Lake Gault Track

FOR: Travel feature – Rudy Adrian on a walk to Lake Gault. Lake Gault – Photo Owen Kilgour.

Beginning from the Lake Matheson carpark, follow the Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati walk in an anti-clockwise direction before branching off to Lake Gault.

The track gradually climbs 200 m through original podocarp forest with several small stream crossings.

There is a lookout spot with a seat about half-way up the hill. It’s a handy rest spot with a nice view down to the river flats.

As the track flattens out, you’ll catch glimpses of Lake Gault through the vegetation. Continue several minutes to the lookout point.

The lookout spot offers incredible panoramic views of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. On a still day, these peaks are perfectly reflected on the surface of Lake Gault. There is a shelter with two picnic tables at the lookout.

At the lookout you’ll find information panels about the view, history and nature in the area.

Early morning is the best time for mirror views, when the lake is calm and before clouds obscure the mountains.