View of Views Lookout

View of Views Lookout is a stepped spur to an elevated perch at the upper end of Lake Matheson. A seat faces along the dark water toward the Southern Alps, with native trees framing the lake and the peaks beyond. If you’re walking the lake circuit, take this spur for the higher, longer view; it’s a different stop from the lower Jetty Lookout.

Start at Lake Matheson car park, 5 km along Cook Flat Road from Fox Glacier / Weheka. The circuit is 4.4 km and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes; it can be walked in either direction, though most people go clockwise. From Jetty Lookout, allow about 15 minutes through forest to the signed spur and its steps.

The first section to Jetty Lookout is suitable for wheelchairs, but the steps to View of Views are not. The car park has free parking and public toilets, including an accessible toilet. There’s no drinking water at the lake, so bring what you need. Matheson Café and a shop are by the trailhead for food before or after the walk.

Dawn and dusk give the best chance of reflections, especially on a fine, windless day. From the lookout, let the lake’s long line lead toward Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, and keep some framing trees in the picture. The loop is popular and gets busy in summer, from November to April; sandflies can also be fierce, so insect repellent is useful.

Lake Matheson formed about 14,000 years ago, after Fox Glacier retreated from its last significant advance. The glacier left piles of rock that created a basin, which later filled with water. Organic matter from the forest floor gives the water its dark color and helps make its reflections so striking.

Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati is a customary Ngāi Tahu mahinga kai, or food-gathering place. Long-finned eels, or tuna, are abundant here and are culturally treasured. Keep an ear out for tūī, silvereye, fantail, kererū and tomtit in the forest; around the wetland you may see pūkeko, paradise duck or New Zealand scaup.