If there is one location in New Zealand that genuinely stops you in your tracks the moment you lay eyes on it, it is Lake Matheson. Tucked away in a remnant of the ancient rainforest of the West Coast, just a short drive from the village of Fox Glacier, this remarkable lake has earned its place as one of the most photographed scenes in the entire country - and once you arrive here at first light, you will understand exactly why.
What makes Lake Matheson so extraordinary is its water. Stained a deep, dark tea colour by the tannins leaching from surrounding peat and vegetation, the lake acts like a polished obsidian mirror on calm mornings and evenings, perfectly reflecting the snow-capped summits of Aoraki Mount Cook (3,724m) and Mount Tasman (3,497m) in the Southern Alps. The contrast between those pale, glaciated peaks and the dark, glassy foreground creates an image of almost surreal beauty.
The lake sits within Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area, and is embraced on all sides by a lush podocarp and kahikatea forest that has changed little since New Zealand was first formed. Tōtara, rātā, and kahikatea trees tower above the track, draped in moss and ferns, giving the walk around the lake an atmosphere that is nothing short of magical.
Whether you are a seasoned landscape photographer chasing that perfect reflection shot, or simply a visitor who wants to experience one of New Zealand's most iconic views, Lake Matheson will exceed every expectation you bring to it. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit and make the most of your time behind the lens.
What makes Lake Matheson so extraordinary is its water. Stained a deep, dark tea colour by the tannins leaching from surrounding peat and vegetation, the lake acts like a polished obsidian mirror on calm mornings and evenings, perfectly reflecting the snow-capped summits of Aoraki Mount Cook (3,724m) and Mount Tasman (3,497m) in the Southern Alps. The contrast between those pale, glaciated peaks and the dark, glassy foreground creates an image of almost surreal beauty.
The lake sits within Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area, and is embraced on all sides by a lush podocarp and kahikatea forest that has changed little since New Zealand was first formed. Tōtara, rātā, and kahikatea trees tower above the track, draped in moss and ferns, giving the walk around the lake an atmosphere that is nothing short of magical.
Whether you are a seasoned landscape photographer chasing that perfect reflection shot, or simply a visitor who wants to experience one of New Zealand's most iconic views, Lake Matheson will exceed every expectation you bring to it. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit and make the most of your time behind the lens.
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THE MASTERS BEAUTY Blue hour Lake Matheson.
46mm, f/16, 30 sec, ISO 100 |
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HOW TO GET THERE
Lake Matheson is located approximately 5km from the Fox Glacier township on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The carpark and trailhead are found at the end of Cook Flat Road (SH6), and the Lake Matheson Café and visitor facilities are right there to greet you on arrival.
From Queenstown The drive from Queenstown to Lake Matheson covers around 334km and takes approximately 4 hours 40 minutes. Head west on SH6, passing through either the Crown Range to Wanaka or through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell. From Wanaka continue north on SH6 through the breathtaking Haast Pass — one of the most scenic mountain highways in New Zealand, flanked by waterfalls, native forest, and dramatic gorges. Once through Haast, follow SH6 north toward Fox Glacier township, then watch for the Lake Matheson signage.
From Christchurch This journey is approximately 412km and takes around 5 hours 30 minutes. Head west on SH73 through the Canterbury Plains, through the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass, and down into the lush West Coast. At SH6 turn south toward Fox Glacier and follow the signs to Lake Matheson. The sheer diversity of landscapes on this drive - from open farmland to snowy mountain passes to dense rainforest - is extraordinary.
From Picton (via the Interislander Ferry) Allow approximately 7 hours total driving time from the Picton ferry terminal. Head south on SH1, then turn onto SH63 through the Wairau Valley and Marlborough wine country toward St Arnaud. From there follow routes south and west toward Greymouth, then continue along the coast and inland to Fox Glacier.
Public Transport and Tours If you prefer not to drive, InterCity buses operate along the West Coast, and a range of guided tour operators run day trips and multi-day itineraries that include Lake Matheson. This can be a great option if the driving distances feel daunting.
Lake Matheson is located approximately 5km from the Fox Glacier township on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The carpark and trailhead are found at the end of Cook Flat Road (SH6), and the Lake Matheson Café and visitor facilities are right there to greet you on arrival.
From Queenstown The drive from Queenstown to Lake Matheson covers around 334km and takes approximately 4 hours 40 minutes. Head west on SH6, passing through either the Crown Range to Wanaka or through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell. From Wanaka continue north on SH6 through the breathtaking Haast Pass — one of the most scenic mountain highways in New Zealand, flanked by waterfalls, native forest, and dramatic gorges. Once through Haast, follow SH6 north toward Fox Glacier township, then watch for the Lake Matheson signage.
From Christchurch This journey is approximately 412km and takes around 5 hours 30 minutes. Head west on SH73 through the Canterbury Plains, through the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass, and down into the lush West Coast. At SH6 turn south toward Fox Glacier and follow the signs to Lake Matheson. The sheer diversity of landscapes on this drive - from open farmland to snowy mountain passes to dense rainforest - is extraordinary.
From Picton (via the Interislander Ferry) Allow approximately 7 hours total driving time from the Picton ferry terminal. Head south on SH1, then turn onto SH63 through the Wairau Valley and Marlborough wine country toward St Arnaud. From there follow routes south and west toward Greymouth, then continue along the coast and inland to Fox Glacier.
Public Transport and Tours If you prefer not to drive, InterCity buses operate along the West Coast, and a range of guided tour operators run day trips and multi-day itineraries that include Lake Matheson. This can be a great option if the driving distances feel daunting.
MYSTICAL Misty morning Lake Matheson.
53mm, f/11, 1/6th sec, ISO 100
53mm, f/11, 1/6th sec, ISO 100
ACCOMODATION Options Near Lake Matheson
There is no accommodation directly at the lake itself, but the Fox Glacier township is only about 5 minutes away by car offering a good range of options to suit all budgets and Franz Joseph provides additional options not too far away.
Motels:
Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph townships have several comfortable motels, including the Lake Matheson Motel, Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier, Mt Cook View Motel - all well regarded by photographers and visitors for their easy access and mountain views. A quick search online will surface additional options depending on availability and your budget.
Campervan and Holiday Parks:
The Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park is a popular choice for those travelling in a campervan or motorhome, and also has cabin accommodation available at affordable prices. Being based in a campervan is genuinely one of the best ways to visit Lake Matheson, as you can park up close and be ready to walk to the lake well before first light for that glorious pre-dawn twilight.
Glamping and Boutique Stays:
For something a little more special, there are boutique lodges and eco-accommodation options scattered throughout the Fox Glacier area. These suit couples or those wanting a more premium West Coast experience without sacrificing proximity to the lake. Options include, Te Weheka, Westwood Lodge, Fox Glacier Lodge, The Two Tales, and Rocky Creek Farmhouse
Freedom Camping:
Please note there is no freedom camping available at Lake Matheson itself.
A Note for Photographers: If your primary goal is photography, staying in Fox Glacier township the night before your planned sunrise shoot is highly recommended. The walk to the key viewpoints takes around 30–45 minutes from the Lake Matheson carpark in the dark, so being nearby means a short car trip from Fox Glacier and you’re there - less rushing and more time to set up properly.
There is no accommodation directly at the lake itself, but the Fox Glacier township is only about 5 minutes away by car offering a good range of options to suit all budgets and Franz Joseph provides additional options not too far away.
Motels:
Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph townships have several comfortable motels, including the Lake Matheson Motel, Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier, Mt Cook View Motel - all well regarded by photographers and visitors for their easy access and mountain views. A quick search online will surface additional options depending on availability and your budget.
Campervan and Holiday Parks:
The Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park is a popular choice for those travelling in a campervan or motorhome, and also has cabin accommodation available at affordable prices. Being based in a campervan is genuinely one of the best ways to visit Lake Matheson, as you can park up close and be ready to walk to the lake well before first light for that glorious pre-dawn twilight.
Glamping and Boutique Stays:
For something a little more special, there are boutique lodges and eco-accommodation options scattered throughout the Fox Glacier area. These suit couples or those wanting a more premium West Coast experience without sacrificing proximity to the lake. Options include, Te Weheka, Westwood Lodge, Fox Glacier Lodge, The Two Tales, and Rocky Creek Farmhouse
Freedom Camping:
Please note there is no freedom camping available at Lake Matheson itself.
A Note for Photographers: If your primary goal is photography, staying in Fox Glacier township the night before your planned sunrise shoot is highly recommended. The walk to the key viewpoints takes around 30–45 minutes from the Lake Matheson carpark in the dark, so being nearby means a short car trip from Fox Glacier and you’re there - less rushing and more time to set up properly.
EVENING SOLACE Blue hour Lake Matheson.
63mm, f/16, 25 sec, ISO 100
63mm, f/16, 25 sec, ISO 100
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Lake Matheson — Weather, Seasons and Photography
Understanding West Coast Weather
The West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is one of the wettest regions in the country, receiving high annual rainfall driven by moist air systems crossing the Tasman Sea and hitting the Southern Alps. This means conditions can change rapidly, and clear mountain views are never guaranteed. Embrace that uncertainty — it is part of the adventure, and sometimes the most dramatic images come from unexpected weather.
In general terms, winter (June–August) tends to offer the clearest views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Colder air masses result in fewer clouds forming around the peaks, and the possibility of fresh snowfall on the mountains makes for spectacular photography conditions. Winter mornings are cold, dark, and very still — ideal for glassy reflections.
Summer (December–February) brings warmer, more humid conditions and a stronger tendency for cloud build-up around the mountains. However, longer daylight hours and lush green vegetation make summer visits visually stunning in their own right. The rainforest is at its most vibrant, and the golden light during the long summer evenings can be extraordinary.
Autumn (March–May) is a beautiful and often under-rated time to visit — cooler temperatures begin to settle in, the crowds thin out after peak summer season, and the stable high-pressure weather systems that sometimes settle over the South Island can deliver clear skies and exceptional reflections.
Spring (September–November) brings a mix of conditions but also wildflowers, fresh green growth, and the excitement of warming temperatures. Snow levels on the peaks can still be high, which makes for photogenic mountain backdrops.
I visited in late November and the weather was unpredictable with passing cloud and rain – however, with persistence and an early start, I was able to capture the mountains between clouds – a real thrill on a perfectly still morning.
Understanding West Coast Weather
The West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is one of the wettest regions in the country, receiving high annual rainfall driven by moist air systems crossing the Tasman Sea and hitting the Southern Alps. This means conditions can change rapidly, and clear mountain views are never guaranteed. Embrace that uncertainty — it is part of the adventure, and sometimes the most dramatic images come from unexpected weather.
In general terms, winter (June–August) tends to offer the clearest views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Colder air masses result in fewer clouds forming around the peaks, and the possibility of fresh snowfall on the mountains makes for spectacular photography conditions. Winter mornings are cold, dark, and very still — ideal for glassy reflections.
Summer (December–February) brings warmer, more humid conditions and a stronger tendency for cloud build-up around the mountains. However, longer daylight hours and lush green vegetation make summer visits visually stunning in their own right. The rainforest is at its most vibrant, and the golden light during the long summer evenings can be extraordinary.
Autumn (March–May) is a beautiful and often under-rated time to visit — cooler temperatures begin to settle in, the crowds thin out after peak summer season, and the stable high-pressure weather systems that sometimes settle over the South Island can deliver clear skies and exceptional reflections.
Spring (September–November) brings a mix of conditions but also wildflowers, fresh green growth, and the excitement of warming temperatures. Snow levels on the peaks can still be high, which makes for photogenic mountain backdrops.
I visited in late November and the weather was unpredictable with passing cloud and rain – however, with persistence and an early start, I was able to capture the mountains between clouds – a real thrill on a perfectly still morning.
ALWAYS TOGETHER Summer sunrise Lake Matheson.
60mm, f/2.8, 69 sec, ISO 100 |
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Best Photography Timing
The single most important factor in photographing Lake Matheson is the wind - or more precisely, the absence of it. Perfect reflections require completely calm water, and the lake is most likely to be still in the hour before and after sunrise, and again around sunset. For this reason, the ideal photography windows are:
The single most important factor in photographing Lake Matheson is the wind - or more precisely, the absence of it. Perfect reflections require completely calm water, and the lake is most likely to be still in the hour before and after sunrise, and again around sunset. For this reason, the ideal photography windows are:
- Pre-dawn to 1–2 hours after sunrise - the most reliable window for still water, atmospheric mist, and soft pastel light on the mountains. Fewer visitors at this time is a bonus.
- 1–2 hours before sunset to last light - the setting sun can light the snow on Aoraki and Mount Tasman in beautiful warm pink and orange tones. And being at the Lake during this time will create the opportunity to capture Alpenglow as it casts beautiful light across the Southern Alps. Alpenglow is an optical phenomenon appearing as a horizontal band of glowing, warm light on mountains opposite the sun during sunrise or sunset. Colors typically range from soft pinks and rosy reds to deep purples and vibrant orange-yellows. This effect occurs when sunlight is scattered by atmospheric particles, reflecting off snow or rock after the sun has set below the horizon.
- Overnight / blue hour - the Jetty viewpoint in particular lends itself to astrophotography during autumn and winter months (April–September) when the Milky Way is prominent in the southern sky.
WHAT CAMERA GEAR to Bring to Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson is a location that rewards preparation. Here is what I recommend packing:
Camera body: Any interchangeable lens camera - full frame, crop sensor, or mirrorless - will perform well here. For astrophotography you will want good high-ISO performance.
Lenses: Because Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman sit in the middle distance rather than immediately behind the lake, a mid-range zoom such as a 24–70mm is arguably your most versatile option. It lets you compress the scene slightly, bringing the mountains forward in the frame and making them appear larger and more dominant. A wide-angle lens (16–35mm or equivalent) is excellent for the full sweeping landscape view and for astrophotography. A longer telephoto (70–200mm) can isolate details of the peaks beautifully.
Tripod: Non-negotiable. Every serious shot at Lake Matheson - long exposures for reflections, pre-dawn twilight, astrophotography - requires a solid tripod. Do not leave it in the car.
ND Filters: A set of neutral density filters (6-stop and 10-stop) will allow you to shoot long exposures during twilight and even in brighter light, smoothing out any slight surface ripples and producing that silky, perfectly mirrored reflection effect. A polarising filter can also help reduce glare and deepen the reflection contrast in brighter conditions.
Remote shutter release: To avoid any camera shake during long exposures, a wired or wireless remote release is recommended.
Warm layers and rain gear: The West Coast weather can turn quickly. Pack waterproof jacket, warm layers, and appropriate footwear for the track, especially if you are visiting in the early morning or evening.
Head torch: Essential if you are walking the track before dawn. The path is well maintained but the forest is very dark before first light.
Lake Matheson is a location that rewards preparation. Here is what I recommend packing:
Camera body: Any interchangeable lens camera - full frame, crop sensor, or mirrorless - will perform well here. For astrophotography you will want good high-ISO performance.
Lenses: Because Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman sit in the middle distance rather than immediately behind the lake, a mid-range zoom such as a 24–70mm is arguably your most versatile option. It lets you compress the scene slightly, bringing the mountains forward in the frame and making them appear larger and more dominant. A wide-angle lens (16–35mm or equivalent) is excellent for the full sweeping landscape view and for astrophotography. A longer telephoto (70–200mm) can isolate details of the peaks beautifully.
Tripod: Non-negotiable. Every serious shot at Lake Matheson - long exposures for reflections, pre-dawn twilight, astrophotography - requires a solid tripod. Do not leave it in the car.
ND Filters: A set of neutral density filters (6-stop and 10-stop) will allow you to shoot long exposures during twilight and even in brighter light, smoothing out any slight surface ripples and producing that silky, perfectly mirrored reflection effect. A polarising filter can also help reduce glare and deepen the reflection contrast in brighter conditions.
Remote shutter release: To avoid any camera shake during long exposures, a wired or wireless remote release is recommended.
Warm layers and rain gear: The West Coast weather can turn quickly. Pack waterproof jacket, warm layers, and appropriate footwear for the track, especially if you are visiting in the early morning or evening.
Head torch: Essential if you are walking the track before dawn. The path is well maintained but the forest is very dark before first light.
TOTAL CALM Lake Matheson.
25mm, f/9, 1/10th sec, ISO 100
25mm, f/9, 1/10th sec, ISO 100
THE LAKE MATHESON WALKING TRACK
The Lake Matheson Track is a 4.4km loop managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and it is one of the most rewarding short walks in New Zealand. The full loop takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes at a relaxed pace, making it very accessible for most fitness levels.
The track begins just past the Lake Matheson Café and visitor centre at the carpark. After around 5 minutes of walking, you will reach a fork where you can choose to go left or right around the lake. I recommend taking the right-hand path first - this brings you to Reflection Island, the standout photography viewpoint, in around 1.5km.
The path winds through magnificent native podocarp forest - towering kahikatea trees, ancient rātā, and dense undergrowth - alongside streams and peat wetlands. The environment feels genuinely untouched, and the birdsong in the early morning is something to cherish.
The boardwalks and elevated platforms along the track are well maintained by DOC and provide both physical access to viewpoints and protection for the sensitive lakeshore ecosystem. Stick to the marked track and do not enter the lake edge outside of designated areas.
The Lake Matheson Track is a 4.4km loop managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and it is one of the most rewarding short walks in New Zealand. The full loop takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes at a relaxed pace, making it very accessible for most fitness levels.
The track begins just past the Lake Matheson Café and visitor centre at the carpark. After around 5 minutes of walking, you will reach a fork where you can choose to go left or right around the lake. I recommend taking the right-hand path first - this brings you to Reflection Island, the standout photography viewpoint, in around 1.5km.
The path winds through magnificent native podocarp forest - towering kahikatea trees, ancient rātā, and dense undergrowth - alongside streams and peat wetlands. The environment feels genuinely untouched, and the birdsong in the early morning is something to cherish.
The boardwalks and elevated platforms along the track are well maintained by DOC and provide both physical access to viewpoints and protection for the sensitive lakeshore ecosystem. Stick to the marked track and do not enter the lake edge outside of designated areas.
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS at Lake Matheson
1. Reflection Island Viewpoint
This is the star of the show and the location you see in almost every iconic Lake Matheson photograph. From the elevated wooden viewing platform at Reflection Island, Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are perfectly centred in the frame, with the native bush sweeping in from both sides and the lake stretching out below. The composition practically makes itself.
The platform is reached by taking the right-hand path from the fork and following it for approximately 1.5km. A short side path leads down to the viewing deck.
Photography tips for Reflection Island: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise if conditions look clear. Set up your tripod, compose your shot, and simply wait - the light changes rapidly and the lake surface can shift from rippled to glassy in minutes. A 24–70mm zoom at somewhere in the 35–55mm range is ideal for compressing the mountains. Use your ND filter for long exposures and shoot in RAW for maximum editing latitude with the contrast between dark water and bright sky. Both portrait and landscape orientations work beautifully here.
At sunrise, warm light catches the eastern faces of the mountains. At sunset, the western light paints the snow in spectacular pinks and golds. Both are worth experiencing.
1. Reflection Island Viewpoint
This is the star of the show and the location you see in almost every iconic Lake Matheson photograph. From the elevated wooden viewing platform at Reflection Island, Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are perfectly centred in the frame, with the native bush sweeping in from both sides and the lake stretching out below. The composition practically makes itself.
The platform is reached by taking the right-hand path from the fork and following it for approximately 1.5km. A short side path leads down to the viewing deck.
Photography tips for Reflection Island: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise if conditions look clear. Set up your tripod, compose your shot, and simply wait - the light changes rapidly and the lake surface can shift from rippled to glassy in minutes. A 24–70mm zoom at somewhere in the 35–55mm range is ideal for compressing the mountains. Use your ND filter for long exposures and shoot in RAW for maximum editing latitude with the contrast between dark water and bright sky. Both portrait and landscape orientations work beautifully here.
At sunrise, warm light catches the eastern faces of the mountains. At sunset, the western light paints the snow in spectacular pinks and golds. Both are worth experiencing.
BEHOLD the DAWN Lake Matheson.
62mm, f/8, 2.5 sec, ISO 100 |
MORNING PEACE Lake Matheson.
24mm, f/8, 30 sec, ISO 100 |
2. View of Views Lookout
Continuing past Reflection Island on the right-hand path, you will reach a set of steps that climb to the elevated View of Views lookout — my second favourite spot on the track. This platform gives you a higher vantage point over the lake, framed beautifully by the surrounding forest canopy, and offers a more elevated perspective on both the mountains and the lake surface below.
The composition here is slightly different to Reflection Island - the forest framing is tighter and the elevated angle gives the image a different sense of depth. A wide-angle lens works particularly well for capturing the full breadth of the forest frame and the mountains beyond.
This spot is slightly less visited than Reflection Island, which can work in your favour for composition without other photographers in the frame.
Continuing past Reflection Island on the right-hand path, you will reach a set of steps that climb to the elevated View of Views lookout — my second favourite spot on the track. This platform gives you a higher vantage point over the lake, framed beautifully by the surrounding forest canopy, and offers a more elevated perspective on both the mountains and the lake surface below.
The composition here is slightly different to Reflection Island - the forest framing is tighter and the elevated angle gives the image a different sense of depth. A wide-angle lens works particularly well for capturing the full breadth of the forest frame and the mountains beyond.
This spot is slightly less visited than Reflection Island, which can work in your favour for composition without other photographers in the frame.
VIEW of VIEWS Lake Matheson.
24mm, f/11, 1/6th sec, ISO 100
24mm, f/11, 1/6th sec, ISO 100
3. Jetty Viewpoint
Located further around the track from the View of Views, the Jetty viewpoint offers a more open aspect toward the mountains from a different angle. The mountain peaks are positioned more to one side here, which can make classic landscape compositions slightly more challenging, but the open sky and uninterrupted lake surface make this an exceptional location for astrophotography.
During April through September, when the Milky Way is visible in the southern sky, the Jetty viewpoint offers great astro compositions - the galaxy arching over the peaks, reflected in the dark tannin-rich water below. For this you will need your widest, fastest lens (an f/2.8 or wider 16–24mm is ideal), your highest-performing ISO setting, and a sturdy tripod.
Located further around the track from the View of Views, the Jetty viewpoint offers a more open aspect toward the mountains from a different angle. The mountain peaks are positioned more to one side here, which can make classic landscape compositions slightly more challenging, but the open sky and uninterrupted lake surface make this an exceptional location for astrophotography.
During April through September, when the Milky Way is visible in the southern sky, the Jetty viewpoint offers great astro compositions - the galaxy arching over the peaks, reflected in the dark tannin-rich water below. For this you will need your widest, fastest lens (an f/2.8 or wider 16–24mm is ideal), your highest-performing ISO setting, and a sturdy tripod.
IT'S A 'MUST VISIT' ON YOUR WEST COAST TOUR LIST
Lake Matheson is one of those rare locations where the reality genuinely exceeds the photographs you have seen beforehand. It has everything a landscape photographer could hope for - iconic mountain views, perfect reflective water, ancient native forest, and an accessible track that brings you right to the best viewpoints.
Plan your visit around the early morning for the best chance of still water and clear skies. Stay in Fox Glacier township the night before so you can walk in well before dawn. Pack your tripod, your ND filters, a range of lenses, and warm layers - and then be prepared to simply slow down, take it all in, and let the place work its magic on you.
The West Coast of New Zealand is raw, real, and breathtaking – And Lake Matheson is one of the region’s crown jewels.
Lake Matheson is one of those rare locations where the reality genuinely exceeds the photographs you have seen beforehand. It has everything a landscape photographer could hope for - iconic mountain views, perfect reflective water, ancient native forest, and an accessible track that brings you right to the best viewpoints.
Plan your visit around the early morning for the best chance of still water and clear skies. Stay in Fox Glacier township the night before so you can walk in well before dawn. Pack your tripod, your ND filters, a range of lenses, and warm layers - and then be prepared to simply slow down, take it all in, and let the place work its magic on you.
The West Coast of New Zealand is raw, real, and breathtaking – And Lake Matheson is one of the region’s crown jewels.
OTHER Great Photography Locations in the Fox Glacier Area
Lake Matheson may be a jewel in the West Coast crown, but the Fox Glacier area and its surrounds offer a remarkable collection of photography locations that are well worth building West Coast itinerary if time is on your side.
Fox Glacier — Valley Walk and Glacier Viewpoint
Fox Glacier is one of the most extraordinary natural features in the southern hemisphere, and one of only a handful of places in the world where a temperate rainforest and a glacier exist side by side. Over its 13-kilometre length, the Fox Glacier plummets 2,600 metres from high in the Southern Alps, and the sheer scale of the valley it has carved out is humbling to stand in. 100% Pure New Zealand
The main access point is the Fox Glacier valley carpark, from which a well-formed track follows the Waiho River valley toward the terminal face. Due to ongoing glacial retreat, it is no longer possible to walk all the way to the ice itself, but the valley walk rewards photographers with dramatic moraine walls, glacier-fed braided rivers, and towering rock faces scarred by centuries of ice movement.
While you can't walk all the way up to the glacier face, there are guides available to take you safely up and onto the glaciers via helicopter for a heli-hike. If conditions allow and your budget permits, a helicopter flight over Fox Glacier is one of the most extraordinary photographic experiences available in New Zealand — the scale and colour of the blue ice, crevasses, and icefalls from the air is unlike anything you can capture from the valley floor. West Coast
Photography tips: Early morning for valley mist and soft light. Bring a range of lenses - wide for the valley scale, telephoto for the ice details. If doing the heli-hike, a mid-range zoom and wide angle are ideal.
Lake Matheson may be a jewel in the West Coast crown, but the Fox Glacier area and its surrounds offer a remarkable collection of photography locations that are well worth building West Coast itinerary if time is on your side.
Fox Glacier — Valley Walk and Glacier Viewpoint
Fox Glacier is one of the most extraordinary natural features in the southern hemisphere, and one of only a handful of places in the world where a temperate rainforest and a glacier exist side by side. Over its 13-kilometre length, the Fox Glacier plummets 2,600 metres from high in the Southern Alps, and the sheer scale of the valley it has carved out is humbling to stand in. 100% Pure New Zealand
The main access point is the Fox Glacier valley carpark, from which a well-formed track follows the Waiho River valley toward the terminal face. Due to ongoing glacial retreat, it is no longer possible to walk all the way to the ice itself, but the valley walk rewards photographers with dramatic moraine walls, glacier-fed braided rivers, and towering rock faces scarred by centuries of ice movement.
While you can't walk all the way up to the glacier face, there are guides available to take you safely up and onto the glaciers via helicopter for a heli-hike. If conditions allow and your budget permits, a helicopter flight over Fox Glacier is one of the most extraordinary photographic experiences available in New Zealand — the scale and colour of the blue ice, crevasses, and icefalls from the air is unlike anything you can capture from the valley floor. West Coast
Photography tips: Early morning for valley mist and soft light. Bring a range of lenses - wide for the valley scale, telephoto for the ice details. If doing the heli-hike, a mid-range zoom and wide angle are ideal.
Franz Josef Glacier — Valley Walk and Peters Pool
Franz Josef Glacier lies approximately 23km north of Fox Glacier township - about 30 minutes by car - and together the two glaciers form the heart of Westland Tai Poutini National Park's glacier country.
With the huge retreat of the glacier, it is no longer possible to get to the glacier face without taking a helicopter ride with one of the local guiding companies. However, the Franz Josef valley walk is still a spectacular photographic location in its own right, taking you through a dramatic river gorge flanked by towering rock walls etched with the horizontal scars of glacial advance and retreat.
For reflective photography in the Franz Josef area, Peters Pool is an absolute must. Peters Pool is a beautiful small lake located off the Franz Joseph Glacier viewing track carpark and one of the best views in the Franz Josef area that is an easy walk. The track is a short 1.1km, 25-minute return walk. From the carpark, Peters Pool is signposted to the left near the toilets. The walk takes you through a fern and beech forest, eventually dropping you in front of the gorgeous and reflective Peters Pool. On a still morning, the mountains are perfectly reflected in this beautiful, sheltered tarn
Photography tips: Peters Pool at sunrise is genuinely special and far less visited than Lake Matheson at that time of day. A tripod and ND filters are recommended for long exposures. Wide to mid-range lenses work best here. Also keep an eye out on the drive between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier — early morning fog amongst the trees along this stretch of road can create stunning atmospheric images from a simple roadside pullover.
Franz Josef Glacier lies approximately 23km north of Fox Glacier township - about 30 minutes by car - and together the two glaciers form the heart of Westland Tai Poutini National Park's glacier country.
With the huge retreat of the glacier, it is no longer possible to get to the glacier face without taking a helicopter ride with one of the local guiding companies. However, the Franz Josef valley walk is still a spectacular photographic location in its own right, taking you through a dramatic river gorge flanked by towering rock walls etched with the horizontal scars of glacial advance and retreat.
For reflective photography in the Franz Josef area, Peters Pool is an absolute must. Peters Pool is a beautiful small lake located off the Franz Joseph Glacier viewing track carpark and one of the best views in the Franz Josef area that is an easy walk. The track is a short 1.1km, 25-minute return walk. From the carpark, Peters Pool is signposted to the left near the toilets. The walk takes you through a fern and beech forest, eventually dropping you in front of the gorgeous and reflective Peters Pool. On a still morning, the mountains are perfectly reflected in this beautiful, sheltered tarn
Photography tips: Peters Pool at sunrise is genuinely special and far less visited than Lake Matheson at that time of day. A tripod and ND filters are recommended for long exposures. Wide to mid-range lenses work best here. Also keep an eye out on the drive between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier — early morning fog amongst the trees along this stretch of road can create stunning atmospheric images from a simple roadside pullover.
Gillespies Beach and Lagoon
One of the most underrated and rewarding locations near Fox Glacier, Gillespies Beach is a wild and remote stretch of West Coast coastline that delivers a completely different photographic experience to the lake and glacier locations. Gillespies Beach is a 21km drive from Fox Glacier township. Head west along Cook Flat Road passing the turn off to Lake Matheson, and after 8km turn off to Gillespies Beach Road and follow this for 11km to the end. Half of the journey is on a narrow, unsealed road. Department of Conservation
Gillespies Beach is a gravel beach with stable dunes and one of the largest beach and dune systems in Westland. The combination of wild surf, driftwood-strewn shoreline, and the snow-capped Southern Alps rising dramatically behind the rainforest creates a great composition. Early morning cloud over Mount Tasman photographed from Gillespies Beach on a telephoto lens produces spectacular results.
Photography tips: Wide angle for the beach and mountain panorama. Telephoto for isolating the peaks above the treeline and for seal colony shots. Sandflies can be vicious here - cover up and bring repellent. Check road conditions before travelling, particularly after heavy rain.
Lake Mapourika
Just five minutes north of Franz Josef township on SH6, Lake Mapourika is a hidden gem that many visitors drive straight past without realising its potential. Only a five-minute drive north of Franz Josef, Lake Mapourika appears to be just a small lake from the enclosed area you can see from the carpark, but it is actually quite large. Shooting from the jetty area on a misty morning - a regular occurrence here - makes for some atmospheric scenes especially in winter.
The combination of native forest, misty early mornings, and mountain reflections makes Lake Mapourika a wonderful alternative to the more visited reflection spots in the area. It is quieter, more intimate, and on the right winter morning with fog sitting low across the water, genuinely breathtaking.
Photography tips: Visit at dawn for the best chance of mist and still water. A mid-range zoom works well for compressing the mountain backdrop. This is a great location to pair with a pre-dawn visit to Peters Pool - both are within minutes of Franz Josef township.
Okarito Lagoon
Located about 30 minutes north of Franz Josef, the tiny coastal settlement of Okarito and its vast lagoon is one of the most spectacular and photography-rich locations on the entire West Coast. Okarito Lagoon is New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, covering 3,240 hectares and encompassing complete sequences of forest which have been lost to human development across other parts of the West Coast.
At the lagoon, the reflections of the Southern Alps in the calm tidal waters can rival anything you will see at Lake Matheson. A kayaker reflected in the waters of Okarito Lagoon with a panoramic view of the Southern Alps behind is just one example of the extraordinary compositions available here. Guided kayak tours and freedom rentals are available, giving you full access to the lagoon's most photogenic channels and viewpoints from the water.
One of the lagoon's most famous inhabitants is the rare kōtuku or white heron, which only breeds near Whataroa, just north of Okarito Lagoon, between September and January. Wildlife photographers should not miss the opportunity to potentially encounter this strikingly beautiful bird in the lagoon during the breeding season. And to get up close and personal with these amazing birds take a tour with White Heron Sanctury Tours Whataroa – you will love it.
One of the most underrated and rewarding locations near Fox Glacier, Gillespies Beach is a wild and remote stretch of West Coast coastline that delivers a completely different photographic experience to the lake and glacier locations. Gillespies Beach is a 21km drive from Fox Glacier township. Head west along Cook Flat Road passing the turn off to Lake Matheson, and after 8km turn off to Gillespies Beach Road and follow this for 11km to the end. Half of the journey is on a narrow, unsealed road. Department of Conservation
Gillespies Beach is a gravel beach with stable dunes and one of the largest beach and dune systems in Westland. The combination of wild surf, driftwood-strewn shoreline, and the snow-capped Southern Alps rising dramatically behind the rainforest creates a great composition. Early morning cloud over Mount Tasman photographed from Gillespies Beach on a telephoto lens produces spectacular results.
Photography tips: Wide angle for the beach and mountain panorama. Telephoto for isolating the peaks above the treeline and for seal colony shots. Sandflies can be vicious here - cover up and bring repellent. Check road conditions before travelling, particularly after heavy rain.
Lake Mapourika
Just five minutes north of Franz Josef township on SH6, Lake Mapourika is a hidden gem that many visitors drive straight past without realising its potential. Only a five-minute drive north of Franz Josef, Lake Mapourika appears to be just a small lake from the enclosed area you can see from the carpark, but it is actually quite large. Shooting from the jetty area on a misty morning - a regular occurrence here - makes for some atmospheric scenes especially in winter.
The combination of native forest, misty early mornings, and mountain reflections makes Lake Mapourika a wonderful alternative to the more visited reflection spots in the area. It is quieter, more intimate, and on the right winter morning with fog sitting low across the water, genuinely breathtaking.
Photography tips: Visit at dawn for the best chance of mist and still water. A mid-range zoom works well for compressing the mountain backdrop. This is a great location to pair with a pre-dawn visit to Peters Pool - both are within minutes of Franz Josef township.
Okarito Lagoon
Located about 30 minutes north of Franz Josef, the tiny coastal settlement of Okarito and its vast lagoon is one of the most spectacular and photography-rich locations on the entire West Coast. Okarito Lagoon is New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, covering 3,240 hectares and encompassing complete sequences of forest which have been lost to human development across other parts of the West Coast.
At the lagoon, the reflections of the Southern Alps in the calm tidal waters can rival anything you will see at Lake Matheson. A kayaker reflected in the waters of Okarito Lagoon with a panoramic view of the Southern Alps behind is just one example of the extraordinary compositions available here. Guided kayak tours and freedom rentals are available, giving you full access to the lagoon's most photogenic channels and viewpoints from the water.
One of the lagoon's most famous inhabitants is the rare kōtuku or white heron, which only breeds near Whataroa, just north of Okarito Lagoon, between September and January. Wildlife photographers should not miss the opportunity to potentially encounter this strikingly beautiful bird in the lagoon during the breeding season. And to get up close and personal with these amazing birds take a tour with White Heron Sanctury Tours Whataroa – you will love it.
SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
No photography guide to the Fox Glacier area would be complete without mentioning the scenic helicopter flights available from both Fox and Franz Josef townships. The best way to capture the grandeur of the region's landscape is from the air, and there are a number of scenic flight operators in both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef. A Grand Traverse flight over both glaciers and across the Southern Alps to Aoraki Mount Cook offers a perspective on this landscape that simply cannot be captured any other way - crevassed icefalls, vast snowfields, the full spine of the Southern Alps, and the wild West Coast coastline all in a single flight.
No photography guide to the Fox Glacier area would be complete without mentioning the scenic helicopter flights available from both Fox and Franz Josef townships. The best way to capture the grandeur of the region's landscape is from the air, and there are a number of scenic flight operators in both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef. A Grand Traverse flight over both glaciers and across the Southern Alps to Aoraki Mount Cook offers a perspective on this landscape that simply cannot be captured any other way - crevassed icefalls, vast snowfields, the full spine of the Southern Alps, and the wild West Coast coastline all in a single flight.
Fox and Franz Joseph Glacier Scenic Flight Providers:
If your photography budget allows for one splurge on the West Coast, this is it. The images you will bring home from a clear-sky scenic flight over this region will be among the most extraordinary of your entire New Zealand trip.
- Glacier Country Helicopters - To receive a 10% discount off the cost of your flight use the code KPRINCE when placing your booking online. Available all year!
If your photography budget allows for one splurge on the West Coast, this is it. The images you will bring home from a clear-sky scenic flight over this region will be among the most extraordinary of your entire New Zealand trip.
ACCUMULATION ZONE Franz Joseph Glacier. (Aerial)
24mm, f/8, 1/1600 sec, ISO 800
24mm, f/8, 1/1600 sec, ISO 800
A PHOTOGRAPER"S NOTE on the Fox Glacier Area
What makes this corner of New Zealand so remarkable for photographers is the sheer density of world-class locations within a small geographic area. In a single day based in Fox Glacier there is so much opportunity to capture magical images both at sunrise and sunset – plan to spend 2 – 3 days in the area to make the most of the photographic possibilities on offer.
What makes this corner of New Zealand so remarkable for photographers is the sheer density of world-class locations within a small geographic area. In a single day based in Fox Glacier there is so much opportunity to capture magical images both at sunrise and sunset – plan to spend 2 – 3 days in the area to make the most of the photographic possibilities on offer.
Inspired by the experience?
Bring these memories into your home or office space by purchasing a canvas or fine art print from my Online Print Store
Bring these memories into your home or office space by purchasing a canvas or fine art print from my Online Print Store
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