Lake Matheson Size report
The most iconic scenery in New Zealand, Lake Matheson, is only 6 kilometers away from Fox Glacier. On a clear and cloudless day, the reflection of Mount Aoraki and Mount Tasman, the highest peak in New Zealand, will be reflected on the lake. The lake is as beautiful as a silver mirror, and the scenery is unforgettable.
Lake Matheson is located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the west coast of New Zealand. Lake Matheson had formed during the Ice Age about 14,000 years ago, when the Fox Glacier receded from its largest tributary and flowed into the sea, and it was those receding waters formed the lake today.
Lake Matheson is famous for its stunning mirror reflections, where organic material from forest vegetation breaks down into the lake and turns the water a dark brown. It takes 40 minutes to walk to the first viewpoint from the parking lot, and it only takes an hour and a half to circle the lake.
Lake Matheson Introduction
Lake Matheson is located at the bottom of a valley between the Fox Glacier, Mount Aoraki, and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson and the surrounding area are nature reserves managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Due to less human activities and the lake's clear waters, it has become New Zealand's most representative natural attraction. There are three excellent viewing platforms clockwise around the lake area. The last viewing platform, Reflection Island, has the most beautiful sunset. Most of the Lake Matheson photos online are captured here.
Lake Matheson Size
Lake Matheson is not big. Lake Matheson is 30 ha (74 acres) in surface area, with an approximately 1.5 km (0.93 mi) shoreline and an average depth of 12 m (39 ft). It takes about 2 hours to walk around the lake for an easy 2.6 km walking track, beginning and ending at the Matheson Cafe about 5 km from Fox Glacier township.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 30 ha (74 acres) |
| Elevation | 100 m (330 ft) |
| Average depth | 12 m (39 ft) |
| Shore Length | 1.5 km (0.93 mi) |
| Walking Track length | 2.6 km |
Ecology
Native eels grow in abundance in deep Lake Matheson, which is also the home to numerous waterfowl. Therefore, this is also where the Maori hunted. As you leave the jetty and start hiking around the lake, you will encounter countless reflections covered in pristine vegetation. There are large areas of dense forest surrounding Lake Matheson, including white pine, red pine, tall rimu, kahikatea trees, etc. New Zealand's endemic ferns and New Zealand flax is extremely prosperous in this pure area.
Final Words
If you are going to hike the lake region, be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring drinking water, insect repellant, and sunscreen. Camping is not allowed in this area, so you should know the hiking route in advance. There are well-built trails and clear signs in the lake area. You can find a total of three viewpoints specially built in the best places for tourists to take pictures. Lake Matheson promises experiences worth coming back for time and time again.
