Image: Lake Matheson, South Westland, July 1965 (15249067066)

Description: The above image is from Archives New Zealand's National Publicity photo collection. Lake Matheson, near the Fox Glacier in South Westland, New Zealand, is famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson is situated within the Westland Tai Pountini National Park. Photographer Mr. Kohlap. The lake was formed about 14,000 years ago when the Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe retreated from its last major advance towards the sea and left a depression which later filled with water. The mirror-like reflecting properties of the lake are due to the dark brown colour of the waters, the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. The National Publicity Studios were established in 1945, but its beginnings can be traced back to the establishment in 1924 of a Publicity Office - part of the Department of Internal Affairs. The emphasis of this Publicity Office was on films, photographs and booklets. The purpose of the National Publicity Studios was to provide advice to government departments and state agencies on the provision of photographic, art, and display services and in particular to assist in the production of publicity material aimed at conveying a favourable image of New Zealand. Archives New Zealand Reference: AAQT 6539 A77529
Title: Lake Matheson, South Westland, July 1965 (15249067066)
Credit: Lake Matheson, South Westland, July 1965
Author: Archives New Zealand from New Zealand
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
Attribution Required?: Yes