Lake Matheson in NZ is a popular destination for photographers, visitors, and explorers. Experience New Zealand’s rugged beauty, paired with the serenity of serene surroundings and some of the cleanest air known to man. Here is a guide to Lake Matheson and walk.
Lake Matheson: A Famous Mirror Lake Of West Coast, NZ
Lake Matheson, near Fox Glacier, is one of New Zealand’s most gorgeous symbols, renowned as one of the world’s most picturesque mirror lakes. One of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots is located on the West Coast of the South Island, in the heart of Glacier Country and Westland National Park. The Lake Matheson hike is a must-do activity for all Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier tourists.
Nature has combined just the perfect ingredients in Lake Matheson, near Fox Glacier, to create truly spectacular reflections of New Zealand’s highest peaks, Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson’s waters are dark brown, making for a great reflected surface on a calm day. Natural leaching of organic debris from the adjacent native forest floor causes the color. The mountains to the east are, by chance, ideally positioned to reflect in the lake.
How did the lake form?
Lake Matheson developed approximately 14,000 years ago when the Fox Glacier retreated from its last major push towards the sea, leaving a depression filled with water. The walk from the car park to the pontoon takes 40 minutes, or 1.5 hours around the lake.
Lake Matheson Walk
The Lake Matheson Walk is a simple loop that may be completed by any traveler. It winds around the lake’s perimeter, with only a slight elevation difference. Even if you are short on time or traveling with little children, walk the path for some time and return at some point because the views from the trail are far superior to those from the car park.
The trail consists of a well-maintained forest walkway and wooden boardwalks, so no hiking equipment is required. You have the option of directing the walk. Both clockwise and anti-clockwise alternatives are equivalent. However, most people, including us, prefer to walk clockwise.
There are various interesting points. If you don’t want to walk far, at least get to Jetty Viewpoint. Jetty Viewpoint is also accessible by wheelchair and stroller. It is 1.2 kilometers from the parking lot and will take you 45 minutes to return.
Then proceed to View of Views Lookout and the most well-known Reflection Island Lookout. This is the must-see location for capturing the coveted photograph. From here, we recommend completing the 4.4-kilometer loop, which should take around an hour and a half with photo breaks.
Aside from the vistas and reflections, Lake Matheson Walk showcases the best of New Zealand’s woods, and while the lake will undoubtedly enchant you, don’t miss out on the wonderful settings of the lake hidden in the old forest.
Because canoeing and kayaking are not permitted on the lake, the only accessible activity is a calm walk.
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How to get there
Owning a car is the greatest method to navigating New Zealand. If you plan an itinerary for a month or less, you should rent a car or a campervan.
Getting to Lake Matheson while experiencing Glacier Country is simple. To travel to Lake Matheson, you must rent a car. Turn left along Cook Flat Road once you arrive in Fox Glacier township. After about five kilometers, you’ll arrive at the car park, where you can leave your car for free and continue your journey.
You have two options if you do not have a vehicle but have arrived at the location. You can either book a guided trip or purchase a ticket for the Glacier Shuttles & Chartres Franz Josef bus company, which runs in the area.
The best time to go
Lake Matheson is open all year, even during the winter.
You will enjoy the hike in both summer and winter if you are well-prepared for the circumstances.
Winter months (June to August) can expect snowy conditions. When the weather is clear, images will be spectacular as the white blanket covers the mountains, and the reflections in the lake differ more dramatically.
Autumn and spring are colorful, whereas summer can experience all four seasons in a single day, but your chances of bright skies and rainless days are significantly higher.
When it comes to the best time of day to visit Lake Matheson, the most popular times are around sunrise and then sunset.
During this time, the color of the sky, the lake, and the mirror-like effect is the most impressive (when the conditions are favorable), and morning and evening are the best times for calm weather without blowing wind, which might destroy your photo. The trail will also be less congested than it is during the day.
Tips to Lake Matheson Walk
- The weather in the area changes quickly, so even if you plan a short walk around the lake, don’t underestimate the elements.
- Hiking boots are not required this time, but trail walking shoes will suffice.
- We would have taken the hiking boots to keep our feet dry if it had rained or was about to rain.
- Carry a water bottle, a rain poncho, or a waterproof jacket in a small daypack.
- Sunscreen and bug repellent are also useful in this situation.
- Then, dress appropriately for the season when touring New Zealand.
Do you want to go to Lake Matheson after reading this article? We would be delighted if you found this post informative. Please share your plans in the comments section below.
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