfectly to plan…
