Karangarua: Copland Track and River Valleys
Accommodation in Karangarua
The routes through the Karangarua and Douglas valleys offer hunters, hikers, and mountaineers challenging opportunities in the rugged wilderness of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. When planning a trip to Karangarua, the respective access points, markers, and walking times matter: they refer to different routes and destinations.
Starting point and access
The Copland Track starts at a car park beside Rough Creek, accessible from State Highway 6 via the Karangarua River bridge. The turnoff to the car park is on the north side of the bridge; from there, a gravel road about 150 metres long leads to the car park. This distance refers to the access road to the starting point, not a walking distance on the track. Check the signs and current access conditions before driving.
Walking times and access to Christmas Flat
The time from the Karangarua River bridge to Cassel Flat Hut is given as six hours. The actual duration depends on conditions and the group’s fitness. The walk from State Highway 6 to Christmas Flat in the Karangarua tahr hunting area takes two days; track conditions are the determining factor. Christmas Flat can be accessed by helicopter year-round. If you are considering this option, confirm that flights are operating before your trip. The walking times therefore refer to different destinations: the six-hour estimate applies to the route to Cassel Flat Hut, while the two-day estimate applies to the walk to Christmas Flat.
Markers and conditions
The route through the Karangarua River valley to Christmas Flat is marked with orange plastic markers; windfall is cleared annually. The routes into the Douglas River Valley are mostly unmarked. On the Copland Track, unbridged streams can flood during heavy or prolonged rain and become unsafe. Check track conditions and current weather and DOC notices before setting out.
Copland Track and surrounds
The popular Copland Track offers river and mountain views, impressive forest, and natural hot springs. In Westland Tai Poutini National Park, the track is part of the Te Wahipounamu South West NZ World Heritage Area. The Welcome Flat Hot Pools are nearby. They are just a short walk from the hut and offer lovely views of the Sierra Range in clear weather.
Hunting in the Karangarua tahr hunting area
A DOC hunting permit is required for the Karangarua tahr hunting area; check permit requirements before hunting. Chamois and deer are listed there as additional game species. Alongside hiking and mountaineering, the explicitly challenging hunting opportunities in the Karangarua and Douglas valleys are also available as separate travel interests.
More landscapes in the Westland District
The wider Westland District destination offers other distinct landscape and track experiences. Fox Glacier Valley has walking and cycling options with varied views of the glacier valley. Lake Matheson has an easy circuit track; on calm, clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected in the still water. These regional destinations complement Karangarua’s challenging routes with different track and landscape features.
Discover more destinations: Karamea, Reefton, Denniston, Kumara, Seddonville
Return to the main travel overview: West Coast.
