This popular hike offers stunning forest, river and alpine vistas as it winds its way up the Copland Valley towards the Welcome Flat Hot Pools.
The start of the Copland Track is located 150m inland from where the Copland Valley is signposted on State Highway 6, 26km south of Fox Glacier. The turnoff to the car park is well sign-posted on the northern side of the Karangarua River bridge.
Carpark > Welcome Flat Hut
Beginning with a crossing of Rough Creek, the track follows orange markers through the forest, alternating from river terraces with grassy clearings to bouldery riverbed.
The bridge over Architect Creek marks the halfway point on the first day. Beyond this, the trail continues through fuchsia and ribbonwood forest towards Shiels Creek before emerging into the Welcome Flat clearing.
Spend the evening soaking in the hot pools, enjoying the modern hut facilities at the Welcome Flat DOC Hut.
7 hrs approx.
Welcome Flat Hut > Carpark
Because this is an out-and-back track, hikers spend day two retracing their steps back along the track to the carpark.
7 hrs approx.
Click the link below for more information on this trail.
Accommodation
Best time to go
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