Winter Reflections Lake Matheson, South Westland

While I took some Mummy time with the boys Stephen headed off to Lake Matheson to make the most of the near perfect winter conditions.

Near perfect – hard to better it really with mirror like conditions that the lake is renowned for but hard to get the timing right on.  We call those mirror like reflections the “million dollar photo” or the elusive photo as it is so hard to get all the dots to line up to ensure that one shot that everyone longs for.

Locals tip for you then – winter would have to be the best time for viewing.  Most times when we are in the glacier country we manage to strike the best conditions.  What are those conditions you ask – well no wind and minimal cloud coverage over the mountains.

Even better – not too many people to share the trail with either so getting those photos is a lot easier with the best access to the viewing platforms without jostling for position or having to get up at the crack of dawn – before the wind comes up in the busy summer season.

While some people may think they want no cloud cover, some cloud cover makes for much more interesting photography.  Sure to have the mountain tops free from the clouds is ideal but for some clouds to be wispy in the skies is great and adds to the atmosphere and dramatics of the location.  Crikey now I sound like I’m trying to sell you something – think the photos speak for themselves really though eh 🙂

The Lake Matheson walk starts at the Matheson Cafe – giving a brief taster of the mountain views.  Then you have a native bush walk loop track right around the lake with two fantastic views points strategically placed for the best reflection photos.

Stephen pretty much had the lake to himself to start with so had the best vantage point to get some photos.  While Mt Cook was hiding herself Mt Tasman took advantage to be the main attraction – I’m sure she gets sick of playing second fiddle to Mt Cook so she was hamming it up for the camera – a great model indeed.  She must have known someone was there with their camera with cloud off to the left and the right but she was the shining star.  Yes I know sorry, getting a bit carried away there, but looking at the photos it really does look like she was at a photo shoot.

I love this shot – had to throw it in to see if I could confuse you all – took me a minute to let my brain get it right.  How’s that for perfection reflection.

The main reason people visit Lake Matheson is well for the lake of course but the nature walk is just as beautiful.  Well ok if you get those reflections maybe not “just” as beautiful but it is a gorgeous walk in its own right and well worth doing even if you don’t think you’ll get those reflection photos you are after.

Much of the trail skirts the edge of the lake so it is a lovely contrast of the native forest and the lake.

But not to skite or anything but this latest effort was all about the reflections so here’s a few more for you.  Hope you enjoy them 🙂

 Jan and Stephen run Breakers Boutique Accommodation on the Great Coast Road north of Greymouth.  They enjoy getting out and about and exploring the many wonders that help make up the West Coast of the Southern Alps.