Copland Track – My Favorite Hike in New Zealand

The Copland Track in New Zealand calls out for adventure! The trail offers awe-inspiring views filled with dense rainforest and boulder-crossings along an ice-blue river before it ends at three natural hot pools to relax in!

I loved the landscape so much that I’d even call the Copland Track my favorite hike in New Zealand!

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How to Get to the Copland Track in New Zealand

The Copland Track is located in Tai Poutini National Park on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. By car, you can easily reach the start of the hike, as it’s only about a 25-minute drive from the nearest town, Fox Glacier. Plus, you can park your car overnight at the parking lot from where the hike starts.

However, be mindful of this parking lot because it’s known for innumerable sand flies that are just waiting for fresh meat. So, make sure not to forget your insect repellent! Though, the good news is, that the little beasts seem to only hang around the parking lot because I had no problems with them on the track itself!

Just behind the parking lot, the Copland Track starts and the very first thing you’ll have to do is to cross a wide river bed. I took off my shoes for this, to not start the hike with wet socks. And then the journey continues!

Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut

When you hike the Copland Track in New Zealand, you can sleep in four different huts. Most people choose to stay in the Welcome Flat Hut, which is 18 kilometers and about a 7-hour walk from the parking lot. This hut is the most popular among hikers because there are natural hot springs where you can relax after the full-day hike!

The path leads through green, vibrant rainforest along a river, which looks absolutely stunning with its glacier-run-off- water, but is also icy cold… brrgh!

In the beginning of the Copland Track, you’ll have to cross small water channels now and then. Depending on the season, the water is lower or higher but if you’re not hiking after strong rainfall, the crossings should be very doable. Besides, a bit of adventure is part of the game ;)!

After about four hours, you’ll arrive at the first hut – the Architects Creek Hut. It has two beds that work on a “first come, first serve” basis and cannot be booked. So, if you want to spend the night here, you have to come early!

From the Architects Creek Hut, it’s about another 2-3 hours to the Copland Track Welcome Hut. This is the most difficult part of the track, as the trail gets a little steeper – at least it brought me quite out of breath… Yet, I enjoyed this part of the track, as you’ll also get to cross several suspension bridges, from which you’ll have great views over the river!

Copland Track Hot Pools at the Welcome Flat Hut

Arriving at the Welcome Flat Hut, the highlight of the hike awaits – you can now warm up in three different natural hot pools! Each spring has a different temperature and a different depth, but all pools are deep enough so that you can sit comfortably in them. And once you soaked up the heat of the water, you can cool off in the ice-cold river just a 100 meters down the trail.

While bathing in the hot pools, you’re surrounded by lush rainforest and seasonal waterfalls running down majestic mountains that are trapping the low clouds – an absolute jaw-dropping view! This is why the Copland Track is my favorite hike in New Zealand!

There’s a small stand with a bench by the pools, where you can change your clothes. In addition, there are simple toilets and drinking water in front of the Welcome Flat Hut, but a sign advises to boil the water before using it. However, at the DOC, we were told before the hike that you can also drink the water from the river. So, we followed their advice and drank the river water, which was no problem for us!

The rest of the Welcome Flat Hut is also very simple in itself but creates a cozy atmosphere with wooden walls and a fire place in the first floor – making it a perfect place to relax in after a long hike. Besides a common area to hang out, you’ll also find a simple “kitchen” with a kitchenette and sinks. But remember, you have to bring your own camping stove for cooking or pre-cooked food!

On the second floor, there are several rooms with a total of 31 mattresses for the hikers. While the mattresses are provided, you’ll have to bring blankets or sleeping bags yourself!

Copland Track New Zealand: Know Before You Go

How Many Nights Should I Stay in the Welcome Flat Hut?

Most people hike to the Welcome Flat Hut in one day and back the next. But, I would definitely recommend booking two nights. That’s what we did and we were so glad we did!

On our second day, we had the hut and the pools almost to ourselves. Only one other hiker had the same idea as us and stayed the extra day. Everyone else left after breakfast and then it took a few hours until the first new hikers arrived.

This way, you can relax for a whole day and fully enjoy the Copland Track hot pools and surrounding scenery before heading back out – turning the Welcome Flat Hut and the Copland Track hot pools into a day-spa. Plus, it’s very likely that you’ll have the whole place for yourself!

Note: You have to reserve your bed at the DOC (Department of Conversation) beforehand! You can do this here for 20 NZD a night.

Copland Track Weather

The best time to hike the Copland Track in New Zealand is in summer and autumn, as in winter and spring, there may be snowfall which would result in the track being closed.

But also extreme rain can lead to track closure. For example, on our hike out, it started to rain and when we arrived at the parking lot, there was already a sign that the track was closed due to rainfall. Therefore, you should make sure to check here beforehand whether the Copland Track is accessible!

Packing List for Your Hike

Remember that you have to bring everything you need yourself! Things you need to bring include:

• Change of clothes (layering up is the best, so you can remove some layers if you get hot while hiking)
• An extra pair of socks, in case your feet get wet
• A pair of hiking shoes
• A rain coat or rain poncho (highly recommended)
• Enough food + a camping stove (if you wanna cook)
• A sleeping bag
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Water (if you’re okay with drinking the river water, you don’t need to carry as much water with you)

Difficulty Grade of the Copland Track

Officially, the difficulty grade of the Copland Track is classified as intermediate and I would agree with this, as the hike itself is not very difficult. It’s mostly flat with a few small hills and boulders to cross and only becomes steeper towards the end. But to hike 18 kilometers each way can still be quite challenging!

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Final words: If you’re currently on the South Island of New Zealand, make sure to not miss this beautiful hike! After all, not every track ends with a natural spa!

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