Brewster Track

Car park to Brewster Hut

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

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 staying well back from this area. 

Challenging untracked terrain beyond Brewster Hut
Image: © NZ Mountain Safety Council

Challenging untracked terrain beyond Brewster Hut
Image: © NZ Mountain Safety Council

Alternative hikes 

If you do not have the necessary experience, fitness or gear, or the weather is poor, consider walking this track instead:

• Blue Pools Track, 1 hr, 3 km return. 

If the river is high but you have the fitness and gear, consider hiking this track instead:

• Isthmus Peak Track, 5-7 hr, 16 km return.

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.

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.