Douglas Rock Hut

Welcome Flat Hut to Douglas Rock Hut

Time: 3 hr

km The suspension bridge near Welcome Flat Hut leads across to the true left of the Copland River and onto a series of extensive grassy river flats. Along the flats there are fine views into the Ruera Valley and the Navigator Range beyond, while Mount Sefton and the Footstool rear up behind The Sierra Range, reaching heights over 2000 m above the valley floor. Occasionally the track wanders into low forest but returns to the grassy flats before crossing the multiple channels of Scott Creek. This creek can be extremely hazardous in wet weather. Beyond Scott Creek the track enters the forest again and begins to climb gradually above the upper gorge. There are a number of open slips to cross with views up and down the river. Eventually you will reach the swing-bridge across Tekano Creek and the views to the upper valley will open out in front of you. Douglas Rock Hut (eight bunks) is nestled in a forest glade just across the bridge. On a clear day the views from the hut are expansive.

Above Douglas Rock Hut

Past Douglas Rock Hut, a marked route continues up the Copland Valley. Avalanche and flood risk is high on this route. This route should only be attempted by those with alpine experience, mountaineering skills and equipment. From Douglas Rock Hut, the route ascends through subalpine vegetation with improving views of the high mountain peaks surrounding the upper Copland River. Marked by cairns and poles, the route sidles above the river, with Aoraki/Mount Cook coming into view near Fiddian Creek. The route continues to sidle until directly below Copland Pass, at which point it zigzags its way up the steep slopes into an alpine basin.