Lake Matheson Tours and Activities

Fox Glacier showing mountains and a sunset
Fox Glacier featuring forests
Fox Glacier which includes snow, a lake or waterhole and forests
Fox Glacier featuring a lake or waterhole, forest scenes and mountains
Fox Glacier featuring forest scenes


Hike around this picturesque lake in the forest to see the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps reflected in its dark waters on a clear day.

Find the mirroring beauty of Lake Matheson on the remote west coast of the South Island. Peer into the dark waters of the lake, which are a rich brown color due to organic matter leached from the sediments of the forest floor. It is this dark color that gives the lake its famous reflective qualities and on a clear day, you can see snow-capped Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman reflected in the lake.

See all Lake Matheson has to offer by walking around it, through the emerald green forest. The Lake Circuit walk is about 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) and takes about 1.5 hours if you are generally fit. A shorter and wheelchair-friendly option is the Jetty Viewpoint walk, covering just over half a mile (1 kilometer).

Arrive here at dawn or dusk to see the changing moods of the lake. Mornings and evenings are generally also the least windy, to get that polished mirror shine to the lake. Pause at each of the three viewing platforms to see different perspectives of the lake, with the best views from its westernmost point, where you can gaze up at the Southern Alps to the east.

After your walk, treat yourself to a coffee and a snack at the Matheson Café. Situated at the start of the walks, the café offers great lake views as well. As you eat, let your mind wander to imagine the first Māori of the area, who used this as an important food gathering site on their travels south. They especially enjoyed the long-finned eels that can be found in the lake. Have a look in the adjoining gallery for some ornate Māori artworks or other beautiful souvenirs.

Lake Matheson is just a short drive to the west of Fox Glacier, which is not only a glacier but also a small town. Get here by car and park for free by the lake. The larger towns of Greymouth to the north and Wanaka to the south are each about 3 hours away, so consider staying the night in the local area and also take in the Franz Josef Glacier to the east, half an hour away by car.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake Matheson

Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier

Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier

4 out of 5
209 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
Mt Cook View Motel - Fox Glacier
Sunset Motel

Sunset Motel

3 out of 5
93 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
Sunset Motel
Rainforest Motel

Rainforest Motel

3.5 out of 5
15 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
Rainforest Motel
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels

Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels

2 out of 5
Kerrs Road, Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels
Fox Glacier Lodge

Fox Glacier Lodge

4 out of 5
41 Sullivan Road, Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier Lodge
Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier

Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier

4 out of 5
55 Main Road SH6, Fox Glacier
Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier
High Peaks Hotel

High Peaks Hotel

3.5 out of 5
167 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
High Peaks Hotel
Mathesons Escape

Mathesons Escape

Fox Glacier
Mathesons Escape
Lake Matheson Motel

Lake Matheson Motel

4 out of 5
Cnr Cook Flat Road & Pekanga Drive, Fox Glacier
Lake Matheson Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Matheson

At Lake Matheson, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including the scenic Lake Matheson Walk, which offers stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains. The Glacier Walkway provides breathtaking views, while the Glacier Hot Pools offer a relaxing experience. Don't miss the Jetty Viewpoint for a perfect photo opportunity. Reviews of the Lake Matheson Walk highlight its beauty and accessibility, making it a must-visit for nature lovers exploring New Zealand's West Coast.

Recreation

Experience the soothing Waiho Hot Tubs, located 19.3km from Lake Matheson, where you can unwind in private hot tubs surrounded by nature. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and rejuvenate your body while taking in the serene views of the lush West Coast landscape.

Adventure

The Hooker Valley Track, located 30.6km from Lake Matheson, offers breathtaking scenery and a thrilling hiking experience among stunning landscapes. For a unique perspective, try Air Safaris, a scenic flight 16.1km away, showcasing the majestic vistas. Alternatively, hike the Alex Knob trail, 14.5km away, for more outdoor adventure.

Find the best attractions near Lake Matheson

Lake Matheson, located near Fox Glacier, is a must-visit destination for those seeking stunning outdoor experiences amidst lush rainforests and picturesque beaches. Ideal for romance and scenery lovers, the area offers a variety of attractions that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the glacier and its surroundings. Don't miss the chance to explore the serene waters of Lake Matheson and its captivating views, making it a perfect spot for any traveller.

  • Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest: This enchanting rainforest, located 4.8km from Lake Matheson, offers a magical experience with its eco-friendly scenery. Stroll through lush greenery and witness the captivating glow of thousands of glow worms lighting up the night.
  • Fox Glacier: Situated 11.3km away, Fox Glacier is a breathtaking natural wonder. Experience the stunning scenery as you explore the glacier, surrounded by dramatic mountains and pristine landscapes that showcase the raw beauty of New Zealand.
  • Lake Gault: Just 1.6km from Lake Matheson, Lake Gault is a serene spot perfect for romance and outdoor activities. Enjoy picturesque views, relax on the beach, and soak in the tranquility of this hidden gem.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Matheson

To save money during your visit to Lake Matheson, take advantage of the free entry to the lake and consider travelling during the cheaper months of May to June and August. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance often yields the best rates, particularly on Saturdays. Check Expedia for last-minute deals and use their search tool to filter for budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel stay with flights and activities for further savings. Always look out for deals like "great rates" and "hot deals" to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Matheson are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Lake Matheson about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Matheson is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Matheson is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results to display hotels from the lowest to highest price, helping you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you have the ability to refine your search by hotel type—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at Lake Matheson with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.