Copland Track

Tramping track

Time:  

7 hr

Distance:  

17 km

Getting there

The Copland Track is easily located, 150 metres inland from where the Copland Valley is signposted on State Highway 6, 26 km south of Fox Glacier, and just north of the Karangarua River bridge.

One of the features at Welcome Flat are natural hot pools located near the hut to bathe in. Please do not dig more pools and remember to keep your head above the water to avoid the risk of catching amoebic meningitis.

Description

Trampers relaxing in the Welcome Flat
hot pools

Carpark to Welcome Flat Hut

Time: 7 hr one way

The track begins at the car park and after crossing Rough Creek continues through the forest. From the confluence of the Karangarua River to Architect Creek the track alternates from bouldery riverbed to river terrace with occasional grassy clearings. There is a bridge over Architect Creek and beyond this the track climbs towards Shiels Creek where it continues through fuchsia and ribbonwood forest before emerging into the clearing at Welcome Flat. Most of the large creeks have a flood bridge for use when the rivers are high due to heavy rainfall. Some do not and these become impassable with heavy or continual rain. There is also a landslide area approximately 30 minutes beyond Architect Creek where care is required during and after heavy rain.

If Rough Creek is in flood, then the other creeks will also be running high. There is now a flood bridge at Sheils Creek.  Note that there are still some streams that are not crossable during and after heavy rain and during such times the Copland River can also flood sections of the track.

After 17 km of walking you will be richly rewarded when the track opens out at a clearing aptly named Welcome Flat. Here there are several large, natural hot pools a few paces from a modern two-storey hut, dwarfed by snow clad mountain peaks.

Welcome Flat to Douglas Rock

Time: 3 hr one way

You will need to carry a Mount Cook H36 Topomap because the going becomes more difficult, particularly in wet weather as the track meanders into low scrubby forest and over unbridged creeks. Moving further on to Douglas Rock the track alternates from boulder riverbed to river terrace with occasional grassy clearings. There are several creeks to cross and while most are bridged, some of the minor crossings are not.

Plan and prepare

You will need to wear sturdy, comfortable tramping boots, carry a sleeping bag, cooking utensils, portable stove and fuel, food, first aid kit, waterproof raincoat, gloves and hat and other warm clothing. 

For the Douglas Rock track you will need to carry a Mount Cook H36 Topomap. If you are intend continuing on over the Copland Pass to Mount Cook you will need mountaineering experience and specialist equipment.

A tent is also advisable as the Welcome Flat Hut is very popular over the summer months. Trampers need to be prepared for sudden changes of weather at any time of the year and be equipped to spend an extra night if weather conditions are bad.

Important Notice:

If you intend continuing on over the Copland Pass to Mount Cook you will need mountaineering experience and specialist equipment.

For track conditions, maps, weather forecasts and more information on the area contact Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre or Haast Visitor Centre.

What to expect on a tramping track:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
• Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Tramping/hiking boots required

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