Guide to the Reflection Lakes at Lake Matheson New Zealand

Guide to the Reflection Lakes at Lake Matheson New Zealand

Lake Matheson New Zealand is considered one of the best places to get a clear view of Aoraki (Mt Cook). Famous for its Reflection Lake, this place is absolutely incredible for sunrise or sunset.

Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati is a popular spot near the community of Fox Glacier on the west coast of the South Island. After hearing about the incredible mirror photography opportunities at Reflection Island, we rushed here in time for sunset.

Let's just say we weren't disappointed. To this day this is still one of my favorite photography locations in New Zealand.

How to get to Matheson Lake New Zealand?

Access to the Lake Matheson trailhead is via a huge parking area located approximately 3 miles from the community of Fox Glacier. I've marked the exact location on the map below to make it easier for you to find it.

Matheson Lake Walk

The Lake Matheson Walk is a short 8-foot lakefront loop through lush native forest. The route is mostly flat and has several places where you can stop and take photos of the incredible reflections of Mt Cook.
alt=“LAKE MATHESON WALK”>

RELATED: MOUNT FOX SUMMIT HIKE WITH A VIEW OF FOX GLACIER

Reflection island

By far the best and most popular place to see Lake Matheson reflections of New Zealand's highest mountain is a location known as Reflection Island.

This is a small wooden bridge that leads to an “island” on the edge of the lake. The great thing about this location is that it fits perfectly into the Cook mountain range and offers exceptional mirror reflections in the calm lake waters.
alt=“MATHESON LAKE NEW ZEALAND, REFLECTION ISLAND,”>

Have you ever thought about visiting the Catlins? Read this post: The best things to do in the Catlins

Sunrise or sunset?

After a little research, the consensus seems to be that sunrise at Lake Matheson provides the best lighting conditions for reflections. However, I have to disagree.

Because Lake Matheson is on the west coast of New Zealand, the sun sets behind the lake, avoiding harsh light in your photos and illuminating Mt Cook beautifully.
alt=“LAKE MATHESON WALK”>

GUIDE: WHERE TO GET THE PERFECT SHOT ON THE ROAD TO MOUNT COOK

More Matheson Lake photos to inspire your trip

Here are some more photos I took around Lake Matheson New Zealand and the incredible Reflection Island at sunset. I hope they inspire you to make the quick detour from Fox Glacier or the West Coast.
alt=“MT COOK AORAKI FROM LAKE MATHESON”>
alt=“LAKE MATHESON NEW ZEALAND”>
alt=”Lake MATHESON NEW ZEALAND, REFLECTION ISLAND MT COOK VIEW”>
alt=“LAKE MATHESON WALK WITH COWS”>

MORE: 11 EPIC MOUNT COOK VIEW LOCATIONS – THE BEST PLACES TO SEE MOUNT COOK

More activities on the West Coast

Looking for more travel guides and articles about things to do on the West Coast? After you visit Lake Matheson, be sure to consider some of the other guides and blogs below.

If you're looking for great hikes, be sure to check out this guide to the 31 best hikes in the South Island.

Enjoy and stay adventurous!

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

If you would like to use any 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 of images on We Seek Travel.
alt=“LAKE MATHESON NEW ZEALAND, REFLECTION ISLAND MOUNT COOK VIEW”>

On Pinterest?

Why not save this Lake Matheson travel guide for later? Follow We Seek Travel on Pinterest to stay up to date with all the new travel guides and blogs.

PIN IT FOLLOW ME

.