Lake Matheson on the West Coast of New Zealand is located near Fox Glacier. On clear, cloudless days, the lake reflects the highest peaks of New Zealand – Aoraki (also known as Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman.
Lake Matheson – Things you need to know
On calm and sunny days, Lake Matheson becomes a mirror-like surface. This is due to the reflection of the surrounding forest vegetation and organic matter that enters the lake. The stunning scenery of the eastern mountain ranges is mirrored on the lake’s surface, making this coincidence truly rare.
Lake Matheson is home to a significant population of native eels and a variety of waterbirds. It was also a hunting ground for the Maori people. Formed around 14,000 years ago, Lake Matheson came into existence when the Fox Glacier retreated from the coast, reversing its direction and causing the depression in the land that eventually filled with rainwater and meltwater to become the lake we see today.
How long is the Lake Matheson walk?
Lake Matheson features a 5-kilometer loop trail that takes about 1.5 hours to complete with minimal elevation changes and low difficulty.
The approximately 5-kilometre loop trail around the lake takes you through the pristine forest, featuring native ferns and kahikatea trees. Just a few minutes walk from the parking area, you’ll find a footbridge over Clearwater River. The river originates from Lake Matheson, and while it appears brown as it flows over the bridge, it quickly returns to clarity, hence its name, Clearwater River. Following the trail clockwise, and you’ll pass by three viewpoints along the lake’s edge within the first 45 minutes.
The 3 viewpoint
The first viewpoint you will reach is the Jetty Lookout, which is about a 15-minute walk from the parking area.
Before reaching the second viewpoint, Reflection Island Lookout, you will pass by a great photography spot where the foreground is adorned with vegetation and wild ducks swim on the water’s surface.
Reflection Island Lookout is the prime spot at Lake Matheson. It takes about 45 minutes to walk here from the parking area.
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