Lake Matheson Half-Day Nature Tour near Fox Glacier

About This Experience

This half-day tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours walks the track around Lake Matheson, the forest lake near Fox Glacier known for its reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. A local guide explains the area's history and why the water mirrors the mountains so well. It costs from $68 per person and is rated 4.8 from 18 GetYourGuide reviews, which is still a small number, so expect less feedback to go on than for the busier tours.

The tour starts in Franz Josef or picks you up in Fox. From the Glacier Valley Eco Tours base in Franz Josef township it is about a 30-minute drive south; if you are staying in Fox Glacier, you are picked up at the meeting point in the township or at your accommodation. Check your voucher for the time and the pickup point.

The track loops around the lake on a well-formed path with bridges and boardwalks over small streams, through old native forest. DOC lists the full loop at 4.4 km and about 1 hour 30 minutes. The walk suits beginners and all ages, and groups are capped at 10. The tour includes hot drinks and biscuits, and lends raincoats, overtrousers and umbrellas.

Reflections need still air and clear skies. The listing suggests early evening for the best chance of a mirror surface, and DOC names dawn and dusk; on a windy or cloudy day you may see neither mountain. The tour runs rain or shine, and cancelling yourself on the day because of rain is not refunded unless the operator cancels. Bring your own water.

Highlights

• A guided loop around Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier
• Reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman on a calm, clear day
• Old native rainforest, bridges and boardwalks
• The history of the lake and the area from a local guide
• Small groups of up to 10
• An easy track for beginners and all ages

What's Included

• ✓ Pickup in Fox Glacier township or from your accommodation
• ✓ Local guide
• ✓ Tea, coffee or hot chocolate and biscuits
• ✓ Raincoats, overtrousers and large umbrellas if needed (ask ahead for Fox pickups)
• ✓ Hiking poles and sunscreen
• ✓ Hiking boots at the Franz Josef office only

Not Included

• Dinner
• Water

What to Bring

• Water
• Comfortable shoes
• A camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• The tour runs rain or shine. Operator cancellations for weather, road closures or DOC closures are refunded in full; cancelling yourself on the day for rain is not.
• Reflections depend on calm, clear weather; the listing recommends early evening for the best chance.
• If you are picked up in Fox and need a raincoat, tell the operator your size before the tour; loan boots are only available at the Franz Josef office.
• A baby carrier for children under 3 is available on request.
• GetYourGuide's free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the tour.

Meeting Point

The Glacier Valley Eco Tours base in Franz Josef township, or pickup at the Fox Glacier township meeting point or your Fox accommodation; check your voucher for the time.