Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Copland Hot Pools Splash'n'Dash
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 57 ?
Gnarl Factor: 62 ?
36.0km
800m
800m
460m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 57 ?
Gnarl Factor: 62 ?
36.0km
800m
800m
460m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Riverside
Other
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.5%
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7:00
Slow
5:30
Moderate
4:00
Fast
If you're near Fox glacier, it's a pleasant in-and-back run up to the Copland hotpools which are delightful natural thermal pools by a hut nestled under the imposing steep and glaciated mountains near Mt Sefton.
From the carpark, follow a well-marked track the whole way, mostly through bush on the left side (true right) of the Karangarua and then Copland rivers, with several crossings of side streams (some bridged if needed), which is runnable for most of the year, except after/during heavy rain. There is a small hut at roughly half way (Architect Creek hut just off the trail).
The track steepens further upvalley before descending slightly and then arriving at the spacious Welcome Flat hut. Two minutes from the hut is the cluster of hot, bubbly, soft-bottomed pools with a stream nearby to cool off in, well worth spending some time soaking in and admiring the views. Depending on the season you're likely to have the hot pools to yourself (since most trampers will be heading out or heading in) though you might still want to pack a tiny pair of togs/bikini/whatever in your running kit in case it's more busy. Sunhat, sunglasses and insect repellent might also enhance the experience. Further up-valley the trail leads to Douglas Rock hut, and beyond that it becomes an alpine route as it winds its way up to the famous Copland Pass on the main divide. Once you've blissed out enough in the hot pools head back the way you came - it's a bit easier and faster being mostly downhill.
The hot pools are perhaps the best in NZ. The views of the Sierra Range from there add to the experience.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Plenty of parking, and not visible from the highway.
26 km
21 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Well-marked track the whole way
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
Plenty of water in side-streams and at the hut
Track can become impassable after heavy rain.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Copland Hot Pools Splash'n'Dash
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This is a stunning trail! I walked in with a pack full of supplies for the hut warden then ran out the next day - beautiful scenery, loads of birdlife, lovely mix of smooth and technical trail, plenty of icy swimming spots and the best hot pools. Highly recommended.
January 16, 2021
This is the best trail run Ive ever done it has everything, views, technical trail, easy trail, swing bridges. Wow!
June 30, 2020
Brilliant trail and scenery. Really enjoyed this one. A bit slippery at the end of May on wet rocks that receive no sunlight for a chunk of the year. I did think the suggested times are a bit optimistic. Normally for Wild Things runs I am somewhere between the elite and intermediate times, but this trail took me 4hrs 45 mins. It would be faster in dry conditions, but my suggested times would be:Elite: 4hrsIntermediate: 5-5.5hrsNovice: 7hrs (as suggested)
June 1, 2020
Magnificent mountain vistas, rainforest teeming with native birds, milky blue rivers, and the best hot pools I've ever experienced. Trail is good quality, some sections almost Great Walk-esque, some a bit more boldery and rooty. Major river crossings bridged, but the usually small side creeks can rise rapidly so not one to do in wet weather.
April 23, 2019
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