Lake Matheson Motel

4.0 star property
Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Lake Matheson

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Photo gallery for Lake Matheson Motel

Free self parking
Fridge, microwave, electric kettle, cookware/dishes/utensils
Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Queen and Twin) | Garden view
Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Queen and Twin) | Living area | 40-inch Smart TV with satellite channels, TV, streaming services
Reception
Lake Matheson Motel provides a tranquil setting with its garden and barbecue facilities. Guests appreciate the practical amenities including in-room WiFi and luggage storage. The staff receives consistently positive feedback for their helpfulness.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Yard
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
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

Yard
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Smart TV
Fan
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Comfort Studio, Non Smoking, Kitchen (King Bed)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Yard
Heating
Refrigerator
Smart TV
Fan
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Microwave
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Studio, Non Smoking

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Yard
Heating
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Smart TV
Fan
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • 26 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)

Highlights

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

About the neighborhood

Map
Cnr Cook Flat Road & Pekanga Drive, Fox Glacier, 7886

What's nearby

  • Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Lake Matheson - 5 min drive - 3.4 miles
  • Peak Viewpoint - 16 min drive - 6.3 miles
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 19 min drive - 15.9 miles
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 20 min drive - 16.1 miles

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 145 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Matheson Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Neve - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Betsey Jane - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Last Kitchen - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Lake Matheson Motel

Upscale motel near Lake Matheson
Located close to Lake Gault, Lake Matheson Motel provides a garden and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • Express check-out, luggage storage, and tour/ticket assistance
  • Barbecue grills
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Lake Matheson Motel offer amenities such as free WiFi.
Other amenities include:
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils
  • 40-inch Smart TVs with streaming services and premium channels
  • Private yards, electric kettles, and heating

Awards and affiliations

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

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 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 elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • Smoking not allowed

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 percent 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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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-authorize 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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

Is Lake Matheson Motel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Lake Matheson Motel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Lake Matheson Motel?

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

What time is check-out at Lake Matheson Motel?

Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out is available for NZD 50 (subject to availability).

Where is Lake Matheson Motel located?

Situated in Fox Glacier, this motel is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Lake Matheson and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Lake Gault. Gillespies Beach is 12.8 mi (20.6 km) away.

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Reviews

Lake Matheson Motel Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.2

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Eco-friendliness

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 218 out of 415 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 150 out of 415 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 37 out of 415 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 415 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 415 reviews

Reviews

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

Batul

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

10/10 Excellent

Shirley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed one night while travelling north to south, great location, clean and highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable accommodation with good views of snow capped mountains close to nice restaurant
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Zhenliang

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to popular tourist spots in Fox Glacier!:)
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Robyn

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
A good place to stop and enjoy the beauty of Fox Glacier. Great restaurant to eat at literally a short wander up the road
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice staff . Good basic hotel . Super close to lake matheson , fox glacier view, & Minehaha gloworms
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant staff. Clean and tidy accommodation. In walking distance to pub and restaurant.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

THARAKA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good and convenient place. Not the newest property, but well maintained.

8/10 Good

Anna

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean and quiet .
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable

10/10 Excellent

Wai Chi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Although there was misunderstanding, the issue was resolved smoothly. The staff were helpful and kind. I was happy to stay in this motel and would choose it again when visit Fox Glacier next time.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Ricky

Liked: Cleanliness
Not bad.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The two bedroom apartment was as depicted in the photos. It was reasonably basic and the walls were quite thin. The bathroom tap and fan noise could be heard everywhere in the apartment. Parking was directly out the front which was very good. Reception staff were lovely and the area is flat and walkable to various eating places. It’s close to the lovely lake Matheson walk, and a fantastic view of Fox Glacier from Peak view is a short drive down the road. Beds were okay but the pillows were very flat and not comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

4/10 Poor

Brady

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

Lake Matheson a short drive away.

Beautiful little town but didn't 'have the best experience at this motel. It works and has what you need but I'd stay somewhere else next time. For my 30 day day trip to New Zealand this was the only hotel I wouldn't stay at again. Hotel is definitely not on the lake but a short 5-10 minute drive away and a short 5 minute walk to the main street on the highway. Neither of which are a big deal. Everything is close in Fox Glacier as it is a very small town.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

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

Haripriya

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

10/10 Excellent

Peter

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicolas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfecte plek om de gletsjers vanaf te bezoeken. Ruim appartement. Genoeg mogelijkheden om te koken.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

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

6/10 Okay

Natalia Karpman

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ok sted for en nat.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Nicola

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

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