Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beyond Rough Creek the track stays in the bush along the
Karangarua River
, although
the track is out of view of the river most of the time until it breaks out onto an open river flat
within 1km. Orange triangle markers lead you across the flat and back into the totara and
rimu bush. About 4km from the car park the track passes the confluence of the Karangarua
and the
Copland River
, where there is a five-minute side track (right) to a lookout over the
rivers.
The track then swings almost due east to head up the Copland Valley. Eventually you des-
cend to the water and begin boulder-hopping along the banks of the Copland River. Trail
markers direct you back into the forest to cross a bridge over an unnamed stream, which
drains the Copland Range to the north. Within 2km you cross another bridge over
McPhee
Creek
, and then arrive at the long bridge over
Architect Creek
, the halfway point to Wel-
come Flat Hut. Here you will find Architect Creek Hut (two bunks).
At Architect Creek you begin an ascent (totalling 300m) to the hut. About 30 minutes
beyond the creek is a landslide area. If conditions are wet, use caution and care when tra-
versing these unstable slopes. At first the climb is gradual, and within 2km you reach the
flood bridge over
Palaver Creek
. After
Open Creek
the track steepens until you cross
Shiels Creek
and reach the day's high point (500m). You're now 1km from the hot springs,
with most of the tramp a descent through ribbonwood forest.
Welcome Flat thermal springs
were first noted by Charles Douglas in 1896. The water
emerges from the ground at around 60°C and flows through a series of three shallow pools
towards Copland River. The hottest pool - knee-deep and the size of a tennis court - is still
55°C, so most bathers prefer the second pool. Sandflies can be thick here in the day, but a
midnight soak on a clear evening is a trip highlight; lie back in the warm water and count
the falling stars.
The excellent
Welcome Flat Hut
(31 bunks), a short stroll from the pools, is popular and
must be booked in advance. It has a potbelly stove, coal and a radio. A warden is usually
stationed here.
8
WARNING
There are two active landslide areas to be crossed on the track to Welcome Flat Hut.
The landslide areas are approximately 30 minutes upstream of Architect Creek, and
on the true left of Shiels Creek. Both are signposted. Due to unstable slopes care is re-
quired during and just after heavy rain.
