Planning a Brewster Track adventure? Before you go, watch the new safety video.

Brewster Track is a rewarding alpine adventure to Brewster Hut in Mt Aspiring National Park. With spectacular mountain views and the lure of a glacier experience beyond the hut, it attracts many walkers looking for an exhilarating day hike or overnight tramp. 

The popular track is often underestimated, and many walkers get into trouble crossing the unbridged Haast River or venturing beyond the hut, where there is no marked route. Since 2020, two people have lost their lives, and in the last two years alone, 26 others have needed rescuing. 

To help reduce these incidents, an official Brewster Track safety video has been produced by NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) in collaboration with the Department of Conservation, Land Search & Rescue New Zealand, MetService and NZ Police. The video is available for free on Plan My Walk and YouTube.

“Before considering the Brewster Track, we’re urging walkers to watch the new safety video. Then use reliable sources, like Plan My Walk, to prepare for your trip,” says MSC’s Mike Daisley. “Be wary of unofficial social media posts, as they often don’t show the full picture of the conditions or risks.”  

Watch the new safety video before you go: 

•  Discover what to expect on the trip

•  Understand the hazards on the track and beyond Brewster Hut

•   Check you’ve got the right skills and experience

•   Learn how to prepare and what gear to take.

The track

It takes 3–4 hours to reach Brewster Hut, and the return trip requires 6–8 hours. The video takes walkers on a journey along the track from the Fantail Falls car park, 20 minutes north of Makarora, to the hut, highlighting the key hazards, beginning with crossing the Haast River. While straightforward in normal conditions, the river can rise quickly and become dangerous after rain or due to snowmelt. 

Beyond the hut

The hut marks the end of the track, but some walkers continue beyond this point toward Brewster Glacier. It is important to have the necessary skills, experience and gear for this section. The video shows the hazards in this area, such as the lack of a marked route, rocky slabs and small bluffs that make route-finding challenging, steep drop-offs with little room for error, and wet and icy conditions that make the terrain treacherous, even in summer.“Beyond the hut is an unforgiving environment, and many people have needed to be rescued here. Sadly, some have lost their lives,” says Daisley. “For most people, the best option is to enjoy the views from the hut and not venture any further unless accompanied by a qualified guide.”

Alternative tracks

For those prepared for difficult backcountry tramping, Brewster Track is an unforgettable experience. If you don’t have the skills or gear, easier tracks in the area, such as Isthmus Peak Track or Rob Roy Track, offer an amazing day out with spectacular views.

Watch the new Brewster Track safety video on YouTube.