“As a writer, my professors and editor mentors taught me early in my career to avoid clichés like the plague. But a whole book describing the morning sun peaking over Mt. Cook and cascading onto Lake Matheson would never do justice to the moment. The calm water perfectly reflected Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman, whose peaks nosed into clouds.”
Eleanor Hand (Feb 2009)
Lake Matheson Walkway
Lake Matheson, New Zealand’s most famous photograph stop and a must-do visitor attraction. Situated 6km west of Fox Glacier Township in the heart of Glacier Country, the walking track around the lake starts between Matheson Café and ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery. There is an introduction/interpretation area at the entrance, which is a great place to familiarise yourself with the Lake Matheson walk.
The walking track winds through ancient native rainforest and has three fantastic viewing platforms along the journey. A full circuit of the lake takes between 1 – 1.5 hrs but you can do a shorter walk by going to jetty view point and back, approx 30 – 40 mins return. This section is graded for wheelchair access.
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A photographer's paradise, the Lake Matheson walk-way offers infinite opportunities to capture New Zealand's highest peaks, native trees, birds and flowers (when in season) all at the one location. A nature walk that offers you a tranquil journey through winding bush with plentiful bird song and stunning views, no matter what the mood of the lake.
Formed some 14,000 years ago, the lake is the result of a slight depression left in the landscape by Fox Glacier as it retreated back toward the mountains.
The surrounding forest not only gives the lake shelter and context, it's also the source of the water's dark brown colour, which comes from organic material leaching into the lake from the forest floor. And so the forest is also responsible for the wonderful reflective quality of the water surface. The dark colour and protection from the wind provide a smooth surface which projects a mirror image of its surrounds.
The best time to capture the perfect reflection is at dawn or dusk, before there is any breeze. If you are unable to capture the perfect photo there is a range of professional products available at ReflectioNz Gifts & Gallery. Some images can also be seen in our Photo Gallery.
After a circuit of the lake a stop for refreshments at Matheson Cafe is a great way to sit back and review your photos.
Lake Matheson History
Visits to Lake Matheson started in the 1950s. Guests from the Fox Hotel were encouraged to go on this early morning excursion. All would gather for a cup of tea in the hotel kitchen then a short bus trip down to the lake car park (if the bus would start). The walk would start from the same place as now but with no bridges everyone’s feet were soon wet. A 15-minute walk through the bush track would get them to a small beach where a rowboat was moored. With the guide at the oars guests would soon be at Reflection Island. Low fog would sometimes increase the boat ride, as they would go in circles until the fog cleared. Once on reflection island there was an impatient 5min wait for the ripples from the boat to settle and the perfect reflection of New Zealand’s highest peaks to appear.
