Lake Matheson
Image: Miles Holden | ©
Located in Fox Glacier area and Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region
Fitness required: Suitable for all fitnesses
Gradient: Undulating
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
...Image: Miles Holden ©
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
...Image: Miles Holden ©
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
...Image: Miles Holden ©
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
...Image: Miles Holden ©
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
...Image: Miles Holden ©
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
...Image: Miles Holden ©
Aoraki/Mount Cook reflected in Lake Matheson
Aoraki/Mount Cook reflected in Lake Matheson
...Image: Shellie Evans ©
Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its excellent reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water – the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are the best times to enjoy the reflections in the lake.
Time: 40 min return car park to jetty
Distance: 1 km return car park to jetty
The first section of the walk, to the Jetty Viewpoint, is suitable for assisted wheelchairs. After crossing the Clearwater suspension bridge, the walk to the Jetty Viewpoint takes you past tall kahikatea and rimu as well as a rich profusion of smaller plant varieties.
The jetty provides a magnificent mountain view reflected in the dark waters.
Time: 1 hr 30 min return
Distance: 2.6 km return
After walking to the Jetty Viewpoint, continue further around the lake. You will find a similarly magnificent mountain reflection shrouded in native foliage at the View of Views at the top end of the lake, and again at Reflection Island.
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.
Lake Matheson was formed when Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe retreated from its last significant advance about 14,000 years ago. During the last major ice age, the glacier spread across the coastal plains towards the sea, dumping huge piles of rock. The glacier ground a depression which later filled with water, forming the lake.
The species most likely to be seen here is the long-finned eel, which made this an important food gathering site (mahinga kai) for Māori travelling along the coast.
Ensure you take:
For information on transport, accommodation, activities, and attractions in the West Coast region, refer to www.westcoast.co.nz.
A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land - see Recreational drone use and Commercial drone use for more information.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 3 752 0360 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
69 Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier 7856 |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 14 Franz Josef Glacier 7856 |
Full office details |
Hokitika Office | |
Phone: | +64 3 756 9100 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | hokitika@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
10 Sewell Street Hokitika 7810 |
Postal Address: |
Private Bag 701 Hokitika 7842 |
Full office details |