There are so many lakes dotted along the West Coast that it’s hard to know which ones to visit! If you had time, I’d say “all of them.” But let’s be honest, you’re probably squeezing in as much as possible on your trip to Aotearoa, so I promise to only share the best ones with you.

Like everyone else who plans a trip to the South Island, I’d heard of Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier, but somehow, Lake Mapourika near Franz Josef had completely slipped under my radar. We visited in 2020, and it took me completely by surprise.

The lake is incredibly peaceful and surrounded by snowy mountain peaks and lush rainforest. I could spend months touring the West Coast and never get used to seeing the rainforest and the Alps blend together. It looks like something out of a Lord of the Rings!

I hear the best way to see Lake Mapourika is on a guided kayak tour, but we didn’t have the time (or the money!) to splash out on that experience. Instead, on our second night in Franz Josef, we visited for sunset and sat by the lakeside, eating our picnic dinner. If you’re in the area, I 1000% recommend visiting—even if it’s just for a quick glimpse and a photo!