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Planning on visiting Lake Matheson? In this blog, I go over everything you need to know before you do.
As a Queenstown local and avid adventurer of New Zealand, I can’t recommend Lake Matheson enough. However, there are some things to know beforehand to make the most out of your visit. What you need to bring, where the best views are, and how accessible it is are a few of the things I’ll cover in this blog.
It’s a quick read packed with all of my personal recommendations, so grab those hiking boots and let’s get right into it!
1. About Lake Matheson
Depending on who you’re talking to, Lake Matheson is arguably the most beautiful lake in all of New Zealand. This is because it’s not just any lake, but one that perfectly mirrors Mount Cook which stands in the background.
Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, so when you pair that up with Lake Matheson, you have a recipe for unparalleled natural beauty. So if you’re talking to me then yeah, I say it’s the prettiest!
Oh wait, did I mention the loop path around the lake? One of my favorite things to do here is walk this lovely trail and take in the scenery. Besides views of Mount Cook and its reflections, this is a great opportunity to spot local birds like the New Zealand Fernbird and Yellow Crowned parakeet. If you enjoy photography, you are in for a real treat.
As you can see already it’s famous for good reasons!
2. Where is Lake Matheson?
Located on the South Island, Lake Matheson is most easily visited from either of the towns of Fox Glacier or Franz Josef.
Coming from Fox Glacier, it’s only a 5-minute drive and from Franz Josef, it’s roughly 35 minutes. The road there is very well maintained and easy to drive.
If you need a road trip route to get here, my blog on the drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef is a great place to start!
3. How long is the path around Lake Matheson?
This easy 4.4-kilometer (2.7-mile) walk takes about an hour to complete if you make stops (and you will) or about 45 minutes if you move at a faster pace.
4. Where can I get the best views of the reflections?
In my opinion, the best place to see the views of Mount Cook reflected in the water is here at Reflection Island. It’s about halfway through the loop around the lake and offers breathtaking reflections of Mount Cook.
In case you don’t have cell service when you visit, keep an eye out for a little sign that says “view of views” and you’ll know you’ve found it.
5. When is the best time to visit?
The reflections of Mount Cook are best when the water is calm, so try and visit in the early morning, afternoon, or sunset. I’m biased towards sunset at Lake Matheson myself because the colors are incredible! The lake is open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week.
Related Read: For more advice on when to travel here, my guide on the best time to visit New Zealand is where to go!
6. Are there any tours to Lake Matheson?
Lake Matheson Sunset Nature Tour
I love this nature tour of Lake Matheson because you get to explore the lake with a local naturalist guide. Plus it offers pickup from Fox Glacier town or a meeting point in Franz Josef!
Starting at 5:30 pm, this wonderful tour takes about 4 hours to complete. I’m a big fan of the fact that this tour takes you here at my favorite time, sunset!
Having a guide really adds to the experience since they know everything about the flora and fauna of the area. Nature lovers will get a lot from this since you will spot and learn about things that are otherwise easy to miss like birds, plants, and even lesser-known viewpoints. To top it all off, you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea with stunning views as you pause for 30 minutes at one of the best viewpoints.
Offered daily, I recommend booking this tour in advance to secure your spot. Since it’s only $105 NZD, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. They also provide trekking poles, umbrellas, and weather-appropriate jackets and boots if you ask in advance for no extra charge. Now that’s what I call 5-star service.
Book this guided nature tour to Lake Matheson here!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
7. How difficult is the walk around Lake Matheson?
The loop path around Lake Matheson is very easy. It’s flat, well maintained, and has boardwalks throughout with informational boards and benches. That’s one of the reasons I love it so much, it’s suitable for just about everyone!
8. What do I need to bring/wear?
Since the path is flat and well-maintained, any type of comfortable footwear is fine for this. I usually also bring a small backpack with a water bottle and of course my camera!
If it’s winter, you’ll want to layer up a bit more, but you’ll get extra amazing reflections as there should be snow on Mount Cook!
If you visit during spring and summer, I highly recommend covering up and bringing bug spray. The sandflies and mosquitos are ruthless and will bite you every chance that they get.
9. Is there parking at Lake Matheson?
There is tons of parking in this car park and it’s free! Along with that, there are bathrooms and a small gift shop as well. If you finish the loop path and fancy a bite to eat you’re in luck, since the gift shop has a nice little cafe attached to it.
10. Is visiting Lake Matheson worth it?
I think it’s pretty easy to tell by now, but yes!
Lake Matheson is a super accessible and incredibly beautiful way to get out into New Zealand’s world-renowned nature. With unbeatable reflection views of Mount Cook, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot. If you’re in Fox Glacier or Franz Josef, do yourself a favor and make the trip to see it for yourself.
Related Read: Another scenic spot you can’t miss is Milford Sound – these are the best tours to get there from Queenstown!
Where to Stay Near Lake Matheson
If you really want to explore the area around Lake Matheson, it’s worth spending a night or two nearby so you don’t have to rush! Even though only about 300 people live in Fox Glacier, I was actually surprised by how many nice places to stay it has. Whether you’re road-tripping on a budget or looking to splurge, these are my hotel recommendations for every budget!
Luxury – $$$
The Distinction Fox Glacier – Te Weheka Boutique Hotel is like a little escape in the Southern Alps. It’s walking distance from the Fox Glacier itself, so the location is awesome. Plus, the mountain views from the rooms are a huge bonus – especially since every room has a balcony. There are all the comforts you’d expect like spacious rooms, fluffy towels, a great breakfast, and even free covered parking.
Rooms start at $445 NZD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$$
While exploring Glacier Country, Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier is one of my top picks to stay a night or two. It’s right in the middle of the village itself so it’s easy to explore and I love that it’s only 5 minutes away from Lake Matheson and the trail where you can spot glow worms at night! The rooms are all large and include kitchenettes and fast Wi-Fi.
You can book a Queen Studio here with tons of space for around $150-$200 NZD, although prices do rise in the busy season. Check availability and the best rates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort! Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge is just a couple minutes outside of Fox Glacier Village, but that means you get to be surrounded by rainforest and mountains. There’s a hot tub (with an amazing view of the stars at night!), a sauna, and a sun deck along with kitchen and barbecue facilities.
The cheapest option is to book a bed in a dorm room for around $40 NZD, but if sharing isn’t your thing, private rooms are available for around the $150 NZD mark. You can book both options on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide to Lake Matheson was helpful as you plan a stop here! It’s a gorgeous place to visit – right in the heart of New Zealand’s Glacier Country. I love it here and can’t wait to visit any soon.
While you’re exploring New Zealand, check out all my blogs on the South Island here or a few suggestions below that I think might come in handy.
10-Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary – 5 BEST Road Trip Options!