If there’s one place in New Zealand that deserves a spot on your photography bucket list, it’s Lake Matheson. Known as one of the most breathtaking mirror lakes in the world, it’s also one of the most photographed spots in the country, and if you get lucky and visit on a clear day, you'll see Aoraki/Mount Cook reflected in the lake.

When to visit Lake Matheson

I usually recommend travelling around New Zealand in the summer/autumn months as I love warm weather and long sunny days. The West Coast is beautiful all year round, and each season offers something unique. But I think winter is the best time to visit Lake Matheson as the cooler weather usually brings clearer skies, which is perfect for capturing the reflections. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit, as the wind typically dies down, but I recommend downloading the Windy app to check the conditions before you travel.

How to get there

Lake Matheson is only 5km west of Fox Glacier on the West Coast of the South Island. Follow Cook Flat Road until you reach the Lake Matheson carpark and join the walking track. If you’re driving from Franz Josef, it’s around 30 minutes south or approximately 3.5 hours north of Wanaka. When you arrive, you’ll find a free carpark, which is also the start of the 1.5-hour loop walk around the lake.