Copland Track
The Copland Track is a tramping track in the south Westland area of New Zealand's South Island, well known for the naturally-occurring hot springs at Welcome Flat along its route. The main track is approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) long one-way from the trailhead at State Highway 6 to the track's inland end at the Douglas Rock Hut, and is usually completed in 2 to 4 days depending on whether the full distance is walked, with many opting to walk only as far as Welcome Flat. The track is the western portion of a longer path which historically connected the West Coast to Mount Cook Village via Copland Pass, however erosion and the retreat of the Hooker Glacier has led to the eastern side of this route becoming increasingly dangerous to traverse.
| Copland Track | |
|---|---|
Near the start of the Copland Track | |
| Length | 18 km (11.18 mi) to Welcome Flat, further 7 km (4.35 mi) to Douglas Rock Hut |
| Location | Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast, New Zealand |
| Trailheads | State Highway 6, 26 km (16.16 mi) south of Fox Glacier |
| Use | Hiking |
| Elevation change | 715 m (2,346 ft) |
| Highest point | Douglas Rock Hut, 755 m (2,477 ft) |
| Lowest point | State Highway 6, 40 m (130 ft) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate (to Welcome Flat), Advanced (to Douglas Rock Hut) |
| Season | Summer to Autumn |
| Sights | Welcome Flat hot pools |
| Hazards | Flooding, rockfalls, avalanches, landslides |
| Maintained by | Department of Conservation |