Lake Matches

Tucked away in the dense temperate rainforest near Fox Glacier, Lake Matches is a tiny, mirror-still tarn that feels like a secret revealed only to those who make the short walk. Its dark, tea-stained waters perfectly reflect the surrounding podocarp forest and distant peaks, creating a photographer's dream. This is a place to pause, breathe in the damp, earthy air, and soak in the serene beauty of New Zealand's West Coast wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Reflection Lake: On a calm day, the lake offers flawless reflections of the forest and mountains – arrive early or late for the best light.
• Short Forest Walk: The easy 20-minute loop track winds through lush native bush, with interpretive signs about the local flora and glacial history.
• Birdlife: Keep an eye out for kererū (wood pigeon), fantails, and the occasional weka along the trail.
• Fox Glacier Township: Just a 5-minute drive away, this small town has cafés, a general store, and access to guided glacier hikes.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30–45 minutes for the walk and photo stop. It's a perfect quick detour on your way to or from Fox Glacier village, or as a peaceful morning or late-afternoon leg-stretcher between longer drives.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fox Glacier – the main glacier viewpoint and terminal face walk (currently accessible via a short track).
• Lake Gault – another reflective lake with a longer, more challenging track offering panoramic views.
• Gillespies Beach – a wild black-sand beach with a historic gold-mining settlement, 20 minutes west.
• Franz Josef Glacier – 25 minutes north, with its own walks, hot pools, and heli-hikes.
• Ship Creek – a short stop with a boardwalk through dunes and kahikatea swamp forest, 30 minutes south.

Please check official sources for current details.