Backpacking the Copland Track in New Zealand
The Copland Track on New Zealand’s South Island is an incredible overnight backpacking trek with dense forest, glacier rivers, alpine views, and HOT SPRINGS! See the pics and learn how to plan this must-do trek with this backpacking guide!
I did and saw a lot during my 3-month road trip through New Zealand, but backpacking the Copland Track was one of my all-time favorite experiences. This 22-mile (roundtrip) hike is located on the West Coast of the South Island and features some of the most spectacular scenery in all of New Zealand.
The trail travels up the Copland Valley glacier region where I got to experience beautiful forests, icy blue rivers, and incredible mountain scenery. But the best part? After a full day of hiking, I got to relax in an awesome natural hot spring pool, which was less than a 5-minute walk from the Welcome Flat Hut where I spent the night.
In this blog post, I walk you through everything you need to know to plan your overnight backpacking trip on the Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hot Springs!
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Copland Track Basics
Trail Basics
Trail Description
The sign at the beginning of the Copland Track says that it will take 7 hours to complete. If you are a quick hiker who doesn’t stop a lot, you can definitely conquer the 11 miles in less time. For us, the 7 hours was spot on.
The trail starts by weaving in and out of the forest with occasional views of the river down below.
Eventually, we reached an overlook of the confluence of the Karangarua and Copland Rivers. It’s super cool to see these two very different rivers converge.
After the confluence, we hugged the edge of the Copland River. Shortly afterward, we reached an awesome beach that was great for a lunch break.
After a nice lunch break next to the river, we started a gradual climb. Over the next few miles, we crossed over a number of very long swing bridges.
I found the trail to be pretty non-descript the rest of the way, but it’s easy to follow. Once we passed Architect Hut, we still had a couple of hours ahead of us. Eventually, we emerged from the forest into a long, open valley, a sign that we were getting close. And then boom, made it!
We immediately threw down our bags, put on our bathing suits, and followed the signs for the 5-minute walk to the hot pools.
The big bright green pool (behind us in the photo below) was the most comfortable temperature-wise and also seemed the cleanest to me. There’s a little wooden structure next to the pools where you can put your towel and other personal belongings. But… I recommend being as ready as you can be to jump into the pools so you can avoid the sandflies.
Tip: Be careful before you get in. Some of the pools are very hot.
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Welcome Flat Hut Info
There are two “huts” along the Copland Track. The first is called Architect Creek Hut, but I recommend skipping this one and continuing on to Welcome Flat Hut. Architect Creek Hut is several miles away from the hot springs and didn’t appear to be very well maintained.
The Hut you want is called Welcome Flat Hut, which is a 5-minute walk from the Hot Springs. It’s a little more expensive than camping in a tent, but you’ll need to pack less gear, making your hike more enjoyable.
Also, those sandflies really are a pain in the ass, and staying in the Hut minimizes the annoyance they’ll cause you while you are cooking and hanging out.
Things to know about Welcome Flat Hut
Tent Camping at Welcome Flat Hut
Looking to save money? There are also 8 campsites, which are $15 NZD each. Like I said, as much as I like to sleep under the stars, here I’d recommend putting up a few extra dollars for a night in the Hut.
What to pack
You don’t need too much more than your regular old backpacking gear and proper hiking clothes for your Copland Track hike. However, there are a few extra considerations which I mention here.
Copland Track FAQs
The best time to hike the Copland Track is during New Zealand’s summer and fall (December through May). The downside of summer is that it’s the worst time for sandflies – the obnoxious biting gnat-like insect that you’ll find all over the South Island. Also, during the high season, you’ll also be sharing the hot springs with other trampers.
I hiked the Copland Track in late February. The sandflies were pretty awful at sunset, but after dark, the sandflies went to sleep (along with our hut mates), and we had the pools all to ourselves.
Winter, if the weather has been mild (dry and not too cold), can also be a good time to hike to Welcome Flat Hot Springs. I imagine winter is really pretty with a bit of snow covering the peaks and fewer people to share the trail with.
No matter when you go, make sure to check the forecast and current trail conditions. The weather is unpredictable in New Zealand, and even during the summer months, you can find yourself in a downpour. Be prepared with the right gear. Also, know that the region is prone to flooding and can be closed if trail conditions are dangerous.
The Copland Track trailhead is about 30 minutes (26km) south of Fox Glacier on the west coast of the South Island. If you are headed south on State Highway 6, the turn-off will be on the left and is well-signed. If you pass the Karangarua River, you’ve gone too far.
Once you turn off the main highway, go through a gate (please close it afterward) and drive down the gravel road to the car park. There are no camping facilities at the trailhead.
You can also access the trail from Queenstown or Franz Joseph Glacier using the local city bus.
Yes, reservations are required to sleep at the Welcome Flat Hut on the Copland Track. You can make your reservations online. There’s also a small campground next to the hut if you prefer to bring your own tent (reservations are for the campground as well).
The hut is equipped with mattresses, running water (that needs to be filtered or boiled), and toilets. The hut does NOT have cooking facilities, bedding, showers, or electricity.
The trail to Welcome Flat Hut is about 10.5 miles and takes about 7 hours if you hike at a moderate pace.
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Is the Copland Track a hike you’d like to do? What questions do you still have? Have you done other tramps in New Zealand? Leave a comment below!
