Lake Matheson Motel

4.0 star property
Eco-certified motel in Fox Glacier with free parking

Photo gallery for Lake Matheson Motel

Free self-parking
Reception
Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Queen and Twin) | Living area
Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Queen and Twin) | Garden view
Fridge, microwave, electric kettle, cookware/dishes/utensils

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$137
includes taxes & fees
26 Aug - 27 Aug

Explore the area

View map
Cnr Cook Flat Road & Pekanga Drive, Fox Glacier, 7886
  • Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Fox Glacier
  • Lake Matheson
    ‪5 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Queen and Twin)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Smart TV
Fan
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
  • 56 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Comfort Studio, Non Smoking, Kitchen (King Bed)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Heating
Fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
Fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Studio, Non Smoking

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
Fan
Private bathroom
  • 26 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen ( 2 King beds)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Smart TV
Fan
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
  • 56 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 King Beds

Comfort Studio, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Jetted Tub

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Garden
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
Fan
Hairdryer
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Fox Glacier

At Lake Matheson Motel you'll be 4.8 km (3 mi) from Lake Matheson and 4.8 km (3 mi) from Lake Gault. Highlights at this eco-friendly motel include in-room free WiFi and Smart TVs. .This motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a garden and barbecues. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a picnic area and express check-out. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Sights in the region of this 4-property class Fox Glacier motel include Fox Glacier and Gillespies Beach.

What's nearby

  • Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Lake Matheson - 5 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Peak Viewpoint - 16 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 19 min drive - 25.5 km
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 20 min drive - 25.9 km

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 145 min drive

Restaurants

  • Matheson Cafe
  • ‪Cafe Neve - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon - ‬5 min walk
  • The Last Kitchen
  • ‪Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Lake Matheson Motel

Eco-certified motel in Fox Glacier with free parking
Lake Matheson Motel offers its guests barbecue grills, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden. WiFi is free in public spaces. The eco-certified Lake Matheson Motel also features a picnic area, laundry facilities, and express check-out. Free self parking is available.
  • 21 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
Lake Matheson Motel offers 21 accommodations with a hairdryer. Fridges and microwaves are provided.

This Fox Glacier motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. 40-inch Smart televisions come with premium satellite channels. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 40-inch smart TV with premium satellite channels
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: NZD 50
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2.5 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Late check-out fee: NZD 50 (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2.5 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Union Pay and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Lake Matheson Motel Fox Glacier
Lake Matheson Motel
Lake Matheson Fox Glacier
Lake Matheson Hotel Fox Glacier
Lake Matheson Motel Motel
Lake Matheson Motel Fox Glacier
Lake Matheson Motel Motel Fox Glacier

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Lake Matheson Motel?

Lake Matheson Motel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Lake Matheson Motel?

As of 16 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Matheson Motel on 17 Aug 2025 start from NZ$137.50, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Lake Matheson Motel?

Yep, Lake Matheson Motel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Lake Matheson Motel?

The closest beach to Lake Matheson Motel is Gillespies Beach (16.3 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Lake Matheson Motel?

No, Lake Matheson Motel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Lake Matheson Motel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Lake Matheson Motel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Lake Matheson Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 217 out of 412 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 150 out of 412 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 412 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 412 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 412 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

majda

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service

not bad, not great, no service

loved the location & the layout of the room. However, it was self-serve check in with our key left taped to the door. I didn't mind that so much. Except that there was a sign that said to ring the bell if you had any questions, and here was a phone number to ring if you had any questions. No one answered when I rang the bell, no one answered or returned my phone call when I left a message. All I wanted was a towel, but couldn't get one for 2 nights. we left, and still never heard. The bed had an electric mattress heater on it under the sheets. we didn't need it, and it made sleeping uncomfortable as there were hard ridges & a hard box under the hip area. I'd have to take apart all the bedding to remove it, then I'd have nowhere to put it. I think it's a great asset in the winter months when it gets colder, but for the fact that IT DIDN'T WORK. The one on the left side wasn't plugged in, and in fact there was nowhere to plug it in. the one on the right side of the bed was plugged in, lit up when turned on, didn't heat after 1/2 hour, so we gave up. And to top it all off, the walls are seriously so thin you can hear everything on both sides of your room. not because they were so loud, they weren't, but because the walls were so thin.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good for an overnight stay
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Haripriya

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient and easy checkin .
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Mr Stuart J

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Well positioned

The motel is conveniently situated and was well provided. The staff were quick to respond when we needed help getting the TV to work. The wet shower room was a bit damp, but otherwise our stay was comfortable. BetsyJane's restaurant and bar next door was excellent. Lake Mathedon is a short drive away and well wirth a visit.
Lake Matheson reflects the surrounding contryside
The trail down to the lake is amazing
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Guiling

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in was surprisingly very easy.Well recommended, this place.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

MARY BETH

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great value. Very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Nicola

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and spacious. Good position in town. Area outside to sit in could have been better kept. Loved the spa tub
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Craig

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good stay and good food and nice and quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Laurence

Noisy Rooms, no privacy as customers walk on your terrasse to avoid the rain, loud discussions until late at night outside, people talking to each other from room to car could also well qbe in your bedroom…
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

nick

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

wesley, Brisbane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kayleigh

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Joanna

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Batul

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was nice.view from our room was superb
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Muhammad

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Johnny

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Lina

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Chai theng

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
not bad
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay. Loved the tub and kitchen. Bed was comfy. Only complaint would be the slow wifi.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Carl

Liked: Cleanliness
Property would benefit if heat pump installed rather than relying on bar heater. It was cold so heating is a must but a heat pump can be easily controlled to provide a comfortable temperature
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024