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Home/New Zealand/South Island/Franz Josef & Fox Glacier/Lake Matheson Walk

Lake Matheson Walk: Ultimate Fox Glacier Guide

Embark on a breathtaking Lake Matheson Walk near Fox Glacier, where nature's most stunning mirror reflections await. This iconic New Zealand sightseeing adventure offers travelers the chance to witness the majestic Southern Alps reflected in the tranquil waters of the lake. Whether you choose a guided nature tour or an immersive adventure experience, you'll discover why this is a top-rated attraction in Fox Glacier. Perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, our tours provide seamless access to these world-class landscapes. Book your unforgettable journey today and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the West Coast!

4.95/5 avg ratingFrom $91.41 per person5 premium tour optionsFree cancellation included

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.95★ average

Based on 145 pooled reviews with ~97% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$91–$172 typical

Nature-themed tours average $152

Tour Length

Tour Length

5.6–12 hours typical

Median duration is 8 hours

Booking Info

Booking Info

100% free cancellation

All options offer instant confirmation

Best For

Best For

Nature & Sightseeing

100% of tours focus on nature themes

Pro Tip

Pro Tip

Book in advance

Some tours are likely to sell out

5 Products

Franz Josef to Queenstown Small Group Tour via Wanaka 1 -Way

Franz Josef to Queenstown Small Group Tour via Wanaka 1 -Way

12 hrsFree cancellation
5 (62 reviews)
96.32%
3.68%
greatstunning tourstunning
Viator
$172
Book now
View Details
Franz Josef to Queenstown Small Group Tour via Wanaka 1 -Way
Summary

Explore the untamed beauty of New Zealand's Wild West Coast on this small group, fully-guided tour from Franz Josef to Queenstown. Your journey takes you along the rugged beaches of the West Coast, soaking in the dramatic landscapes that make this region so unique. As you traverse the unforgettable ...

Inclusions
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Water available & snacks provided
Itinerary
  • Lake Matheson Walk
  • Bruce Bay
  • Ship Creek Walks
  • Thunder Creek Falls
  • Blue Pools Track
  • Lake Hawea
  • Wanaka
  • Cardrona
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own, Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)

12 hrsFree cancellation
4.98 (62 reviews)
100%
0%
excellentexcellent experiencewell-skilled
Viator
$172
Book now
View Details
Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)
Summary

Experience the ultimate adventure along New Zealand's West Coast from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you to the picturesque Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, over the stunning Haast Pass and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Led by our ...

Inclusions
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Itinerary
  • Cardrona
  • Wanaka
  • Lake Hawea
  • Blue Pools Track
  • Thunder Creek Falls
  • Ship Creek Walks
  • Bruce Bay
  • Lake Matheson Walk
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own, Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Lake Matheson Nature Tour

Lake Matheson Nature Tour

4 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.76 (17 reviews)
Viator
$71
Book now
View Details
Lake Matheson Nature Tour
Summary

Immerse yourself in Lake Matheson's beauty with Glacier Valley Eco Tours' Lake Matheson Nature Tour. Nestled in ancient forest, the lake offers stunning mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Departing from Franz Josef Glacier, we’ll drive you to Fox Glacier (30 minutes) or pick you up ...

Inclusions
  • West weather clothing
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • umbrellas
  • Walking poles if required
  • walking boots - please call if required due to limited stock
Exclusions
  • Lunch
  • Water
Itinerary
  • Lake Matheson Walk
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Please bring an extra on or two long sleeved warm top layers of clothing, Please wear suitable footwear for walking, Please call us to order sizes for wet weather clothing
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Franz Josef to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (One-Way) Includes Lunch

Franz Josef to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (One-Way) Includes Lunch

8 hrsFree cancellation
5 (3 reviews)
100%
0%
Amazing Experience
Viator
$172
Book now
View Details
Franz Josef to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (One-Way) Includes Lunch
Summary

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you from Franz Josef along the beautiful West Coast beaches, over the stunning Haast Pass, and through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind aut...

Inclusions
  • Fully guided small group tour
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Exclusions
  • Accommodation
Itinerary
  • Lake Matheson Walk
  • Bruce Bay
  • Ship Creek Walks
  • Haast
  • Thunder Creek Falls
  • Blue Pools Track
  • Lake Hawea Lookout
  • That Wanaka Tree
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own, Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved., Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Wanaka to Franz Josef Small-Group Tour (One Way) Includes Lunch

Wanaka to Franz Josef Small-Group Tour (One Way) Includes Lunch

8 hrsFree cancellation
5 (1 reviews)
88.89%
11.11%
superbatrocious
Viator
$172
Book now
View Details
Wanaka to Franz Josef Small-Group Tour (One Way) Includes Lunch
Summary

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Wanaka to Franz Josef. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes, over the stunning Haast Pass, and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authe...

Inclusions
  • Fully guided small group tour
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Exclusions
  • Accommodation
Itinerary
  • Wanaka
  • Lake Hawea Lookout
  • Blue Pools Track
  • Thunder Creek Falls
  • Haast
  • Ship Creek Walks
  • Bruce Bay
  • Lake Matheson Walk
  • Franz Josef
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own, Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved., Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Lake Matheson Walk.

Fox Glacier
Learn more

Fox Glacier

3.6 km away • from $310

Fox Glacier South Side Walkway
Learn more

Fox Glacier South Side Walkway

4.8 km away • from $65

Franz Josef Glacier
Learn more

Franz Josef Glacier

18 km away • from $65

West Coast Wildlife Centre
Learn more

West Coast Wildlife Centre

19 km away • from $39

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

It is wise to book ahead. Among the options we compare, one-third of the tours are flagged as likely to sell out, so securing your spot early is recommended.

The cost for these experiences generally falls within a range of $81–$172. When comparing across booking platforms, we find the median price is around $172.

The options available offer a variety of formats:

  • Private tours (available for about a third of the listings)
  • Eco-friendly tours (tagged as such for one-third of the options)
  • Standard group tours

You should set aside a significant portion of your day. Depending on the specific itinerary you choose, durations typically range from about 5 to 11 hours, with a median duration of 8 hours.

Yes, the feedback is exceptionally strong. Across 82 pooled reviews from various booking platforms, the experiences hold an average rating of 4.92★. Reviewers frequently describe the walks as stunning, excellent, and wonderful.

Flexibility is common for this landmark. All of the tours we compare offer free cancellation, allowing you to adjust your plans if your itinerary changes.

Based on the listings we compare, the tours are offered in English.

No, you cannot walk on the glacier alone. You must book a guided heli-hike for safety and legal reasons.

Wear sturdy boots and layers. Bring waterproof clothing and sunglasses to protect against intense snow glare.

You can take a coach bus from Queenstown or Christchurch. Many tour operators also offer shuttle services.

Fox Glacier South Side Walkway4.8kmFranz Josef Glacier17.9kmWest Coast Wildlife Centre18.7kmMt. Cook (Aoraki)21.5kmTasman Glacier (Haupapa)26.2kmAoraki/Mt. Cook National Park28.7kmHooker Valley Track31.8kmBlue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Walk32.7kmLake Pukaki69.8kmLake Tekapo74.4kmChurch of the Good Shepherd74.4kmMackenzie Basin (Mackenzie Country)75km
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight