Destination Guide: Early Morning Sunrises at Mavora Lakes, New Zealand

(A Guide for the Aurora Chaser and Sunrise Seeker)

[Image: Use the 6000x4000 image here. It should capture the essence of a sunrise at Mavora Lakes – perhaps with golden light reflecting on the water, mountain peaks in the background, and some native flora in the foreground.]

Welcome to Mavora Lakes, a truly special corner of New Zealand's South Island. While Mavora offers stunning beauty throughout the day, witnessing the early morning sunrises here is an experience that transcends the ordinary. This guide is designed to help you plan your trip and make the most of chasing that perfect Mavora sunrise.

Why Mavora Lakes for Sunrise?

Mavora Lakes, nestled deep within Fiordland National Park, offers a unique combination of factors that make it an exceptional sunrise destination:

• Dramatic Landscape: Towering, snow-capped peaks, ancient beech forests, and the still, reflective surface of the lakes create a breathtaking canvas for the rising sun to paint.
• Remote Location: Far from city lights and noise pollution, Mavora Lakes provides a tranquil and pristine environment for experiencing nature at its finest. This also makes it ideal for stargazing and potentially catching the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).
• Accessibility: While remote, Mavora Lakes is accessible by car (though gravel roads are involved!), making it a relatively easier destination to reach compared to other remote locations in Fiordland.
• Variety of Vantage Points: From the shores of the lakes to nearby trails and hills, there are numerous spots to find the perfect angle for capturing that golden hour magic.
• Southern Lights Potential: Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Mavora Lakes offers the chance to witness the Aurora Australis, often best visible in the early morning hours. A sunrise after an Aurora sighting? Unforgettable!

Planning Your Trip:

• Best Time to Visit:
  • Autumn (March-May): The changing foliage adds vibrant colours to the landscape, complementing the sunrise. Expect cooler temperatures.
  • Winter (June-August): Snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop, but be prepared for very cold temperatures and potential road closures due to snow. The Aurora Australis is often most visible during winter.
  • Spring (September-November): As the snow melts, wildflowers bloom, and the landscape awakens. The air is crisp and refreshing.
  • Summer (December-February): Warmest temperatures and long daylight hours, perfect for extended hikes and outdoor activities. However, sunrise will be later in the morning.
• Getting There:
  • By Car: The most common way to reach Mavora Lakes. The last section of the road is gravel, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Check road conditions before you go, especially during winter. Access is usually via Te Anau or Mossburn.
  • By Guided Tour: Some tour operators offer trips to Mavora Lakes, which can be a convenient option if you don't want to drive yourself.
• Accommodation:
  • Camping: Mavora Lakes offers several well-maintained Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites. Bookings are recommended, especially during peak season. The main campsites are at the North Mavora Lake and South Mavora Lake.
  • Te Anau: The closest town with a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly backpacker hostels to luxury hotels. It's about a 1.5-2 hour drive to Mavora Lakes from Te Anau.
  • Mossburn: A smaller town with limited accommodation options, but a more direct route to Mavora Lakes.
• What to Pack:
  • Warm Clothing: Even in summer, early mornings can be cold, especially near the lakes. Layers are essential. Bring thermal underwear, fleece jackets, a waterproof outer layer, gloves, a hat, and warm socks.
  • Sturdy Footwear: If you plan on doing any hiking, wear comfortable and supportive hiking boots.
  • Camera Gear: A camera with a wide-angle lens and a tripod is crucial for capturing stunning sunrise photos. Consider bringing extra batteries, as cold temperatures can drain them quickly.
  • Headlamp or Torch: Essential for navigating in the dark before sunrise.
  • Insect Repellent: Sandflies can be prevalent, especially near the water.
  • Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the sun can be strong.
  • Food and Water: There are no shops or restaurants at Mavora Lakes, so bring all the food and water you will need.
  • First-Aid Kit: A basic first-aid kit is always a good idea when travelling in remote areas.
  • Maps and Navigation: Download offline maps and familiarize yourself with the area before you go. Cell phone reception can be limited.
  • Binoculars: For wildlife spotting and enjoying the landscape.
• Safety Considerations:
  • Inform Someone: Always let someone know your plans and when you expect to return.
  • Check Weather Conditions: Weather in Fiordland can change rapidly. Check the forecast before you go and be prepared for all conditions.
  • Be Aware of Wildlife: While Mavora Lakes is generally safe, be aware of the potential for encountering deer, possums, and other wildlife.
  • Respect the Environment: Leave no trace. Pack out all your rubbish and stay on marked trails.
  • Water Safety: Be careful near the water, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

Finding the Perfect Sunrise Spot:

Mavora Lakes offers a variety of locations to witness the sunrise, each with its own unique charm. Here are some suggestions:

• North Mavora Lake Campsite: The shoreline near the campsite provides easy access and stunning views across the lake towards the mountains. It's perfect if you're camping overnight.
• South Mavora Lake Campsite: Similar to the North Lake campsite, this location offers beautiful views and convenient access if you're camping.
• The Mavora Walkway: This multi-day tramp offers several viewpoints along the way. Consider hiking a short distance along the track from either the North or South Lake campsites before sunrise to find a secluded spot.
• Boundary Hut: A historic hut located on the northern end of North Mavora Lake. Requires a moderate hike to reach, but offers panoramic views.
• Around the Lakes Edge: Explore the gravel roads that follow the lake edges. Pull over at scenic spots to capture the light as it changes. Be mindful of other vehicles and hikers.
• Small Hill near the campsite: Climb the small hill (more of a large bump) near the North Mavora Lake campsite for a higher vantage point offering expansive views over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Tips for Capturing the Perfect Sunrise Photo:

• Arrive Early: Get to your chosen location at least 30 minutes before sunrise to allow time to set up your camera and find the perfect composition.
• Use a Tripod: A tripod is essential for sharp photos, especially in low light conditions.
• Shoot in RAW: This will give you more flexibility when editing your photos later.
• Experiment with Different Settings: Try different aperture settings to control the depth of field. A smaller aperture (e.g., f/8 or f/11) will keep everything in focus, while a larger aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4) will create a shallow depth of field.
• Use Graduated Neutral Density Filters: These filters can help balance the exposure between the bright sky and the darker foreground.
• Compose Your Shot: Pay attention to the composition of your photo. Use leading lines to draw the viewer's eye into the scene. Consider using the rule of thirds.
• Be Patient: Sunrises can be unpredictable. Sometimes the best light doesn't appear until after the official sunrise time.
• Look for Reflections: The still waters of Mavora Lakes offer fantastic opportunities for capturing reflections.
• Don't Forget the Foreground: Include interesting elements in the foreground to add depth and interest to your photos.

Chasing the Aurora Australis:

Mavora Lakes is a fantastic location for attempting to view the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). Here's what to consider:

• Kp Index: Monitor the Kp index, a measure of geomagnetic activity. A Kp index of 5 or higher is generally considered good for Aurora viewing. Use websites or apps like Aurora Forecast or SpaceWeatherLive.
• Dark Skies: Mavora Lakes offers incredibly dark skies, crucial for seeing the faint light of the Aurora.
• Clear Skies: Obviously, you need clear skies to see the Aurora.
• Southward Facing View: The Aurora appears on the southern horizon, so choose a location with an unobstructed view to the south. The North Mavora Lake offers good southern visibility.
• New Moon: The darkness of a new moon is ideal.
• Patience: Seeing the Aurora is never guaranteed. Be prepared to wait and keep checking the sky.
• Camera Settings: Use a wide-angle lens, a fast aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or wider), and a high ISO (e.g., 1600 or higher). Experiment with different shutter speeds. A starting point would be 15-30 seconds.
• Review Images: Sometimes the aurora is faint and hard to see with the naked eye. Take test shots and check the images on your camera screen. Often, the camera will pick up the colours better than your eye.

Other Activities at Mavora Lakes:

While sunrise viewing is a highlight, Mavora Lakes offers a range of other activities to enjoy during your stay:

• Hiking: Numerous trails wind through the surrounding forests and mountains, catering to all fitness levels. The Mavora Walkway is a popular multi-day tramp. Shorter walks are also available.
• Fishing: Mavora Lakes are renowned for their trout fishing. A fishing license is required.
• Kayaking/Canoeing: Explore the lakes by kayak or canoe and enjoy the stunning scenery from a different perspective.
• Boating: Motorboats are permitted on the lakes, subject to certain regulations.
• Camping: Enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness by camping at one of the DOC campsites.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for native birds, deer, and other wildlife.

Responsible Tourism:

Please help us preserve the beauty of Mavora Lakes for future generations by following these guidelines:

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all your rubbish.
• Stay on Marked Trails: Avoid damaging fragile vegetation.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and do not feed them.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise levels down and respect their privacy.
• Follow DOC Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations for visiting Fiordland National Park.
• Clean your boots: Please clean your hiking boots before and after entering the park to help prevent the spread of Didymo and other invasive species.

Useful Resources:

• Department of Conservation (DOC): www.doc.govt.nz - For information on campsites, trails, and permits.
• New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA): www.nzta.govt.nz - For road conditions and closures.
• Aurora Forecast Websites/Apps: Search for "Aurora Forecast" on your app store.

Enjoy your sunrise adventure at Mavora Lakes! We hope this guide helps you create unforgettable memories in this beautiful corner of New Zealand.