Take a walk along the historic Copland Track to soak in the famous Welcome Flat hot pools. Located on the wild west coast the track makes it way through a beautiful rainforest and up alongside the Copland river. Along the way, there are numerous long swing bridges to cross and the reward for a hard day of walking - A soak in the natural Welcome Flat Hot Pools.
Time to complete
2-3 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Loop - Return via same track
Distance
34km return
Difficulty
Easy-Medium
Bookings required
Yes
A well equipped hut and campsite
Excellent lush green rainforest floors
Soak in the expansive Welcome Flat hot pools
Explore the Copland valley and marvel at the Sierra Ranges
Get some practice with a few easy stream crossings
Don’t be surprised if this isn’t one of the next walks to be transformed into a ‘Great Walk'. The trail really is in superb condition the whole way and the only difficulty really comes with a few easy stream crossings. It rains a lot here and this is evident as you walk through the forest tracks and see nothing but green everywhere you look. Despite the high amounts of rainfall here, the trails don’t really get bogged down given the investment in upgrading the paths to gravel pathways most of the way. I walked it a day after 150mm of rain and although there are a lot of shallow streams to cross I had dry feet when I reached the hut.
The Copland Track itself has a rich history with the Welcome flat being a popular spot to stop and soak on expeditions headed to and from the Copland Pass. Unfortunately the pools are wonderful in their current state, they aren’t quite as impressive as they once were. Photos and accounts from the early 1900’s show a vast network of silica terraces somewhat reminiscent of ones you might see in Turkey or Italy. However these were destroyed during an extreme weather event and now just a few smaller terraced pools survive.
The hut itself is large and well equipped - A special feature of this hut is the bookable Sierra room. It’s a separated self contained room that sleeps 4 people and has a wetback hot shower!
Track condition
-Very good condition but be prepared for a few easy stream crossings with the remainder being bridged
Optionals (recommended!)
-Spend 2 nights and explore further up the valley to Douglas Rock Hut and have more time
The trail starts and finishes at the Copland Track Carpark, a short distance from Fox Glacier town.
Trail start/finish location: Copland Track Carpark
-Huts:
The hut is reasonably modern with good facilities. Bring your own cookers.
-Camping:
The campsite is a short stroll from the hut with grassed areas formed within the tussock
-Booking:
Yes
-Back-country hut pass:
Can’t be used.
This part of the South Island is known for rain. Make sure you have a quality rain jacket even if there is none in the forecast and be mindful of the river crossings which can be dangerous for small periods. Besides this, make sure you pack your swimming gear and mosquito repellant.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Is generally safe in favourable weather conditions. The rocks on the track can be icy depending on temperature.
Department of conservation website | Welcome Flat Hut Weather
17km | 5-7 Hours
2.5-3.5hr | Architect Creek Hut
The track starts with a stream crossing. It’s a relatively tame affair provided there hasn’t been any significant rainfall. However if it very difficult or looks too dangerous to cross, then there is a stream further into the track that will be impassible and you will need to wait for the river levels to subside before continuing.
The first half of the track makes its way to Architect Creek Hut is either flat or has a gentle incline most of the way. There are numerous small streams to jump across and some wider streams that are just above ankle height. As well as this there are a few long swing bridges to go across.
Eventually the river is met and you walk alongside it rock hopping from time to time before heading back into the forest and soon reaching the hut. Architect Creek Hut is very basic and old however it can serve as good shelter under stormy conditions.
2.5-3.5hr | Welcome Flat Hut
Between Architect Creek Hut and Welcome Flat Hut it is much the same with some impressive swing bridges to cross and one unbridged fast flowing river to navigate. managed to rock hop over this stream without getting wet but my partner wasn’t as lucky! There is a tricky slip section to navigate but after this, there is a nice gentle descent before arriving at Welcome Flat Hut.
Optional
-The hot pools are the main attraction and only a few minutes from the hut
-Many people stay for two nights and venture out further into the valley in the day in between
17km | 5-7 Hours
2.5-4hr
The track back to the carpark follows the same one walked on day 1.
If it has been raining it is advisable to check with the hut warden whether or not it will be safe to travel back to the carpark or if you should stay an extra night instead,
The first stream crossing.. only ankle-knee deep unless there has been heavy rain
Not a fun time for those afraid of heights!
Welcome Flat hut
The Welcome Flat Hot Pools
The source of the hot pools. Rocks have been placed to control the flow of the water.
The Routeburn Track
Mountains, lush forests, alpine lakes and the famous Routeburn River
Aspiring Hut
An easy going adventure in the southern alps
