Lake Matheson is one of the Crown Jewels of the New Zealand landscape. It is an unforgettable scene of serene natural beauty for anyone who visits and, of course, an irresistible subject for photographers.

Located within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of the South Island, Lake Matheson was created some 14,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age, during the rapid retreat of what we now call Fox Glacier. It is referred to as a kettle lake, a depression in the ground formed by a slab of ice left behind and which eventually melts; the lake is topped up from a few small creeks and streams, but is not fed by any major river.

Lake Matheson is renowned for its mirror-like reflection properties and the spectacular view of New Zealand's two highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman (3,724m and 3,497m, respectively). The water here is especially reflective due to its brown colouration, caused by tannins and organic matter leaching from the forest floor.

Visit at any time of the year, but the winter months of July and August are best, when there is the most snow on the mountain peaks. I always find sunrise to be the best time of day, provided, of course, that there is no wind. Even a slight breeze can ripple the surface and spoil the reflections. By the time evening falls, there is more likelihood of cloud having built up to obscure the mountains, and with it, more wind.

On a still morning, everything reflects in near flawless sharpness. Such is the perfection of the reflections, when I first had this image printed and framed, the unknowing picture framer mounted it upside down!