Welcome Flat Hot Springs
4.7 · 450 reviews · via Google
Welcome Flat Hot Springs
simple-thermal · South Island
Hotter than 79% of New Zealand springs (n=14).
More acidic than 21% of New Zealand springs (n=14).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Easy — under 1km from a station
Cost
Low
Crowd level
Quiet
About this spring
Welcome Flat Hot Springs provides a highly rugged, backcountry wilderness soaking experience located deep within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The naturally muddy pools sit on an alpine terrace surrounded by snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and dense native fern forests. The thermal water bubbles out from the earth, rich in minerals, accumulating in natural gravel-bottomed mud pools maintained by the Department of Conservation. Accessing this remote site requires a demanding, multi-hour wilderness tramp along the Copland Track, requiring river crossings and steep climbs. A modern Department of Conservation hut and campsite sit adjacent to the pools, which must be booked well in advance. Sandflies are incredibly prevalent here, so packing insect repellent is mandatory.
Highlights
History
Indigenous Maori pounamu explorers traveled the Copland Valley as part of ancient greenstone trading routes across the Southern Alps, using the thermal pools as a resting place during the demanding crossing.
The first formal hut on the Welcome Flat river terrace was built by the Public Works Department between 1911 and 1913 to support early mountaineering expeditions. The Department of Lands and Survey upgraded the backcountry infrastructure through the 1970s, and the modern hut managed by the Department of Conservation has made the remote pools accessible to wilderness trampers ever since.
Local guide
You begin this demanding backcountry journey at the Copland Track trailhead on State Highway 6, strapping on a heavy pack for 17 kilometres of West Coast wilderness. The track winds through dense rainforest, crosses open riverbeds, and traverses swinging suspension bridges over glacial rivers. After roughly seven hours of valley walking, the bush opens onto the Welcome Flat river terrace where the towering peaks of the Southern Alps rise directly above.
The natural, mud-bottomed hot pools bubble gently right next to the Department of Conservation backcountry hut. You sink into the warm, mineral-rich water while looking up at cascading waterfalls that tumble down the sheer rock faces above the valley floor. The pools vary in temperature across different sections, letting you find the right heat to soothe tired legs after the long tramp.
Carry water shoes for the rough pool edges, a headlamp for night soaking, and high-potency insect repellent for the aggressive sandflies. Booking your hut bunk or campsite well in advance through the DOC website is mandatory before setting out.
Mineral chemistry
Simple thermal springs have lower dissolved mineral content but are valued for the pure therapeutic effect of heat immersion itself — easing muscle tension and improving circulation. Considered the gentlest introduction to hot spring bathing.
Standard precautions apply: avoid bathing within 30 minutes of eating, keep soaks to 10–15 minutes for first-timers, and hydrate before and after.
Similar springs
Tekapo Springs features three beautifully tiered hot pools shaped like the region's distinctive glacial lakes, overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb mountain range. The pure alpine water is drawn from a local underground source and heated cleanly to varying therapeutic temperatures. The site functions as a multi-use winter and summer recreation park, offering an aqua play area, day spa, glice skating rink, and tube rapids. Located inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, it is highly famous for its evening stargazing soaking tours where visitors float on mats while learning about astronomy. The facilities are highly modern and completely accessible with well-maintained changing zones.
Waingaro Hot Springs is a long-running, family-oriented thermal water park located in a rural valley west of Ngaruawahia. The complex utilizes naturally heated mineral waters that are completely clear and odorless, channeled into large swimming pools and smaller hot hydrotherapy tubs. The site is highly popular for its recreational infrastructure, featuring massive water slides, bumper boats, a toddler play zone, and extensive picnic lawns. It offers a nostalgic, classic holiday park atmosphere with on-site cabin accommodations and caravan powered sites available. While the pools are constructed from concrete, the water flows continuously from deep subterranean aquifers. Changing rooms are basic but functional, though some areas show visible age.
Amenities
Getting there
- from Fox Glacier to Copland Track trailhead (Car) · 26km · 25 min
- Copland Track backcountry hike from road end (Walk) · 18km · 420 min
Tramping access only; start at the Copland Track trailhead off State Highway 6, 26km south of Fox Glacier, and hike 18km inland.
Location & nearby
Copland Track, Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Make a day of it
Pair your soak with these nearby spots.
Viewpoint
Mount Glorious
1.7km away
Attraction
Bivouac Rock
1.8km away
More springs in South Island
Hanmer Springs is New Zealand's premier alpine thermal resort, nestled in a picturesque mountain village surrounded by redwood forests. The complex features an extensive array of pools, including sulfur pools, terraced mineral pools, aqua therapy pools, and recreational water slides. The naturally heated waters contain high levels of sodium chloride, boron, and sulfur, which offer therapeutic benefits for joint pain and muscular recovery. Visitors can experience a wide variety of soaking environments from quiet, adults-only relaxation zones to lively family areas. The setting is beautifully landscaped with native gardens and alpine architecture. A fully equipped day spa offers massage therapies, and on-site cafes provide refreshments. It is a highly developed resort requiring towels and swimsuits. This public complex is completely family-oriented and open daily.
Tekapo Springs features three beautifully tiered hot pools shaped like the region's distinctive glacial lakes, overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb mountain range. The pure alpine water is drawn from a local underground source and heated cleanly to varying therapeutic temperatures. The site functions as a multi-use winter and summer recreation park, offering an aqua play area, day spa, glice skating rink, and tube rapids. Located inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, it is highly famous for its evening stargazing soaking tours where visitors float on mats while learning about astronomy. The facilities are highly modern and completely accessible with well-maintained changing zones.
Maruia Hot Springs is a tranquil, Japanese-style eco-resort located in the scenic Lewis Pass national reserve along the Maruia River. The mineral-rich waters flow directly from subterranean paths into open-air rock pools, indoor bathhouses, and thermal steam rooms. The water is heavy in sodium, bicarbonate, and natural boron, providing a remarkably slippery, skin-softening sensation that mimics traditional Onsen. The resort operates on 100 percent renewable hydro energy generated on-site, complementing its deep focus on wellness, nourishment, and environmental sustainability. Guests can soak while enjoying panoramic views of the rugged Southern Alps and native beech forests. Footpaths link the pools to saunas, cold plunges, and an organic restaurant. This property is fully accessible and includes overnight lodging options.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Welcome Flat Hot Springs?▾
The water temperature at Welcome Flat Hot Springs ranges up to 45°C (minimum around 35°C).
Is Welcome Flat Hot Springs free to visit?▾
Yes, Welcome Flat Hot Springs is free to visit.
Is Welcome Flat Hot Springs a public or private bath?▾
Welcome Flat Hot Springs is a public bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Welcome Flat Hot Springs?▾
Yes, Welcome Flat Hot Springs welcomes visitors with tattoos.