Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
warden's quarters) with a gas cooker, cooking utensils and a hot shower ($100 per night).
Douglas Rock. None have cookers, so bring your own stove.
In recent years Welcome Flat has become an extremely popular tramp, a result of which is
that the huts and campsite must be booked all year round, either online or in person at DOC
visitor centres and local i-SITEs.
8
WARNING
Heed the weather warnings before departing on a tramp to Welcome Flat! Although
the track is well benched, with flood bridges at major crossings, even small streams
can become raging torrents during and after heavy rain - a common occurrence on
the West Coast. Be sure to check the latest weather forecast at the DOC offices in
either Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier or Haast, and leave your intentions via Adven-
turesmart (
www.adventuresmart.org.nz
).
8
Getting to/from the Tramp
The start of the track, Karangarua River bridge, is right on SH6, 48km from Franz Josef
Glacier, and 26km from Fox Glacier. There is a bus stop at the bridge, from where you can
past going south to Haast at around 9.10am, and north to Fox and Franz around 2.55pm.
run you to the bridge for a $100 minimum charge. Fox-based
Fox Glacier Shuttles
( 0800
369 287)
will get you there from Fox for $30 per person (minimum two people).
The Tramp
Day 1: Karangarua River Bridge to Welcome Flat Hut
7 HOURS, 18KM
From the bus shelter, just northeast of the bridge on SH6, a vehicle track leads 200m to
Rough Creek and a car park. The tramp begins by fording
Rough Creek
- a swing bridge
30 minutes upstream is only needed during floods. You can usually rock-hop across the
creek without getting your feet wet. Remember, if you need to use the flood bridge, you're
going to encounter impassable rivers further up the valley and should not continue.
