Lake Gault Track
A serene, less-traveled track offering stunning lake views and a sense of isolation, often combined with Lake Matheson.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for mountain reflections
Lake Gault Track
Best Time
Best chance for mountain reflections
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, less-traveled track offering stunning lake views and a sense of isolation, often combined with Lake Matheson.
"A challenging but rewarding hike for those seeking solitude and breathtaking mountain reflections."
🎯 Check the Weather First
Views are best on clear days. Don't attempt if it's foggy or raining heavily.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The track involves a significant uphill climb and can be muddy. Good footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Gault Views
Lake Gault
Stunning, serene lake with potential mountain reflections on clear days. A true escape.
Blue Mushrooms
Lake Gault Track
Rare and beautiful blue mushrooms can be found if you look closely. Photography gold!
Tranquil Isolation
Lake Gault Track
Experience complete silence and solitude on this less-traveled path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Combine with Lake Matheson
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check the Weather First
Views are best on clear days. Don't attempt if it's foggy or raining heavily.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The track involves a significant uphill climb and can be muddy. Good footwear is a must.
🍄 Look for Blue Mushrooms
Keep an eye out for rare blue mushrooms, especially after rain. (Do not eat!)
💧 Detour from Lake Matheson
Easily combined with the Lake Matheson walk for a longer outing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check the Weather First
Views are best on clear days. Don't attempt if it's foggy or raining heavily.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The track involves a significant uphill climb and can be muddy. Good footwear is a must.
🍄 Look for Blue Mushrooms
Keep an eye out for rare blue mushrooms, especially after rain. (Do not eat!)
💧 Detour from Lake Matheson
Easily combined with the Lake Matheson walk for a longer outing.
⏱️ Allow Ample Time
The round trip can take 2-3 hours, with a 45-minute uphill climb to the lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lake Gault Track for its stunning, serene views and the rewarding sense of isolation. The challenging uphill climb is considered worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and potential mountain reflections. Some note that clear weather is essential for the best experience, and the track can be muddy.
"Took 1hr to get there, 286m ascent, and about 45 minutes to get back. This is without stopping and it’s all uphill going there. Only saw one person on the way there and back. Lake is very large and personally I would not recommend going unless it’s a clear day and the mountains are visible. I went to try and find blue mushrooms (photography only, do not eat them!!), and I was lucky to find many! They are hard to spot but if you look carefully you can find them - if you’re reading this review within a few weeks of posting you’ll hopefully see them too! At the viewpoint there are some picnic tables (under shelter) and a toilet."
Jez S
"I would definitely recommend you detour off the Lake Mathieson trail to Lake Gault. It is a 6km rtn detour and took us 1 hr to get to the lake (45 min all up hill). The track is in great condition and the view of the lake amazing. We did not see a soul there or back so a feeling of complete isolation, silence and serene."
Kiwis Fly the Coop NZ
"Ok, it take a couple of hours and 300m elevation to get to. It's worth it"
Phil Wood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Gault Track is accessed via a detour from the Lake Matheson walk near Fox Glacier. Follow the signs for the Lake Matheson walk, and then look for the turn-off for Lake Gault.
Yes, the starting point for the Lake Matheson walk, which leads to Lake Gault Track, is accessible by car. There is parking available.
The closest town to Lake Gault Track is Fox Glacier. It's a popular base for exploring the West Coast glaciers and nearby attractions.
While possible, it's a very long day trip from Queenstown (around 14 hours return to Milford Sound, which is in the same general region). It's more feasible to stay closer to the West Coast.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Lake Gault Track are limited. Most visitors travel by car or as part of organized tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to access Lake Gault Track. It is part of the Department of Conservation (DOC) managed land.
Lake Gault Track is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and for the best experience.
The Lake Matheson walk itself is free to access. The detour to Lake Gault Track is also free.
No booking is required for Lake Gault Track. It's a walk-in track, and you can visit anytime.
Many West Coast tours include Lake Matheson and may offer the option to detour to Lake Gault. It's best to check tour itineraries specifically.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The round trip to Lake Gault typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, with the ascent to the lake taking around 45 minutes to an hour.
The track has an elevation gain of approximately 286 meters (about 938 feet) to reach the lake.
On a clear day, you can expect stunning views of the lake with potential reflections of the surrounding mountains. It's known for its serene and isolated atmosphere.
Yes, there are picnic tables (some under shelter) and a toilet available at the viewpoint at Lake Gault.
The track involves a steep uphill climb, so it may be challenging for very young children or those with limited mobility. Older children should be fine with supervision.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewpoint at Lake Gault offers the best opportunities for capturing the lake and potential mountain reflections. The track itself also offers scenic moments.
Early morning or late afternoon on a clear day can provide beautiful light and the best chance for reflections. However, visibility is key.
Absolutely! The rare blue mushrooms are a unique photographic subject. Look carefully near the track.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain views. A macro lens can be useful for photographing the blue mushrooms.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Department of Conservation areas. It's best to check the latest DOC regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited to the viewpoint at Lake Gault. The chance to spot unique blue mushrooms can be a fun scavenger hunt for kids, adding an element of excitement to the hike. On a clear day, the stunning views are a great reward for their efforts.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the grand landscapes, the track is famous for its rare blue mushrooms, offering a fantastic opportunity for macro photography. Look for them nestled amongst the moss and ferns. Visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset can enhance the photographic potential, but always prioritize safety and visibility.
🚶 Solo Hikers & Peace Seekers
The steady uphill climb ensures that fewer people venture this way, preserving its peaceful ambiance. It's an ideal spot to disconnect, enjoy the sounds of nature, and appreciate the raw beauty of the West Coast without distractions. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and check weather conditions before setting off.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lake Gault Track Experience
Clear weather is paramount for the best experience at Lake Gault. On days with good visibility, the lake can offer stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains, creating a truly picturesque scene. The track itself is generally well-maintained, though it can be muddy after rain. At the lake's viewpoint, you'll find useful amenities like picnic tables (some sheltered) and a toilet, making it a comfortable spot to rest and soak in the views.
Beyond the main vista, the Lake Gault Track is also known for a unique natural wonder: rare blue mushrooms. These fascinating fungi, which are not for consumption, can be spotted if you look closely along the trail. They add an element of discovery to the hike, making it a memorable experience for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Combining Lake Gault with Lake Matheson
By adding the detour to Lake Gault, you transform the outing into a more substantial hike, typically taking around 2 to 3 hours for the combined round trip. This allows you to experience two distinct, yet complementary, natural wonders in one outing. Starting with the Lake Matheson walk and then branching off to Lake Gault provides a varied experience, from the iconic reflections to the more secluded, challenging ascent.
Travelers often recommend walking the Lake Matheson walk anticlockwise before heading towards the Lake Gault turn-off. This strategy helps to manage the flow of visitors and ensures you can fully appreciate both locations. The combined experience offers a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the West Coast.
Social
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