Lake Matheson Walk
Lake Matheson Walk
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Dawn or dusk are the times to try and be the pro photographer. The Holy Grail here is to catch the reflection of the highest peaks on a clear day with perfectly calm waters on the lake.
Timing
Lots of tourist buses visit here around 9am, so if you seek a quieter experience then time your walk for very early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Even if its raining this walk is still memorable for the rainforest.
Access
From the northern end of Fox township, turn into Cook Flat Rd and drive 4 km to where Lake Matheson is well signposted.
There is a large parking area, gift shop/cafe and toilets.
Track
This well graded loop of the lake is well furnished with steps, benches, lookout platforms and signage.
Cross the swingbridge and take a left at the loop junction. The walk unfolds better this way.
Take the detours to the View of Views and Island Jetty.
Even if its raining this walk is still memorable for the rainforest.
Geology
All those postcards of snow-shimmering peaks reflected on still, forest fringes waters. ‘Come to NZ’ they say. They are taken here.
Lake Matheson occupies a kettle hole - a depression left by a broken off ice-block from the retreating glacier, which melted in situ.
Details
Easy walk
1 to 2 hours
DOC Managed
Walking track
Contact
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 100.
Flatlanders
Ranking: 7/10
Yes indeed, it actually is a very silent lake at the right time (early). Even cloudy it makes nice mirror-photo's. If it's cloudy ánd windy...skip it. Track itself is a regular bushwalk with lot's of birdlife. Best part: The Robins and Fantails. They are extremely curious so will come real close (on your shoe or on a long stick on your shoulder)...if you're patient.
Mike Fricker
Ranking: 10/10
20Oct18. Weather dry and warm. A slight breeze so the lake was not mirror flat.
Good walk anyway and a cafe at the end.Last time we were here it was mirror flat. The downside was it was the eye of the storm. We caught the end of a cyclone when we left!
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Katrina
Ranking: 10/10
Well maintained track, loop around lake can be done in either direction. We were lucky enough to be in the right places at the right times to catch reflections - worth the early morning wake-up call.
Tony Wilcomes
Ranking: 7/10
Great view of Mt Cook and nice walk around the Lake. Need to get there early morning for clear reflection of the mountains.
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Sally Caboche
Ranking: 10/10
May 2107 Walked in the late afternoon, so no problem with crowds. Again blown away by the fantastic condition of the DOC tracks. This a great short walk as you wind around the lake, regardless of whether you see the reflections, which will only be seen in the optimum conditions. If you see the famous reflections it is a bonus, but enjoy one of the best short walks through a beautiful rainforest environment catching views of Aoraki Mt Cook and Tasman. Loved this meandering walk with the sun glittering through the leaves ... one of my favourites.
Jasmin Thuess
Ranking: 6/10
Nice landscape, but very crowded in the peak season. Need to be there very early in the evening or late in the afternoon, otherwise, you cannot see reflections.
John Farley
Ranking: 5/10
In order to get the fabled reflection, it is necessary for the weather to be both cloudless and completely calm. A very rare occurrence in Fox. Otherwise, this is an easy, run of the mill rainforest stroll.
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Allie Nertz
Ranking: 10/10
Very beautiful view of the reflective lake.
Katrina Sedl
Ranking: 10/10
Loved the sunset, amazing view.
Colin Fisher
Ranking: 10/10
One of the best things I have ever seen. Pictures will last a lifetime and definitely would recommend to others. Easy walk as well.
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Chris Schmolz
Ranking: 10/10
One of the best views in New Zealand.
Jair
Ranking: 10/10
Above our expectations. The gift shop and the cafe show how well New Zealand is invested here.
Dylan Smyth
Ranking: 7/10
Heard great things about the sights there. Was slightly disappointed due to weather but the walk was great. Well maintained and signposted. DOC always over estimate times.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
Nick Morrison
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