Lake Matheson - South Westland, New Zealand
Posted by: 
denben
S 43° 26.217 E 169° 57.606
59G E 415842 N 5190135
Famous for mirror views of Mount Tasman and Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Matheson is located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand.
Waymark Code: WMN9Q8
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 01/26/2015
Views: 4
Lake Matheson was formed when Fox Glacier retreated from its last significant advance about 14,000 years ago. During the last major ice age, the glacier spread across the coastal plains towards the sea, dumping huge piles of rock. The glacier ground a depression which later filled with water, forming the lake. Lake Matheson’s excellent mirror-like reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water, the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. If you are lucky you may see an eel break the surface of the lake. The species most likely to be seen here is the long-finned eel, which made this an important food-gathering site (mahinga kai) for Maori travelling along the coast.
Lake Matheson walk is one of the easiest and most popular walks on the West Coast and is suitable for people of all abilities and fitness. The 4.4 kilometre circuit around the Lake takes about 1½ hours. The track to the Jetty Viewpoint is suitable for assisted wheelchair and, after crossing the Clearwater suspension bridge, the walk takes 40 minutes return.
The coordinates are from the Jetty Viewpoint platform.
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