New Zealand Travel & Tourism

About

Matheson Cafe is located at the entrance to the famous Lake Matheson Walkway, just a few minutes’ drive from Fox Glacier. Stop for breakfast, lunch or barista-made coffee while enjoying spectacular views towards Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, then browse New Zealand gifts and souvenirs at neighbouring ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery.

Open seven days from 8.30am, the café is an ideal place to relax before or after exploring one of the West Coast’s most photographed natural attractions. Comfortable indoor seating and an outdoor deck make the most of the remarkable Glacier Country setting.

Why Visit Lake Matheson Cafe?

Located at the entrance to the Lake Matheson Walkway
Just a few minutes’ drive from Fox Glacier
Spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman
Breakfast and lunch served daily
Barista-made coffee
Seasonal dishes featuring fresh ingredients
Freshly made cabinet food, cakes, savouries and salads
Comfortable indoor seating and outdoor deck
ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery alongside the café
Wheelchair accessible
Group and tour bookings welcome

Breakfast & Lunch at Lake Matheson Cafe

Enjoy breakfast or lunch surrounded by some of the West Coast’s most impressive alpine scenery.

Matheson Cafe’s menu changes to make the most of seasonal ingredients, with breakfast and lunch choices alongside a cabinet filled with freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes, savouries and salads made by the kitchen team.

Whether you’re starting the day before walking around Lake Matheson or returning for coffee and lunch afterwards, the café provides a comfortable place to relax and take in the scenery.

View the current Matheson Cafe Menu

Cafe Near Fox Glacier with Aoraki/Mt Cook Views

One of Matheson Cafe’s biggest attractions is its location.

The café sits at the gateway to Lake Matheson, with views towards Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman from its beautiful Glacier Country setting. Fox Glacier township is approximately 5km away.

Visitors can choose comfortable indoor seating or head outside to the deck to enjoy the surroundings.

ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery

Complete your visit with a browse through ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery, located alongside Matheson Cafe at Lake Matheson.

The gallery showcases contemporary products with a distinctly New Zealand flavour, including:

New Zealand gifts and souvenirs
West Coast greenstone
New Zealand-themed jewellery
Designer merino garments
Artwork and photography
Kiwiana products and memorabilia

It’s an ideal place to find a quality memento of your time on the West Coast or a New Zealand gift to take home.

Lake Matheson Walkway

A visit to the café pairs perfectly with a walk around Lake Matheson, one of New Zealand’s best-known mirror lakes.

The walking track winds through ancient native rainforest and leads to viewpoints overlooking the dark waters of Lake Matheson and the Southern Alps.

On calm days, the lake is famous for its reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, creating one of the West Coast’s most iconic landscapes. Early morning and evening generally provide the best opportunity for calm conditions and clear reflections.

The full circuit takes approximately 1–1½ hours, while visitors short on time can choose a shorter walk to one of the viewpoints.

Group & Tour Bookings

Matheson Cafe welcomes group and tour bookings, making it an ideal stop for groups exploring Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier and the wider West Coast.

The café can accommodate groups of up to 45 people, with bookings essential for larger groups and organised tours. Group bookings may also be available outside normal opening hours by prior arrangement.

Visit Matheson Cafe & ReflectioNZ

Make Matheson Cafe part of your Lake Matheson experience. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or barista-made coffee with spectacular mountain views, then browse the New Zealand gifts, greenstone, jewellery and souvenirs at ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery.

Plan your visit and discover more on the Matheson Cafe & ReflectioNZ website.

Explore the West Coast

Discover attractions, accommodation and things to do with our West Coast Travel Guide.

Location

Where you'll find them

Matheson Café, Lake Matheson Road, Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier, West Coast, 7859, New Zealand

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lake Matheson Cafe?

Lake Matheson Cafe is on Lake Matheson Road at the entrance to the Lake Matheson Walkway, approximately 5km from Fox Glacier township on New Zealand’s West Coast.

What time does Matheson Cafe open?

Matheson Cafe is open seven days from 8.30am. Opening hours may vary seasonally, so check the Matheson Cafe website for the latest hours before visiting.

Does Matheson Cafe serve breakfast?

Yes. Matheson Cafe serves breakfast, with the current breakfast menu available from 8.30am.

Does Matheson Cafe serve lunch?

Yes. Lunch and freshly prepared cabinet food are available, with menu choices changing to make use of seasonal ingredients.

Can I see the Matheson Cafe menu online?

Yes. The current breakfast and lunch menus can be viewed on the official Matheson Cafe website.

Is Matheson Cafe near the Lake Matheson Walkway?

Yes. Matheson Cafe is located directly at the entrance to the Lake Matheson Walkway, making it convenient before or after the walk.

Does Matheson Cafe have views of Aoraki/Mt Cook?

Yes. The café and deck offer views towards Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.

Is there a gift shop at Lake Matheson?

Yes. ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery is located alongside the café and sells New Zealand gifts, souvenirs, jewellery, greenstone, artwork and other products.

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