Lake Matheson, Mirror lake near Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Lake Matheson features dark waters that reflect Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, creating perfect mirror images of these peaks on the surface.
The lake formed approximately 14,000 years ago when Fox Glacier retreated, leaving behind a natural depression that filled with water.
The lake holds importance for Māori tribes who incorporate its presence into their traditional stories about the surrounding landscape.
The walking track around Lake Matheson takes about 1.5 hours to complete and includes multiple observation platforms for mountain views.
The dark brown color of the water comes from natural tannins released by decomposing forest vegetation in the surrounding area.
Location: Westland District
Elevation above the sea: 100 m
GPS coordinates: -43.43800,169.96300
Latest update: March 2, 2025 19:58
New Zealand offers photographic locations from mountains and beaches to cities. The landscape spans from thermal springs in Rotorua to glaciers in the Southern Alps. Visitors find waterfalls like Purakaunui, volcanoes like Mount Taranaki, and sand beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula. The Hobbiton film set, Waitomo Caves, and Larnach Castle showcase cultural diversity.
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