Hiking
Lake Matheson: the rainforest loop and mountain reflections
Lake Matheson combines a rainforest walk with several places to stop and look across the water. Choose the full circuit for a varied outing, or the shorter Jetty Lookout return if that better suits your group.
| Area | Near Fox Glacier/Weheka, West Coast |
|---|---|
| Full circuit | About 4.4 km loop; 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Short option | Jetty Lookout: 2.4 km return; 45 minutes |
| Effort | Easy to intermediate circuit, with steps to viewpoints |
| Access | Jetty Lookout option is wheelchair accessible |
Where it is
Finding the start
From Fox Glacier, follow Cook Flat Road for about 5 km, then turn onto the signed Lake Matheson road. The car park has free parking and toilets. Bring drinking water; it is not supplied. Confirm a return pickup if you are using a shuttle.
The walk, step by step
- Follow the approach and cross the Clearwater Stream suspension bridge.
- Walk through rainforest to Jetty Lookout. Turn back here for the shorter option.
- For the clockwise circuit, continue to View of Views and Reflection Island, taking the signed lookout spurs.
- Complete the eastern side and return along the approach to the car park. Do not take the separate Lake Gault Track.
Tap either map to enlarge it. Distances and times above follow DOC’s route descriptions.
What to expect
Calm weather gives the best chance of mountain reflections, often around dawn or dusk. The full circuit includes steps and differs from the accessible Jetty Lookout option. No dogs or watercraft are permitted.
What I would bring
I’d pack a light rain jacket, warm layer, water, insect repellent and a headtorch for an early or late visit. A phone or camera strap is useful at the lookouts. Keep your bag clear of the walking line while taking photos so others can pass.
Plan the return as well
Decide on the short walk or full circuit before leaving. For a sunset visit, work backwards from the time you need to reach the car and keep spare daylight for stops. Save your map in advance and tell someone your return plan; do not depend on phone reception to organise the pickup afterwards.
Before leaving, check the weather for your walking area and the latest official track alerts.
Maps, sources and photo credit
Checked 27 September 2026.
Maps: LINZ aerial imagery and Imagery Basemap contributors, CC BY 4.0, cropped and annotated. Trail geometry: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Photograph: Lake_Matheson_2007-12-06.JPG: Ulrich.hoecker derivative work: Avenue (talk), CC BY 3.0.
