Lake Manapouri - Views of the River Anduin

No visit 'down South' would be complete without taking in the unspoilt beauty of Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound in the Fiordland National Park. Twenty minutes from spectacular Lake Te Anau, Manapouri is flanked along its north side by the Kepler Mountains with the snow-capped Cathedral Peaks rising above the forest-fringed shore. One of the best ways to experience the pristine beauty of Manapouri and its many secluded bays is by a launch cruise.

As you travel across the water, cast your eyes towards the mountaintops—nestled far up amongst the peaks are the Norwest Lakes, used to show the Fellowship travelling south from Rivendell. Sections of the Waiau River, which flows between Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, were also used for scenes of the River Anduin.

For further information about Fiordland view our Fiordland regional information section.