Decided to walk into the Welcome Flat Hut , situated 18km up the Copland valley.
Was crafted as a route to connect the West Coast with the Hermitage at Mt Cook.
Sign stated 7hrs each way.
I started at 8am wanting to aim for a 2-3pm arrival, enough time to rest away in the hot pools.
I arrived at 11.45am, total time 3h45m.
The hot pools are stunning, totally unexpected to the size and temperature. A walk that should be on every bucket list.
The following day I decided to run out, with a total time of 2hr20m.
This track would be a fantastic out and back trail run, with a hot pool lunch break.
I purposely left out any soundtracks as I thought the songs of the local Kea, TomTit and Robin was enough, with backing vocals via the stunning glacial fed blue waters of the river and streams.
Enjoy