Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai Advanced Search * Home * Parks & recreation * By region * Conservation * Getting involved * About DOC * Publications Contact us Tracks & walks West Coast You are here: Parks & recreation > Tracks & walks > West Coast > South Westland > Copland Track <#> In this section: * West Coast o South Westland + Chalet Lookout Track + Copland Track + Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe Valley walks + Haast Pass Highway walks + Historic Haast to Paringa Cattle Track + Jackson Bay Okahu walks + Lake Matheson Walk + Moeraki Valley Track + Mount Fox Route + Stafford Bay Route + Walks north of Haast township Copland Track Hut Warden needed: A volunteer hut warden is needed for Welcome Flat Hut Tramping track Tramping track <#Plan> 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. About the area Lake Matheson, Westland National Park. Photo: Bruce Postill. Westland Tai Poutini National Park Westland Tai Poutini National Park is located about half way down the South Island on the West Coast of New Zealand. The Copland Track in South Westland is a very popular return tramp providing spectacular forest, river and mountain scenery. Description Welcome Flat hot pools. Photo copyright: DOC, photographer unknown. 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. Note that there is no flood bridge at Sheils Creek. If you are unable to cross Shiels Creek there is an emergency shelter in the form of a small rock bivvy 10 minutes before the creek. Using all the flood bridges will add an hour or more to your walking time. 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. Places to stay Welcome Flat Hut, Westland National Park. Welcome Flat Hut This is a serviced 31-bunk hut in the South Westland area. Douglas Rock Hut. photographer unknown. Douglas Rock Hut This is a standard eight-bunk hut in the South Westland area. 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 back to top <#top> Find out more Publication Easy access walks - North Island Easy access walks - South Island Publication NZCA New Zealand’s walkways booklet Weather Weather information Maps New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres Information Track category definitions Plan and prepare for your trip The Great Walks Safety Safety information Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions. Contact Haast Visitor Centre Phone: +64 3 750 0809 Address: Haast Junction Corner SH6 and Jackson Bay Road Haast South Westland Full office details Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre Phone: +64 3 752 0796 Address: Main Road Franz Josef 7856 Email: westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz Full office details Tools Print this page Email this page Access keys Send an e-card Site map * Feedback * Copyright * Privacy and security * Disclaimer * newzealand.govt.nz