It’s a tough job to follow up Franz Josef Glacier, but Lake Matheson rises to the occasion. There’s a 45-minute walking path around the lake that is picture perfect and on a calm day you can see Mount Cook’s reflection in the water.

I grab a coffee at the nearby cafe and head out behind our group. While there’s no right or wrong way to circle the lake, I go in the opposite direction of the crowds and find the path nearly empty. With a latte in hand and iPod on, it’s a perfect morning.

The conditions are perfect to see Mt. Cook’s reflection.

After the walk our Stray bus driver Spoon stops in front of nearby Fox Glacier for a photo op.

After our morning stroll we have a few more exciting stops en route to Lake Wanaka. Tune in tomorrow for the Blue Pools!