Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati
A dark lake framed by rainforest that mirrors Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, one of New Zealand's most famous reflection views.
The lake formed about 14,000 years ago as glaciers retreated. Its water is dark brown from forest humus, and on calm days it mirrors New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman like a mirror. The loop walk around the lake is about 4.4 km, flat and easy, and takes about 1.5 hours. The 'view within a view' lookout and the Reflection Island jetty are the best photo spots. Early mornings with calm, clear weather give the best results, and sunset is also great. There's a café at the entrance. It's about 6 km from Fox Glacier town.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Minnehaha Walk
- Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe
- Gillespies Beach
- Alex Knob Track
- Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
- Peters Pool
- Roberts Point Track
- West Coast Wildlife Centre