Leader of the Reflection Lakes at Lake Matheson New Zealand
Leader of the Reflection Lakes at Lake Matheson New Zealand
Lake Matheson New Zealand is one of the best places to have a clear view of Aoraki (Mt. Cook). Famous for his reflection Lake, this place is absolutely incredible for sunrise or sunset.
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati is a popular place near the municipality of Fox Glacier on the west coast of the South Island. After heard of the incredible possibilities of mirror photography on Reflection Island, we rushed here in time for sunset.
let's just say that we were not disappointed. To date, this is still one of my favorite photo locations in New Zealand.
How do you come to Matheson Lake New Zealand?
The Lake Matheson hiking trail takes place via a huge parking lot, which is about 5 km from the municipality of Fox Glacier. I marked the exact location on the map below so that you can find it easier.
Matheson Lake Walk
The Lake Matheson Walk is a short 2.5 m long bow on the lake shore through lush native forests. The route is mostly flat and has several places where you can stop and take photos of the incredible reflections of the Mt. Cook.
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Related: Mount Fox summit hike with a view of Fox Glacier
Reflection Island
The far best and most popular place to see Lake Matheson reflections from New Zealand's highest mountain is a place known as a reflection island.
This is a small wooden bridge that leads to an "island" on the edge of the lake. The great thing in this place is that it fits perfectly into the cooking mountain chain and offers extraordinary SLREGE reflections in calm sea water.
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Have you ever thought about visiting the Catlins? Read this post: The best activities in the Catlins
Sunrise or sunset?
After a little research, it seems consensus that the sunrise on Lake Matheson offers the best lighting conditions for reflections. I have to contradict.
Since Lake Matheson is located on the west coast of New Zealand, the sun goes down behind the lake, avoids bright light in her photos and illuminates Mt. Cook Beautiful.
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Guide: Where you get the perfect recording on the street to Mount Cook
More Matheson Lake photos to inspire your trip
Here are some other photos that I took around Lake Matheson New Zealand and the incredible reflection Island at sunset. I hope you will inspire you to make the short detour from the FOX glacier or the west coast.
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Alt = “Lake Matheson New Zealand, Reflection Island Mt Cook View”>
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More: 11 Epic Mount Cook View Locations-The best places to see Mount Cook
Further activities on the west coast
Are you looking for other travel guides and articles on activities on the west coast? After visiting Lake Matheson, you should definitely consider some of the other travel guides and blogs below.
If you are looking for great hikes, you should definitely watch this guide to the 31 best hikes on the South Island.
Enjoy and stay adventurous!
My camera and photo equipment
- Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
- drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
- landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
- all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
- Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
- landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
- Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip
A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.
If you want to use one of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
Alt = “Lake Matheson New Zealand, Reflection Island Mount Cook View”>
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