A walk around Lake Matheson is a must-do if you’re staying on New Zealand’s west coast. On a still day, this tranquil lake perfectly reflects Mount Cook in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Here’s what to expect on a walk around Lake Matheson, with tips on where to get that perfect photo.
Getting to Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson is about five kilometres outside Fox Glacier, on the west side of New Zealand’s South Island.
If you’re staying in Fox Glacier, you can walk to the start – it’s flat, down a quiet main road. Alternatively, or if you’re coming from elsewhere, you can drive there and park at the Lake Matheson café.
What is the walk like?
The walk around Lake Matheson takes you through rainforest around the lake. The trees shelter the path for most of the way round, so it’s a good walk for a hot day. The path is basically flat, other than a few gentle slopes. Overall it’s an easy walk.
You can choose to walk all the way around the lake, which is about three miles. Alternatively, you can walk part of the way and then turn back. All of these different routes are well signposted.
Afterwards, you can stop for lunch at Matheson Café. I can highly recommend the food here!
What to wear for the walk
This is just a walk rather than a hike so you don’t need to wear sports gear. In terms of footwear, I suggest wearing trainers but you could do it in sandals if you wanted to.
Where to get a perfect photo of Mount Cook at Lake Matheson
Many people will want to walk around Lake Matheson to get a glimpse of Mount Cook and its perfect reflection in the lake. The best viewpoint to see Mount Cook from Lake Matheson is Reflection Island on the northeast side of the lake.
The view of Mount Cook is highly weather-dependent. On a cloudy day, Mount Cook might be completely invisible. But on a clear, still day you’ll be able to get that perfect photo.
A harder hike in the area
The walk around Lake Matheson is one of the easier ones in the Fox Glacier area. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, try the four-mile Fox Glacier South Side Walkway which gives you brilliant views of Fox Glacier. If you’re looking for something much harder, head over to Franz Josef/Waiau for the Alex Knob Track, where your reward is a vista of Franz Josef Glacier.
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