The Copland Track is an awesome out-and-back hike on the West Coast. For what is an overnight hike, it’s a decent length, but there are not many places where you can hike in the backcountry and enjoy natural hot pools!
But are the hot pools worth it? I’ll discuss this and more throughout this post so you can plan your awesome hike on the Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Details & FAQ
2. Map
3. How To Get There
4. My Copland Track Experience
DETAILS & FAQ’S ABOUT THE COPLAND TRACK HIKE
How hard is the Copland Track?
In terms of gradient, there are no steep sections to slog up. The trail is kept in good condition, but there are some parts where you’ll naturally slow down such as the section along the river where you hop along the boulders and the swing bridges (they might give you the heebie-jeebies).
How long is the Copland Track?
From the carpark to Welcome Flat Hut return, it’s right about 34km.
What is the elevation gain of the Copland Track?
I’ve looked at various Strava profiles in addition to mine and they all tend to correlate to somewhere in the 950 to 1000 metre range.
The first 11km is generally undulating terrain with minimal elevation gain. The majority of the hills are in the last 6km before the hut. You’re never more than 500 metres above sea level.
How long does the Copland Track take?
The official DOC Track Markers say it is a 7-hour hike from Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut. For most people this is going to be more in the 4.5 to 6-hour range. It’s a long hike though, and despite a relatively gentle gradient, it surprises people how long they take.
For the fast hikers, you can get there in less than four hours.
Are the hot pools actually hot?
Yes! Well, they were on my visit. The best time to visit Welcome Flat Hut hot pools is in the winter as in the summer it’s often so warm anyway. The hot pools aren’t always hot though, if there’s been lots of rain recently you might find it’s mostly rainwater cooling down the water temp.
Do I have to book Welcome Flat Hut?
Yes, you need to book Welcome Flat Hut year-round here (OC hut tickets are not valid). If you don’t and really need a bed (a.k.a. there’s space), you’ll be charged double.
There are 31 beds available in the hut which are $20 for adults, $10 for youth, and under 10’s are free.
For those with Backcountry Hut passes, you can book using your pass between May 1st and September 30th.
There’s also the Sierra Room which is $110 per night and sleeps up to four people.
The campsite has space for 8 people and costs $10 per night (this includes the rock bivvy – pictured below).
The booking link is here.
What’s Architect Hut like?
I didn’t stop by and see the hut, which is about 9km from the start of the track. It’s $5 for adults, $2.50 for youth, and under 10’s are free. It’s a 2-bed hut, so definitely are no guarantees you’ll get a spot.
You can use DOC Hut tickets at Architect Hut.
When is the best time to hike Copland Track?
While it’s more likely to be nicer weather in the summer, many people will say getting a good weather window in the winter is the best time to hike the Copland Track. You’re never above 500 metres above sea level so snow isn’t an issue, and it’s the best time for the hot pools!
Over the summer, the hut is usually busy in the weekends, and less so during the week.
What accommodation options are there near the start of the Copland Track?
The nearest towns of substance are Haast an Fox Glacier, and they have accommodation for a variety of options for all budgets.
Cheap:
More pricey:
For those who enjoy airbnb, you’ve got some options including this Luxury Studio (2 guests) in he nearby Bruce Bay.
COPLAND TRACK MAP
The track is well signposted and easy to follow from the carpark to the hut.
That said, if you really need a map, you can see it on Google Maps, Maps.me, and it’s on the Topo Maps (I recommend this app), which is where the above screenshot is from.
HOW TO GET TO THE TRAILHEAD
The easiest way to get to the trailhead is by car. Here are some distances and estimated travel times:
- Franz Josef: 50km and ~50 minutes
- Hokitika: 183km and ~2.5 hours
- Wanaka: 235km and ~3 hours
- Haast: 93km and ~70km
MY COPLAND TRACK EXPERIENCE
Having heard this is one of the best hikes on the West Coast, I was excited to see what all the fuss was about. I was also excited to go on a more flat adventure compared to the usual Queenstown adventures I end up on that involve steep hills.
To start the hike, you cross Rough Creek which on a nice day is hardly a trickle of water (see above), but if there’s been decent rainfall is rough and shouldn’t be crossed.
The track starts off reasonably gently with some ups and downs (there are some stairs, but they’re the only ones on the whole hike). If you’re short on time, you can walk this section reasonable fast. The bush is nice, and the track is obvious to follow, though it’s got some interesting camber at points as you can see in the photos where the water has created paths on the track.
You’re close to the river for the hike, but it’s not until the track leads you out on the river that you get a good view of it. I LOVE THE COLOURS OF THE RIVER. It’s definitely better on a blue sky day.
The section right by the river is a little slow going where you’re crossing the boulders, but it’s only a few hundred metres. Take your time, enjoy the river (we filled up our water bottles in here) and take a swim!
Back on the track, and you’ll continue up and down through the forest, with the occasional open field kind of spot. And then eventually you’ll start finding your going up a steady incline. And that involves crossing some swingbridges which are pretty wobbly, but super secure and safe. Make sure to follow the warnings of the maximum number of people allowed on the bridges. Take in the views as you cross!
As you continue up, there are some little technical spots. But nothing too crazy…although if it’s wet, the roots will be slippery. You’ve been warned. The hut might feel like it’s taking ages to reach, but the last 500 metres is so chill.
Now you can go and enjoy the hot pools! Find yourself a good spot in the hut (or campsite) then make the 3-minute walk to the hot pools. And enjoy 😀
The hot pools are pretty shallow but way nicer than I thought they’d be. You get some awesome views of the surrounding mountains so plan to spend at least 30 minutes in them.
After you’ve spent the night at the hut, the hike out is back the way you came. It’ll be a little quicker on the return as you go downhill.
The Copland Track is a fun track! If you love the idea of natural hot pools, but found hot water beach in the Coromandel way to hot, then this is for you.
It also has plenty of variety to keep you interested with the swing bridges, Copland River, forest, undulating tracks, and more.
Just remember you need to book Welcome Flat Hut in advance!
If you’ve got any questions about Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut, leave a comment below or email jub@churnewzealand.com.
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.