Welcome Flat Hut | Copland Track
Welcome Flat Hut has become so popular that year-round booking is operational. Note that without a booking, this can cause major problems if you just turn up. (At busy times of the year, prior to the booking system, sometimes up to 100 people would turn up looking for a bed.) The hut warden will cite fire regulations, and you may be forced to sleep under the rock bivvy. So, book.
The original hut was built near the bridge in 1913, and the current hut was built in 1986. A few weeks later, a rock/mudslide hit it; no one was injured, but the hut was dragged up the slope to a safer location. Since then, it has been modified, and four upstairs bedrooms have been created. Much of the downstairs is the kitchen and living areas.
And yes, the hot pools are worth the effort. Water comes out of the ground at 56° C, so the muddy-bottomed bathing pond can be kept around body temperature at 38° C. Perfect for relaxation, neck-deep after the seven-hour walk in from the car park.
The walk-in is relatively easy, but it is a long way, and some rock-hopping is required. Also, those without a head for heights may find the last swingbridge, one of the highest around, off-putting.
category . . . serviced hut, with bookings required
hut & campsite fee . . . From 1 July 2026
Hut | Summer 1 October to 30 April | Friday & Saturday
Adult (18+ years): $36 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $18.00 per night
Infant: (0-4 years): free
Campsite
Adult (18+ years): $18.00 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $9.00 per night
Infant (0–4 years): free
Hut | Summer 1 October to 30 April | Sunday to Thursday
Adult (18+ years): $34 per night
Child/Youth (5-17 years): $17.00 per night
Infant (0-4 years): free
Campsite
Adult (18+ years): $17.00 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $8.50 per night
Infant (0–4 years): free
Hut | Peak summer 1 December to 29 February | Friday & Saturday
Adult (18+ years): $40 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $20.00 per night
Infant: (0-4 years): free
Campsite
Adult (18+ years): $20 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $10.00 per night
Infant (0–4 years): free
Hut | Peak summer 1 December to 29 February | Sunday to Thursday
Adult (18+ years): $38 per night
Child/Youth (5-17 years): $19.00 per night
Infant (0-4 years): free
Campsite
Adult (18+ years): $19.00 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $9.50 per night
Infant (0–4 years): free
Hut | Off-season 1 May to 30 September | Sunday to Thursday
Adult (18+ years): $30.00 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $15.00 per night
Infant: (0-4 years): free
Campsite
Adult (18+ years): $15.00 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
Infant (0–4 years): free
Backcountry Hut Passes are valid for use in this hut from 1 May to 30 September. How to pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass.
booking . . . required book here
A hut warden is resident for most of the year, even in winter, checks bookings nightly, and, if overbooked, you may not be allowed to stay.
elevation . . . 430 m
bunks . . . 31 mattresses on platforms, in four separate bedrooms. Also the self-contained Sierra Room for up to 4 people.
built . . . 1986, relocated 1987
heating . . . woodburner. Wood is supplied, but rationed by the hut warden.
water . . . tap at two indoor sinks from rainwater tank
toilet . . . flush toilets x 2, shared with campsite