Since we have already done a few (Great) Walks in NZ and are relatively fit, we thought “easy”. Incorrect! 90% of the walk goes over rocks that are sometimes very slippery, there are lots of slips to climb over, watercourses and sandflies. It took us 7 hours there and 6:45 hours back without any longer breaks. You should have hiking poles, enough water, food and sturdy hiking shoes. At the end there are some very nice views of waterfalls, mountains and the hot pools at the Hut.

Amazing hot pools! We booked two nights & enjoyed having the pools to ourselves for a few hours in the middle of the day when everyone else was walking the track. If you have clear skies, it is also an option to do a day walk from the Welcome Flat hut up to Douglas hut to get a better view of the mountains. Make sure you are well-prepared for a 36km return walk and all weather conditions. Even if you think you are a fast walker, give yourself enough time and daylight to complete a 7hr walk. Sections have been destroyed by flooding and land slips & require more time and care to maneuver

Have done track today and walk is long and tiring however views on the way are spectacular, specially at the end. Last bridge is CRAZY, but hot pools are sooo worthy!

Go for the hot pools, they are amazing, but don't underestimate the length of the track: It's 18km, quite rough and muddy with several swing bridges (not for the faint hearted) and rock/land slides. We consider ourselves fairly experienced trampers and are normally a bit faster than the "doc times", but needed for this the whole 7 hours as estimated (with just small breaks). But it's totally worth it, and I would recommend booking 2 nights at the hut if you have the time so you'll have enough time to enjoy the pools and views (since you need such a long time to walk there).

Mixed opinion although we are overall happy. Trekking mid March, we decided to spend two nights at Welcome Hut in tent. Very nice frame. So we were able to go up to Mount Douglas the next day and relax after to the natural hot springs. Nice time. For hiking, it is quite simple but sometimes mud and some roots on the way (so vigilance). Important part in the forest so not really in perspective except along the valley then the river and finally to the hut. If the weather is ok and you have time, well to enjoy the hot springs but sometimes a little monotonous walk in the forest.

Forgot my pink flip flops, anyone seen? Text me 0291279542

Nice walk and really nice pools I forgot my shoes (black size 45/46) and my girlfriend forgot her white flip flop (size 39) at the carpark. If anybody found them please contact us at this number 021 529 648 or by mail at charlotte. Richard10@hotmail. Fr

The pools were so beautiful. We had no sandflies at all! stayed 3h in the water. But the way in is boring and endless, no views really and a lot of rocks and landslides to climb. No sun at all in the valley as well and it was a sunny day... Come for the natural pools but don' t expect a beautiful track.

The track is gorgeous!! It says 7 hours but we did it in 4.5 to the Hut, just depends on your fitness level. Haven't tried the pools yet, but I doubt I'll be complaining!! :D The track is mainly forest, be warned if you're looking for more of a mostly mountain-view track; however, the views of the mountains (when you see them) are BEAUTIFUL and the cerulean blue of the giant river took my breath away. I also loved how mossy the rainforest was, felt like a fairytale! I recommend it for those that simply just love trekking and nature :)

The track is beautiful. Ascending through the rainforest and crossing many creeks. We started the track when it was dry, but after one hour it started pouring down. We continued but it was probably not the smartest decision. The track became very slippery and we had to cross the fast flowing rivers (the water had quickly risen to knee-level) so became totally soaked. The welcome flat hut and the warden(nick) were great: even with flushing toilets. The hotpools are awesome (and feel dirty at the same time). The track was closed by doc for another day because of the heavy rain so descending was not recommended. Many people stayed but had no food for another day with them. Make sure you take enough food for an extra day with you! And: we would definitely recommend to make this hike a 3 day hike. The walk to Douglas Creek hut is beautiful and you can leave your backpack at the Welcome flat hut. Excellent views of glaciers and snowy mountains.