Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Day 2: Welcome Flat Hut to Douglas Rock Hut (Return)
5 HOURS RETURN, 14KM
The track up to Douglas Rock Hut is a 7km tramp, often done in less than three hours. Des-
pite being a rougher track than that to Welcome Flat, it is an ideal day trip from Welcome
Flat, especially without the burden of a heavy backpack.
From Welcome Flat Hut, cross the suspension bridge to the south side of Copland River.
Head east along the river, and after 30 minutes you break out at the open tussock of
Wel-
come Flat
. This pleasant area along the river is surrounded by peaks and snowfields, includ-
ing Mt Sefton (3151m), the Footstool (2764m) and Scott Peak (2537m). The flats are
marked with rock cairns that lead more than 2km to
Scott Creek
at their eastern end. Scott
Creek is not bridged, but under normal conditions is easy to ford. In bad weather it is ex-
tremely hazardous.
From Scott Creek the track climbs out of the flats and sidles above the
Copland River
Gorge
, crossing two major stream washouts. The well-defined track can be slippery, so be
careful if it's wet. The track crosses a suspension bridge over
Tekano Creek
, 1½ hours from
Scott Creek, then immediately arrives at
Douglas Rock Hut
(eight bunks) in the first patch
of forest below the bushline, at 700m.
Built in 1931-32, this hut originally had two rooms (one for men, one for women). In
1979 it was modified to one room, and platforms replaced the bunks. The only shelter
between Copland Pass and Welcome Flat, the hut has a radio link to the DOC offices in Fox
Glacier and Haast, providing weather reports at times notified inside the hut.
Mt Sefton towers over Douglas Rock Hut, and beyond the hut a marked route continues
towards the Copland Pass. Marked by cairns and poles the route ascends through subalpine
vegetation with improving views of the high mountain peaks. The route ends at the alpine
basin. Do not attempt to go further unless you have a high level of mountaineering experien-
ce and appropriate equipment.
Return to Welcome Flat Hut, reversing the day's route.
Day 3: Welcome Flat Hut to Karangarua River Bridge
6 HOURS, 17KM
Retrace your Day 1 steps to the Karangarua River bridge on SH6.
