Copland Track: Hike to Welcome Flat Hut and Hot Pools
The in and out Copland Track is an overnight hike in New Zealand's West Coast. Why should you choose this trek and spend a night in Welcome Flat Hut? Except for the mountain scenery, there is one more reason. Hot Pools. In this travel guide, we share everything you need to know for planning Copland Track, including practical tips on how to reserve the hut, when is the best time for the hike, what to pack, and how to enjoy the hot pools the most.
Rugged West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is a region of immense beauty. The raw mountainous scenery, lush green forests, and wild rivers are often witnesses of torrential downpours, the same as travelers, so one thing is sure, you never know what to expect.
Visitors of the West Coast are often surprised either by changeable weather, or the number of top attractions.
One of the very popular activities to do in the area is hiking Copland Track that leads to Welcome Flat Hut featuring natural hot pools.
This backpacking experience is indeed more popular among locals than international travelers.
Still, if you are looking for a unique adventure, most of the visitors of New Zealand do not get, hiking Copland Track might be the right choice. And believe us, the reward at the end of the trail is worth the effort.
Usually, when hiking in New Zealand, the highlight was the trail itself and the scenery along the way.
Even though Copland Track has a lot to offer in terms of natural diversity, the main reason for most of the hikers to put it on their New Zealand itinerary is the recently renovated Welcome Flat Hut, and the possibility of enjoying well-deserved relax in hot pools after finishing the hike.
And it is not just travelers who cannot wait to savor the moment, sit in the hot springs, and take in the views of snow-capped Southern Alps.
As hut wardens confided with us, it is pretty difficult to be appointed as a warden for Welcome Flat Hut because of the immense interest.
They were a lovely elderly couple who served many years in DOC (Department of Conservation), and that year they got lucky to spend several months near the hot pools.
Even though Copland Track is not the classic must-do thing in New Zealand, we rate it quite high on our list of best multi-day hikes, probably not because of the trek itself, but because we always imagine the chilled-out atmosphere under the towering mountains.
As we arrived in the hut quite early, it was quite fun to watch fellow hikers who set off for Copland Track and planned to spend the night in Welcome Flat Hut that day with us.
From outdoorsy couples, older tough hikers, to young adventurers equipped with beer, a very heterogeneous group met in the pools later that afternoon.
If you plan on hiking Copland Track, you've come to the right place.
In this travel guide, we would like to share with you our experience, together with practical tips on where to stay, how to book the hut, how to stay safe, or when is the best time to visit the area.
Without any further ado, this is our ultimate Copland Track guide for independent travelers.
HOW TO GET TO COPLAND TRACK TRAILHEAD
Copland Track trailhead is located on the West Coast, between Haast and Fox Glacier, much closer actually to the latter township.
It is only about 26 kilometers drive from Fox Glacier to the trailhead.
No matter what direction you travel, buy groceries in Wanaka, Haast, or Fox Glacier.
Follow Haast Highway alias Highway 6, and you will see the sign announcing the trek on the northern side of the Karangarua River bridge.
Turn, and a gravel road will take you to a car park.
Leave your car here, and then follow orange markers - to get to the trail, you need to cross Rough Creek.
Parking at Copland Track is free, there is no security, so make sure to keep safe all your belongings and valuables.
It is always better not to be dependant on public transport in New Zealand, that's why we recommend you check out rental car options, but if you do not have it, you still can get to the trailhead by bus.
A local bus is running between Queenstown and Franz Josef, so you only have to find out the timetable, and the driver will drop you off or pick you up on the turn off to the parking lot.
As the parking lot is roughly only 150 meters from the main road, you'll be able to walk there easily.
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE AND AFTER COPLAND TRACK
It is impossible to camp near the Copland Track trailhead, but there are villages nearby that will allow you to start early in the morning.
You can find a place to stay either in Haast (of course, in Wanaka, but that's a bit further), near Bruce Bay, or in Fox Glacier township.
In case you sleep in a campervan, there are two DOC campsites within driving distance, Gillespie Beach or Lake Paringa.
We've handpicked the best places to stay overnight either before or after hiking Copland Track.
Haast | Haast Beach Motel - Only 150 meters from the beach, this motel has everything a traveler needs before and after physical activity. Cozy rooms, kitchenettes, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Bruce Bay | Mahitahi Lodge - A wonderful lodge in the remote area is unforgettable. If you are looking for a secluded place to stay with excellent service and friendly staff, this is it.
Fox Glacier | Lake Matheson Motel - Conveniently located motel surprise with modern decor. Rooms are neat and clean, and all the top attractions in the area are within driving distance.
COPLAND TRACK DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY
The distance between the trailhead and Welcome Flat Hut is 18 kilometers, and then it is only five minutes' walk to hot pools.
Copland Track is a one-way trail, and even though it is possible to extend it and explore remote New Zealand's outdoors unless you have unlimited time in the country, we can say that it is a two-day hike.
If you were not able to secure a spot in the hut, and you are desperate to enjoy hot springs, it could be possible to finish the trek in only one day.
It would be really challenging, and according to us you would also kill the whole idea of relaxing after the hike.
The official brochure says it is an easy to intermediate hike that should take you approximately seven hours one way.
We did not find the hike somehow difficult, the trail to Welcome Flat Hut gradually climbs (the elevation gain is around 420 meters), and then the walk back is much easier, but what makes it a bit more demanding are the wet conditions.
The trail is often slippery, you need to cross swinging bridges, and sometimes even cross streams, so it is compulsory to pay attention and never leave the official trail.
COPLAND TRACK: OUR EXPERIENCE
When we arrived at the parking lot, we could see that we can safely cross Rough Creek as it was not raining much a few days before.
Still, the water was freezing cold, and it was not somehow pleasant. On the other hand, when we were coming back the next day, taking off shoes after 18 kilometers and crossing the creek back to our car was quite refreshing.
When we crossed the creek, we followed orange markers that led us to the forest.
The trail basically followed Copland Valley.
Sometimes we ventured further to the forest, but it did not take long, and the trail returned closer to the river, so from time to time, we had views of glacial-blue water on our right-hand side.
One of the most notable stops on this trek is the confluence of the Copland River and Karangarua River.
From this point, the trail is not somehow spectacular, but it is not dull, because you need to cross several bridges, landslides sections, climb slippery boulders and cross creeks.
The conditions of the trail largely depend on the current weather and the weather a few days before the hike. You can take a rest in Architect Creek Hut before you continue.
The next part is defined by the zig-zag path that steadily climbs and gets you closer to fantastic mountainous scenery, of course, when the weather allows.
Once you start emerging from the forest and bushes replace taller trees, you are almost there as Welcome Flat Hut will appear in front of you suddenly.
Leave your backpack in the hut, change into a swimsuit, and in less than ten minutes, you can already be in the hot pools.
The next day in the morning, return to your car the same way you came.
We left our backpacks in the hut and walked a little bit further past the Welcome Flat Hut to an open grassy area that was very photogenic.
Then we picked up our backpacks and set off to the car park.
WELCOME FLAT HOT POOLS
The main reason why so many experienced hikers but also complete beginners decide to hike Copland Track? Hot pools only five minutes walk from Welcome Flat Hut.
Do not expect luxury, but for us, who appreciate simple things, sitting in hot water and watching the mountains around us, was quite special.
There are several pools with different temperatures (and colors).
The water is so hot that it is bubbling at some spots, so make sure you won't step anywhere before testing the temperature. You can stay in the pools as long as you want, there is only a couple of things to know.
Because of a possible presence of an amoebic meningitis bacteria, keep your head above water all the time.
Also, the area suffers from raids of sandflies, especially in the afternoon during the summer, which can be quite annoying.
As the pools are fragile environment, do not use sunscreen or repellent. To find more sustainable options for the hike, read our eco-friendly packing list.
That's being said; we changed in the hut to swimsuit, ran to the pools, used eco-friendly bug repellent only for our face and neck parts, and then kept the rest of our bodies underwater.
If you carried all those 18 kilometers beer or wine with you to enjoy the pools, views, and the atmosphere, even more, do not forget that you need to carry everything out with you.
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR WELCOME FLAT HUT
If you want to stay overnight in Welcome Flat Hut, you need to make a reservation in advance. The hut is not that popular as huts on the Great Walks such as Routeburn, Kepler or Milford Track, but you still have to plan your visit.
When we visited New Zealand, we were lucky as we booked beds the day before in DOC Visitor Center.
But if you plan on hiking Copland Track on long weekends or in summer, it is better to reserve your spot at least a few weeks before your desired date.
Welcome Flat Hut must be booked all-year-round, and the cost is 20 NZD per person.
To make a reservation, follow this official link.
Thu hut was recently upgraded, there are 31 bunk beds in four rooms, and it was definitely one of the nicest huts we've stayed in.
Welcome Flat Hut is serviced hut, which means you need your sleeping bag and cooking equipment.
If you prefer a higher level of comfort or travel in a party up to four people, you can book Sierra Room for 100 NZD that provides you with privacy and cooking facilities.
The campsite is also available near the hut - it consists of 8 tent sites, and the cost is 10 NZD per person.
Same as the hut, it must be pre-booked. Given the unstable weather and annoying sandflies, we would have really preferred the hut when available.
On the way to Welcome Flat Hut is Architect Creek Hut. We had lunch there, and as it sleeps only two people, we rather considered it as an emergency shelter.
If you are an avid hiker, you probably already have either Backcountry Hut Tickets or Backcountry Hut Pass.
Unfortunately, it is not valid for Welcome Flat Hut, so you need to pay for the night by credit card online (or cash when booking at DOC Visitors Center).
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE COPLAND TRACK & SAFETY
The trail and the hut are open all-year-round, but it is necessary to check out the up-to-date weather forecast, and trail conditions as Copland Track is prone to floods and landslides.
In general, the best time to hike Copland Track is in the summer and autumn, roughly from December to May.
As New Zealand's West Coast is renowned for unstable and rainy weather, not even during these months, you have guaranteed clear skies and rainless days, but the chance is higher.
The only downside of hiking Copland Track in the summer are the crowds and sandflies that are almost unbearable to withstand.
Winter might be fine for well-equipped and experienced hikers, but the trail might be slippery. Spring months bring occasional torrential rains and also snow melts that increase the chance of floods.
The valley is subject to floodings, and you should never start the track when it is raining or when the weather forecast predicts heavy rains.
A small hint should already be the first crossing on the trail, Rough Creek. When Rough Creek is running high, all other streams along the way will be running high, and you should not attempt the hike.
If you are already on the trail and need to return and Rough Creek is impassable, there is an emergency bridge for exiting the valley about 45 minutes upstream from the car park.
At the moment, there are two active landslide areas along the unsteady trail, particularly after heavy rains.
These areas are signposted, and you should cross it quickly without stopping.
Winter and springtime are avalanche-prone, so if you decide for hiking Copland Track, have the necessary equipment, plus tell someone your plans (that should be a norm all-year-round).
There is always a warden in the Welcome Flat Hut, so always ask about current conditions before hiking back.
Other than that, Copland Track is quite a safe trail, and you just need to respect elements and make the right decision. It is always better to stay safe and not put yourself in dangerous situations.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHAT TO PACK FOR COPLAND TRACK
Copland Track can get wet and muddy, so focus on packing functional clothes and layers.
Sturdy hiking boots, rain poncho, rain pants, short-sleeved t-shirt, and comfortable backpack are the must-have things.
As sandflies are the curse of the area, most of the people hike in a t-shirt with long sleeves and hiking pants, even when it is too hot.
We also met some locals wearing a head net. You will not win the contest in the beauty this way, but it will protect you from the bites.
Of course, you should not forget the swimsuit and travel towel.
If you are staying in the hut, pack a sleeping bag, dried food, and cooking set, headtorch, and basic hygiene.
As Copland Track is quite long, especially for inexperienced hikers, the rule of thumb is to pack as light as possible.
In the winter, pack down jacket, more layers in case you get wet.
Plus the following winter gear: avalanche transceiver | avalanche probe | snow shovel | ice axe.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
