Lake Gault Track
Located in Fox Glacier area and Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region
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Introduction
A gradual climb on a historical tramping track through ancient podocarp forest provides panoramic views of Aoraki /Mount Cook. On a good day, you can see the mountain landscape reflected in Lake Gault.8 km return via same track
Dog access
Beginning from the Lake Matheson carpark, follow the Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati walk in an anti-clockwise direction before branching off to Lake Gault.
The track gradually climbs 200 m through original podocarp forest with several small stream crossings.
As the track flattens out, you’ll catch glimpses of Lake Gault through the vegetation. Continue several minutes to the lookout point.
The lookout spot offers incredible panoramic views of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. On a still day, these peaks are perfectly reflected on the surface of Lake Gault.
Early morning is the best time for mirror views, when the lake is calm and before clouds obscure the mountains.
- Turn onto Cook Flat Road in the middle of Fox Glacier Weheka township.
- Travel 5 km along this road then turn right onto the side road to Lake Matheson.
- The track starts from the Lake Matheson carpark.
Toilets are located at the Lake Matheson car park.
All drone use must be authorised by DOC
You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.
In April 2019 this track was re-opened after a 20-year closure thanks to the efforts of local volunteers. This initiative was led by the Fox Glacier Community Development Society in partnership with DOC.
In 2020 the track was then upgraded, as part of a package of work to sustain tourism in the area and build the glacier country's economic resilience.
Contacts
| Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 752 0360 |
| westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 69 Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier 7856 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |
