Lake Matheson: A Magical Place To Visit
We visit one of the most special lakes in New Zealand, Lake Matheson. An ideal place for lovers of nature, photography and outdoor sports. Are you going to miss it? Know everything about this place full of charm!
From Lake Matheson you can enjoy great views of Mount Cook. It is located behind the lake and its reflection appears clearly in its waters, thanks to the natural conditions of the place.
Lake Matheson, a wonder of New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most special places in the world. A country made up of two large islands and small islets on the ocean. An increasingly sought after destination that stands out for its nature. Wonderful landscapes await you here, starring incredible mountains, forests, glaciers, fjords and lakes.
And, precisely, one of the most important lakes on these islands is Lake Matheson. Its origin dates back to 14,000 years ago. At that moment, the great Fox Glacier reached the shores of the sea. And it began to retreat, forming a depression on the ground.
For years, global warming has been melting the glacier walls. Thus, little by little that hole was filled, resulting in this lake due to the thaw.
For years, the landscape was unexplored, until little by little its popularity grew among the citizens of New Zealand. Today, Lake Matheson is an icon, to the point that it appears on stamps, water bottles or even beer brands.
Why is Lake Matheson so special?
Lake Matheson owes its popularity to Mount Cook. It is a lofty mountain, with its highest point at Aoraki Peak, with a snowy summit and whose image is perfectly reflected on the dark waters of the lake.
When the waters are calm and the light allows it, and thanks to its dark color, the ideal conditions are created for a perfect refraction. As a result, Mount Cook and the forest are reflected on the water like a mirror. An image of a very special beauty.
In addition, the nature that surrounds Lake Matheson is starred by a perfect forest. It is made up of white and red pines, linens and ferns unique to New Zealand.
What to do at Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson and its surroundings are easily accessible to visitors. Currently, everything is enabled and designed for the visit. You can park in a parking area and access the park via a wooden suspension bridge that spans the Clearwater River, which drains the lake.
After crossing it, you will be at the first observation point around the lake. Finally, a journey of approximately two hours awaits you to go around the entire lake, and another 40 minutes from the parking lot until you reach the suspension bridge.
Along the way you can rest in a cafeteria that was built in the place thinking, precisely, of all the walkers. The route is not complicated, since it is not a very elevated area.
The lake at its best
The best times to admire the beauty of Lake Matheson are undoubtedly sunrise or sunset. It is then when the sun hits the landscape with a specific tonality and the reflections gain many shades and color.
An interesting show for photography lovers, as they will be able to capture unique snapshots of this place. However, any time is a good time to enjoy the views of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Once you discover Lake Matheson we are sure that you will never forget this image : a lake where refraction forms a perfect reflection of the mountains on the water.
The ideal is to go on a clear day, since the image is more perfect. Although, really, any moment is a good time to enjoy one of the most special places in this country. What are you waiting for? How about an adventure across half the planet?
