Title: Lake Matheson in West Coast | Expedia.co.uk [Lake Matheson Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Matheson-Hotels.0-l553248621526966904-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to West Coast](https://expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-West-Coast.d6047985.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in West Coast](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-West-Coast.d6047985.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Lake Matheson Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Lake-Matheson.d553248621526966904.Car-Hire-Guide)[West Coast Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/West-Coast.d6047985.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Lake Matheson ![Fox Glacier showing a sunset and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180725-South-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fox Glacier which includes forest scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/182000/182444-Lake-Matheson.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fox Glacier featuring snow, forest scenes and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/182000/182454-Lake-Matheson.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fox Glacier which includes forests, mountains and a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/182000/182448-Lake-Matheson.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fox Glacier featuring forests](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/182000/182425-Lake-Matheson.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Lake Matheson Activities * * * * * * #### 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 colour due to organic matter leached from the sediments of the forest floor. It is this dark colour 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 kilometres) 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 kilometre). 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 ![Fox Glacier showing a river or creek, mist or fog and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/181000/181783-Fox-Glacier-Nz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Fox Glacier Discover the spectacular caves, ice fields and valleys of this enormous glacier on guided hiking, climbing and helicopter excursions. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Fox-Glacier-Westland-Tai-Poutini-National-Park.d6110684.Attraction) ![Fox Glacier](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180932-West-Coast-New-Zealand.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Fox Glacier Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Fox Glacier during your travels in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Fox-Glacier-Westland-Tai-Poutini-National-Park.d963184622819479552.Attraction) ![Franz Josef Glacier](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/4f1bb3530e1024a6a28668db63557383.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Franz Josef Glacier Enjoy the stunning glacier views and explore Franz Josef Glacier, a lovely green space in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Franz-Josef-Glacier-Westland-Tai-Poutini-National-Park.d6110682.Attraction) ![Glacier Hot Pools](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/21a2f8841d3097a94da5c90d9b931a3b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Glacier Hot Pools You can take time to visit Glacier Hot Pools during your travels to Franz Josef Glacier. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this quaint area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Glacier-Hot-Pools-Franz-Josef-Glacier.d553248621526970637.Attraction) #### Peak Viewpoint You can find out about the history of Fox Glacier with a trip to Peak Viewpoint. Wander the lakeside or discover the stunning glacier views in this quaint area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Peak-Viewpoint-Fox-Glacier.d553248635998005744.Attraction) #### Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest You can take time to visit Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest during your travels to Fox Glacier. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the stunning glacier views in this quaint area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Fox-Glacier-Glow-Worm-Forest-Fox-Glacier.d553248635998002087.Attraction) * * * ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Lake Matheson [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966904&startDate=2025-09-18&endDate=2025-09-19) [Tonight](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966904&startDate=2025-09-18&endDate=2025-09-19) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966904&startDate=2025-09-18&endDate=2025-09-19) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966904&startDate=2025-09-18&endDate=2025-09-19)[18 Sept - 19 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966904&startDate=2025-09-18&endDate=2025-09-19) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966904&startDate=2025-09-19&endDate=2025-09-20) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966904&startDate=2025-09-19&endDate=2025-09-20) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966904&startDate=2025-09-19&endDate=2025-09-20) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966904&startDate=2025-09-19&endDate=2025-09-20)[19 Sept - 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Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.