Last Updated on: 20 May 2025

Why walk the Lake Matheson Track?

I still remember the first time I saw that reflection, the one that makes your jaw drop and your camera overheat. I had set my alarm for a brutal 5.30am, grumbled my way into boots, and set off through the silent West Coast bush with a thermos in hand. By 6.15, the lake was still as glass and Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman stood proudly reflected on the surface like a painted postcard. It felt like I’d stumbled into a dream, the kind you don’t want to wake from.

Lake Matheson isn’t just about the views, though they are spectacular. It’s about the experience, the way the track snakes through ancient podocarp forest, the sudden hush when you reach the water, and the ever-changing sky mirrored in perfect symmetry. And the best part? It’s doable for almost anyone.

“You don’t need to be a seasoned tramper to feel like you’ve hit the jackpot on this one,” says Sandra, our resident walk specialist. “The payoff-to-effort ratio is absurdly high, it’s one of my all-time favourites for first-time walkers or those short on time.”

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Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Lake Matheson Car Park
  • Nearest town: Fox Glacier
  • Distance: 2.6 km
  • Time needed: 1.5 hours return (with photo stops!)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Wheelchair Access: Partially (to Jetty Viewpoint only)
  • Kid-friendly: Yes
  • Route: Round Trip Circuit
  • Elevation: 94m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Yes, at the car park and Matheson Café
  • Dog friendly: No
  • Best time to go: Sunrise for reflections, Autumn for still weather
  • Mobile Coverage: No
  • Are drones allowed: No (DOC rules)

Walking track map of Lake Matheson

🚗 Getting There

  • Car park location: Lake Matheson Car Park, off Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
  • Parking availability: Room for around 60 cars, including campervans. Shaded areas available. Free parking.
  • Public transport options: Shuttle buses from Franz Josef and Fox Glacier available seasonally. Check with local i-SITE.
  • Entry fees / permits required: Free entry, no permits required.
  • Signage to the start of the walk: Well signposted from Fox Glacier township and at the car park.
Lake Matheson DOC Sign of walk times

🚶‍♂️ Walk Directions: Step-by-Step

  1. Start at the Lake Matheson Car Park, next to the café. From here, you’ll see a clear sign pointing toward the walking track. Head onto the wide gravel path that leads you into the native forest.
  2. Cross the swing bridge over Clearwater Creek, a fun little photo spot and a hit with kids. The bridge gently sways, so hold on if you’re balancing a coffee.
  3. Follow the main track into the lush forest of ancient kahikatea and rimu. The trail begins as a gentle incline and levels out quickly. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds darting through the canopy.
  4. After about 10 minutes, you’ll reach Jetty Viewpoint — the first (and arguably most famous) photo stop. Walk down the short boardwalk to the jetty for iconic mirror views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. On still mornings, it’s postcard perfection.
  5. Continue along the loop track, crossing several smaller boardwalks that pass over wetlands filled with reeds, mosses, and the occasional slinking eel. The forest grows denser, with curved tree roots and ferns lining the path.
  6. Arrive at Reflection Island, a slightly elevated viewing platform around 25 minutes in. It gives you another angle of the mountains mirrored on the lake, sometimes even better than the jetty depending on the light.
  7. From here, the track curves gently around the far side of the lake, with occasional peekaboo views through the bush. It’s a bit quieter along this stretch, and the birdsong gets richer.
  8. Cross a second swing bridge over the lake’s outflow, and follow the trail through slightly more open terrain.
  9. Rejoin the Clearwater Creek section, which winds back through drier forest and across some open glades. You’ll start to hear the clatter of coffee cups as you get closer to civilisation.
  10. End back at the car park, right beside the café — where you’ve more than earned a hot drink and a warm scone.
Lake Matheson Walk boardwalk

🧽 Navigation & Safety

  • Phone reception: Patchy to good near car park, weak deeper on the track
  • Map needed? No, just follow the well-marked signs
  • Common wrong turns? Not really. This one’s hard to mess up.
  • Weather considerations: Best visited on a calm day for mirror reflections. Avoid during heavy rain, as views will be clouded.

🧲 What to Bring

  • Recommended footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or trainers
  • Water needed: 1 bottle per person, no refill stations
  • Snacks or lunch: Optional, or treat yourself at the café. Don’t expect too much although the coffee is ok
  • Sun/weather protection: Hat, sunscreen, raincoat
  • Insect repellent? Yes, sandflies can be fierce at the lake
  • Optional extras: Camera, thermos for early morning walks, binoculars for birdwatching

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Lake Matheson quality track

🍽 Nearby Facilities

  • Closest café: Lake Matheson Café, right at the trailhead. Great coffee and full breakfasts.
  • Picnic tables or shelters: Yes, picnic area near the car park
  • Playgrounds or family extras: Not on-site, but Fox Glacier village has a small park
  • Accommodation nearby: Plenty in Fox Glacier, including motels, hostels, and camping grounds

 

Lake Matheson Mirror Lake in New Zealand

📍 Useful Links

5 closest walks to this one:

Lake Matheson stunning views from the boardwalk of the lake

👤 My Experience on This Walk

Date of walk: March 2025
Weather and track conditions: Calm and crisp, perfect mirror lake
What I personally loved:
The peacefulness of the early morning, the sheer perfection of the reflections, and the excellent coffee after

Any unexpected moments:
Got photo-bombed by a cheeky fantail mid-selfie. Worth it.

Tips I’d give based on doing it myself:
Don’t rush. The light and mist change every few minutes. Plan time to sit and just take it in.

Common Questions Asked About Lake Matheson

Can you swim in Lake Matheson?
No, swimming is not allowed due to cultural significance and fragile ecosystem.

Is the walk open year-round?
Yes, but avoid stormy days and check the DOC website after heavy rain.

Can you take a stroller on the track?
To Jetty Viewpoint, yes. The full loop is too rough for most strollers.

Are dogs allowed on a lead?
No, due to protected wildlife and DOC regulations.

Is it better than Mirror Lakes in Fiordland?
Different vibe, both are lovely, but Lake Matheson feels wilder and less crowded.

Lake Matheson stunning reflection

See more of my walks in Franz Josef