Lake Matheson Tours and Activities

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


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


Top Lake Matheson Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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 Lodge

Fox Glacier Lodge

4 out of 5
41 Sullivan Road, Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier Lodge
High Peaks Hotel

High Peaks Hotel

3.5 out of 5
167 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier
High Peaks Hotel
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
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
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, immerse yourself in nature with activities like the scenic Lake Matheson walk and various hiking trails, offering breathtaking views. For the adventurous, consider glacier hikes and fishing trips for a unique experience. If you're looking for some excitement, jet skiing is also available nearby. Enjoy the stunning surroundings and make the most of your visit to this beautiful West Coast gem.

Shopping

For local souvenirs, check out the quaint shops near Lake Matheson, offering unique crafts and gifts. If you're up for a drive, explore the West Coast's larger malls like Westland Recreation Centre in Hokitika, about 30 minutes away, for a broader selection of Kiwi treasures.

Recreation

Experience Waiho Hot Tubs, located 19.3km from Lake Matheson, where you can unwind in private hot tubs surrounded by nature. Enjoy the soothing ambiance and relaxation vibes while soaking in natural hot springs, making it the perfect retreat for rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking Hooker Valley Track, a stunning hike located 30.6km from Lake Matheson, offering incredible views of the Southern Alps. For an aerial perspective, try Air Safaris, a scenic flight 16.1km away, or tackle the Alex Knob trail, 14.5km from the lake, for an adventurous outdoor escape.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of Lake Matheson at the Matheson Café, where you can unwind with a glass of local wine while enjoying stunning views. For a lively atmosphere, head to the Fox Glacier Tavern, where you can indulge in hearty meals and live music to round off your evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Matheson

Lake Matheson, renowned for its stunning reflections of Mt Cook, offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls around the famous lake, surrounded by lush rainforest and stunning glacier views. Additionally, the nearby beaches provide a perfect spot for relaxation. With a combination of breathtaking scenery and outdoor experiences, Lake Matheson is an ideal destination for travellers seeking adventure and natural beauty on the West Coast of New Zealand.

  • Fox Glacier: A stunning natural wonder, Fox Glacier offers breathtaking scenery just 11.3km from Lake Matheson. Experience the icy blue hues and rugged landscapes as you walk the glacier trails, perfect for those seeking adventure and incredible photo opportunities.
  • Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest: Located 4.8km away, this enchanting rainforest features a magical display of glow worms illuminating the night. Immerse yourself in an eco-friendly environment with lush greenery and serene walking paths, showcasing the beauty of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna.
  • Lake Gault: Situated just 1.6km from Lake Matheson, Lake Gault is a romantic retreat with picturesque beach vibes. Enjoy a tranquil day by the water, perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, and soaking in the stunning natural scenery.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Matheson

To save money on your trip to Lake Matheson, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May and August to September. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, and search on Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Explore free activities around the lake to maximise your budget while enjoying the stunning scenery.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Matheson are May and August to September, 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: Book your hotel around Lake Matheson about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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 lets you customise your travel plans by setting your budget, choosing your ideal location, and more. You can organise your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you’ll be presented with sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Lake Matheson hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.