Copland Track

When we lugged our hiking boots all over Australia without really using them (we forgot them in the hostel at the only place where we could have used them, the Uluru trip), we still wanted to do a multi-day hike in New Zealand. Unfortunately, for the most famous hikes, you have to book a spot in the huts up to a year in advance. Of course, we didn't do that. So we decided to do the Copland Track. The track follows the Copland River for most of the way and the special thing is that there are several hot pools at the hut where you can relax after the hike.

We hitchhiked to the starting point of the hike and started right away. The weather was perfect for hiking, sunny but not too hot. Most of the time, we walked through the rainforest, which was particularly special for us Swiss people, and there was always something to discover. We also had to cross some dried up river and stream beds, where you could imagine and read on signs how quickly they would flood when it rains. The most beautiful views were from the many suspension bridges we had to cross.

After 6 hours, we finally made it to the hut. Of course, we immediately rewarded ourselves with the 40-degree hot pools and then ended the evening with a few rounds of Rummikub with some Americans.

The next morning, we started our way back. The first hour was still pleasant and went by quickly. Then it started raining and didn't stop for the next 5 hours. So we were forced to limit our breaks to a minimum. But we made it, we're not made of sugar. ;-) We were really looking forward to the warm shower in the hostel.

Oli