Image: Campbell Harris | DOC
Hill top with poled route covered in snow.
Brewster Track

Located in Makarora area and Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region

The track starts on State Highway 6, crosses the unbridged Haast River, and climbs steadily through beech forest to the bush line. The track ends at Brewster Hut.

Car park to Brewster Hut

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Brewster Track is very steep and unformed. You need good fitness and balance
Image: Alice Milne (@alice.adventuring) ©

The track starts from Fantail Falls. The track crosses the unbridged Haast River – if river levels are high (for example, during/after rain or if the snow is melting), you may not be able to cross the river safely. Assess the river carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out.

Always check the weather forecast before starting Brewster Track. We strongly recommend that you do not tramp this track if rain is forecast – the Haast River may rise during your hike and mean you cannot cross the river back to the car park.

After crossing the Haast River, the track climbs steadily through beech forest to the bush line. The track is a rough, steep, slippery tramping track. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip.

From the bush line, the track continues up a snow grass face and onto a narrow ridge leading up towards Brewster Hut.

There is no track beyond Brewster Hut

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The terrain beyond Brewster Hut is challenging
Image: Alice Milne (@alice.adventuring) ©

Brewster Track ends at the hut and there is no track to Mt Armstrong or Brewster Glacier. Do not attempt to hike beyond the hut unless you:

  • have experience in hiking off-track in remote New Zealand alpine areas
  • know how to navigate in thick cloud that stops you seeing where you are going.

The terrain is much more difficult than it looks. There are steep drops and it is easy to get lost or fall. Many people have had to be rescued from the area.

The face of the glacier and ice caves are unstable. Large chunks of ice fall regularly. We strongly recommend styaing well back from this area. 

Be ready for bad weather

The weather changes fast and freezing, wet weather is common even in summer. Hypothermia is a real risk. Be prepared for all weather by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and sturdy footwear.

Always check the Mount Aspiring National Park weather forecast – NIWA website before hiking.

In winter, alpine skills are essential. See section on May to November.

Unbridged crossing of the Haast River

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The Haast River crossing in normal flow
Image: Alice Milne (@alice.adventuring) ©

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The Haast River is in flood in this photo – crossing would not be recommended
Image: Campbell Harris | DOC

Brewster Track crosses the Haast River. There is no bridge and the crossing is dangerous when the river is high or flooding. 

The river may not be crossable on your return if there is rain or snowmelt during the day. We recommend not hiking Brewster Track if rain is forecast.

When you get to Haast River, look out for the warning signs of an unsafe river: water flowing faster than walking pace, discoloured water and  debris in the river.

If you aren’t sure it’s safe to cross, don’t cross – wait for the river to drop, or change your plans and return another day or return to the hut.

Be ready for delays from this river crossing. Carry an emergency shelter, plenty of spare food, and plan your day so a wait at the river won’t inconvenience you.

Learn how to cross a river safely on the Mountain Safety Council website.

Don’t tramp beyond the hut if there is rain or low cloud

Whiteout conditions are common year-round in this area. Low visibility can quickly disorientate hikers and cause them to get lost or wander into dangerous terrain. Rain makes the rocks slippery and a fall more likely.

Tramping beyond the hut in low cloud, rain or white-out is not advised. If you see bad weather coming, turn back and return to the hut.

Low visibility is a common cause of rescues in this area. However, it also can slow rescue efforts. This is why it is important to carry an emergency shelter and other gear to help you survive an unexpected night out.

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Low cloud near Brewster Glacier. It is easy to get lost in whiteout conditions.
Image: Brian Anderson, Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington ©

What to take

Find a gear list here.

A distress beacon, emergency shelter and spare food are essential for this trip, even as a day walk in summer.

In winter, you will need extra gear. See section on May to November.

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Brewster Hut in snow
Image: Campbell Harris | DOC

You need special skills and preparation to tramp Brewster Track from May to November. There are increased risks from snow, ice, avalanches, bad weather and sub-zero temperatures.

You need mountaineering skills and experience

In winter, Brewster Track is only suitable for people with mountaineering skills, experience and equipment. You must:

  • know how to navigate if cloud or snow covers the marker poles and you cannot see them
  • know where avalanches are a risk and be able to rescue someone if an avalanche occurs
  • have the equipment and skills to prevent a slide on icy terrain
  • have the clothing for sub-zero temperatures and be able to survive if the weather gets worse.

Pack for alpine winter conditions

Conditions can change quickly. Layer your clothes to trap warm air in and keep cold wind out. Start with a base layer of polypropylene/merino, add an insulation layer of fleece/wool and finish with a waterproof shell layer. Carry a distress beacon.

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Be avalanche alert

This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information and the terrain rating for this track.

Know the avalanche forecast. If there is avalanche danger, take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and snow shovel, and make sure you are confident using them.