Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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Lake Matheson Meander

Fox Glacier, West Coast

Submitted by Stephanie Berry

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 6 ?

Gnarl Factor: 18 ?

4.5km

70m

70m

134m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Lakeside

Run Makeup

100%

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.9%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

0:45

Slow

0:30

Moderate

0:20

Fast

Leaving the car park you head out on a well formed track toward the lake. Approx 700m from the track start you get to choose whether you wish to go clockwise or anti-clockwise around the lake ... this guide goes anti-clockwise.

It's a wide and easy undulating track with a couple of excellent view points of the mirror lake that invite you to stop and soak in the magic and take a few photos of the reflections. There's a couple of boardwalks and a few easy steps to climb up and down along the way. When you get back to the turnoff point and you haven't had enough you can head around again for a lap or two more or head back to the car the way you came.

When you're done have bite to eat at the cafe before heading back to Fox Glacier. I great wee run that the family can walk as well.

Lake Matheson was created about 14,000 years ago during glacial times when Fox Glacier retreated and the ice melted leaving a lake. Magnificent reflections of Mt Tasman and Mt Cook can be had on a good day.

Plenty of safe parking.

5 km

5 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Non-existent.

Windproof jacket, First aid kit, Cellphone.

No water on the loop.

Cold in winter.

Lake Matheson Cafe
Lake Matheson
Convenient - Yummy food - Great service

Neve Cafe
Fox Glacier Township
Great food and service

Trail Legend

NO

Nick Osborne

has completed Lake Matheson Meander twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Stunning!!! That’s all!

Lauren Mai Anderson

December 16, 2021

Beautiful track and nice to stretch the legs on a long journey north. I was planning on going up the new Gault Lake track but it was pretty wet today, next time!

Vicky Youngman

January 18, 2021

Beautiful setting but windy during a late afternoon run so no mirror views to be seen today.

John OConnell

December 22, 2020

Great, but even better in combo with Lake Gault!

Tony Sharpe

May 30, 2020

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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

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