Copland River, Westland National Park
Four pools of varying temperatures dug from a mud fan. Welcome Flat Hot Pools have one of the best views in the country, being settled in a valley surrounded by snow capped peaks and native forest. Best after the sandflies go to sleep. In November you can sit in the pools and watch avalanches cascading down the opposite face.The pools are a couple of minutes walk from the DoC hut and campsite (Hut and Campsite must be booked via the doc website before heading to the hut. There is a ranger at this hut and they will refuse to allow a person to sleep at the hut or campsite without a booking and have been known to turn people away). Even closer is a rock bivvy where camping is also possible. The bivvy is considered a campsite and DoC charges apply. [Gabrielle , NZ]
You can't drive to it. The nearest road is approximately seven hours walk away. Turn off the main West Coast road about 20km south of Fox Glacier at the Copland Track sign, the carpark is about 200m from the main road. Follow the track markers up the valley. The track can be difficult and dangerous in bad weather - people have drowned trying to cross flooded streams. On a good day it's not too bad, but still quite a hike. Don't attempt it without good clothing and extra food should you get trapped by heavy rain. Weather forecasts aren't to be relied on. [Sam Buchanan, ]
Rating: 10/10
Ray - Perth
05th June 2020
Rating: 10/10
Peter Edgington - UK/Australia
24th June 2018
Rating: 10/10
andrewwatson - NZ
12th June 2014
Rating: 9/10
Kate - Alexandra
05th April 2013
Rating: -/10
tania auld - nz
03th March 2012
Rating: -/10
matt rudd - nz
17th February 2012
Rating: 9/10
Stu Harris -
24th November 2011
Rating: 9/10
Trevor Kaniere - Kehutahi
01th March 2011
Rating: 10/10
Natalie - New Zealand
04th November 2009
Rating: 10/10
linda Warner Smith - canada/uk
27th September 2009
Rating: -/10
mark -
12th June 2009
Rating: 3/10
Mary - New Zealand
25th May 2009
Rating: 10/10
Shona - Rakaia
26th August 2008
Rating: 10/10
Rob - Dunedin
23th May 2008
Rating: 10/10
hamish currie - taranaki NZ
03th April 2008
Rating: 10/10
Trev - Shepparton Australia
18th January 2008
Rating: 10/10
Helen Simonsen - NZ
12th December 2007
Rating: 9/10
Cass - Australia
21th August 2007
Rating: 10/10
Daniel (aged 11yrs) - nelson, NZ
30th July 2007
Rating: -/10
Jeff Cutting - Canberra - Australia
24th May 2007
Rating: 10/10
emerson - boseman/montana
15th March 2006
Rating: 10/10
- Wellington, NZ
11th February 2006
Rating: 10/10
Isaac - Newman, WA, Australia
03th January 2006
Rating: 8/10
Carrie - Christchurch
06th December 2005