hokitika@doc.govt.nz
13 State Highway 6 Franz Josef Glacier 7856
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast
This is a serviced 31-bunk hut in the Glaciers area.
Facilities
Welcome Flat Hut offers a range of opportunities for visitors.
The main hut
The main hut offers 31 bunks located within 4 bunk rooms on the upper level of the hut, and this is a normal serviced hut (gas is not provided and you must bring all your own equipment).
Welcome Flat Hut in mid-winter
Welcome Flat Hut had a major upgrade to accommodate the growing numbers of visitors
The hut had a major upgrade to accommodate the growing numbers of visitors more comfortably.
Hut warden quarters have been built and the old quarters developed into ‘up-market’ accommodation – the Sierra Room.
Sierra Room
A sole occupancy room – the Sierra Room – is available for small groups of up to four to book.
This room has a higher level of facilities – including gas and gas cooker, pot belly stove and wet back shower, lighting and all kitchen/cooking equipment provided.
It is located within the main building but has separate access allowing for a more private backcountry experience.
The only shared facility is the toilet.
Those staying in the main hut are not able to use the Sierra Room facilities and must be fully equipped.
Tracks to the hut
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Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut
Located in Westland Tai Poutini National ParkThe tramp up the Copland valley to Welcome Flat Hut in Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a popular overnight return trip for visitors to the Glacier Region.
1 current alertDuration 2 days +Difficulty Intermediate -
Upper Copland Valley Track
Located in Westland Tai Poutini National ParkThe Upper Copland Valley Track provides access to Douglas Rock Hut. It is suitable for well-equipped and experienced backcountry trampers and mountaineers only.
Duration 3 days +Difficulty Advanced, Expert
Location
Topo50 map sheet: BX15
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1353619, N5164575
Fees
Hut Fees:
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Youth (11 – 17 years): $7.50 per night
- Child/Infant: (0 – 10 years): free
Backcountry Hut Tickets and Passes can’t be used at this hut – pay when you make a booking.
Campsite fees:
- Adults (18+) $5.00 per night
- Youth (11-17 years) $2.50 per night
Sierra Room fees (sole occupancy):
- $100 per night (sleeps 1-4 persons)
Bookings
Welcome Flat Hut, Sierra Room and campsite must be booked year round.
Read the terms and conditions before you book
On the booking system the Sierra Room shows as only one space available – this is because the room is sole occupancy (1–4 people). You will only need to enter one name for the booking.
Your booking for the Sierra Room is for a maximum of four people. If you have more than four people in your group they will need to have a booking for (and stay in) the main hut or campsite. Due to fire regulations no more than four people can use or stay in the Sierra Room.
Know before you go
Note that in times of severe weather such as sustained and/or heavy rainfall, the Copland Track may be closed (often at short notice) due to flooding and/or other damage. If closed, notices will be placed at the start of the track. Check weather and conditions at the nearest DOC office before departure. Refunds will be issued in these instances – contact the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE for details.
No cooking facilities are provided – all visitors must carry portable cookers.
No rubbish facilities are provided in the backcountry – pack out what you pack in.
