Lake Matheson

Infobox lake
lake_name = Lake Matheson
image_lake = LakeMatheson.jpg
caption_lake = Reflection of Mount Tasman and Mount Cook in the lake waters
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = South Westland, South Island
coords = coord|43|26|22|S|169|57|52|E|type:waterbody_region:NZ|display=inline,title
type =
inflow =
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = New Zealand
length =
width =
area =
depth =
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands =
cities =
frozen =

Lake Matheson, near the Fox Glacier in South Westland, New Zealand, is famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. A traditional mahinga kai (food gathering place) for Māori people, the lake contains long finned eel as well as being home to many water birds.

Geography

Lake Matheson was formed by glaciation ca. 14,000 years ago. It is situated on the valley floor about 12km from the current Fox Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand, and Mount Tasman.

Conservation

The area around the lake is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and is surrounded by native kahikatea (white pine) and rimu (red pine) trees, as well as flax and a variety of New Zealand fern species.