Upper Copland Valley Track

Time required: 3 or more days The Copland Track was built by the Tourist and Health Resorts Department to provide a tourist route across the Southern Alps linking the West Coast with the Hermitage, a popular lodge at Mt Cook. Because of glacier retreat and subsequent erosion, the track no longer continues beyond Copland Pass or over to the Hooker Glacier. Carpark to Welcome Flat Hut Time: 7 hr Distance: 18 km To begin, cross Rough Creek to the orange marker on the other side, then follow the well-formed path through the forest. If Rough Creek is flooded, all unbridged side creeks on the walk will also be in flood and you will not be able to cross them safely. Do not start the walk in these conditions. From the other side, the track is marked across open areas and river crossings by orange triangle markers. From the confluence of the Karangarua River to Architect Creek, the track alternates mostly between boulder hopping on rocky riverbed and forest tracks, with occasional grassy clearings. Architect Creek is roughly halfway to Welcome Flat. Beyond Architect Creek the track climbs very gradually towards Palaver Creek as the valley narrows. The climb becomes more noticeable once you have crossed Open Creek. After crossing the Shiels Creek bridge there is a short zigzag to the highest point of the track, after which you descend through forest before emerging at Welcome Flat Hut. Welcome Flat Hut to Douglas Rock Hut Time: 3 hr Distance: 7 km The suspension bridge near Welcome Flat Hut leads across to the true left of the Copland River and onto a series of extensive grassy river flats. Along the flats there are fine views into the Ruera Valley and the Navigator Range beyond, while Mount Sefton and the Footstool rear up behind The Sierra Range, reaching heights over 2000 m above the valley floor. Occasionally the track wanders into low forest but returns to the grassy flats before crossing the multiple channels of Scott Creek. This creek can be extremely hazardous in wet weather. Beyond Scott Creek the track enters the forest again and begins to climb gradually above the upper gorge. There are several open slips to cross with views up and down the river. Eventually you will reach the swing-bridge across Tekano Creek and the views to the upper valley will open out in front of you. Douglas Rock Hut (eight bunks) is nestled in a forest glade just across the bridge. On a clear day the views from the hut are expansive.

Bookings are required for Welcome Flat Hut and campsite. Architect Creek and Douglas Rock Huts do not require bookings.

Access is off SH 6, 26 km south of Fox Glacier. The turn-off to the car park is well signposted on the northern side of the Karangarua River bridge. Drive approximately 150 m down the gravel road to the car park. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Buses pass the road end each morning and afternoon and will drop off and pick up pre-booked passengers

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .

Very heavy rain from the west is common and causes rivers to rise rapidly and make side creeks unsafe to cross. Strong winds from the northwest are also prevalent when rain is expected. The first side creek crossing when accessing the valley (Rough Creek) is next to the carpark. If this is running high, all unbridged side creeks on the walk will also be running high and you will not be able to cross them safely. Do not start the walk in these conditions. There is a flood bridge across Rough Creek for emergency use to exit the valley (located 45 minutes upstream from the car park). In the Upper Copland, Scott and Bluewater Creeks are also particularly susceptible to flooding and slips.

No dogs.