New Safety Video Targets Incidents on Brewster Track
Media Release
A new safety video for the popular Brewster Track in Mt Aspiring National Park will help hikers and trampers better prepare for this rewarding but challenging adventure, which attracts many local and international visitors every year.
Launched today, the official Brewster Track safety video was produced by NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) in collaboration with the Department of Conservation (DOC), Land Search & Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR), MetService and NZ Police.
Two people have died in the area in the past five years, and in the last two years alone, 26 people were rescued – a nearly 600% increase compared to previous years. Most incidents occurred either at the unbridged Haast River or beyond Brewster Hut toward Brewster Glacier where there is no track.
The Brewster Track area has a number of challenges for trampers. It’s clear from search and rescue data that people are doing this trip without the necessary skills and experience. We strongly advise anyone wanting to visit this area to watch the new official Brewster Track safety video before considering this trip.- MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley
The video takes trampers on a journey of the track from the Fantail Falls carpark, 20 minutes north of Makarora, to Brewster Hut. It highlights key safety hazards including the river crossing, steep and rugged track conditions, and rapidly changing alpine weather, as well as essential planning and gear.
With the lure of a glacier experience, many people continue beyond the hut, and the video emphasises the hazards in this area, including no marked route, exposed and difficult terrain, and often icy conditions, even in summer.
“Beyond the hut is an unforgiving environment, and many people have needed to be rescued. Sadly, some have lost their lives,” says Mike. “For most people, the best option is to enjoy the views from the hut and not venture any further unless they go with a qualified guide.”
The video is an outcome of the Brewster interagency taskforce, set up in April 2024 to address the rise in incidents. As part of this work, DOC installed new signage at the start of the track and hut last summer, warning trampers of the hazards.
We’re encouraging anyone thinking about attempting the track to be realistic about whether they have the right skills and experience. Plan using reliable sources like the DOC website and MSC’s Plan My Walk, rather than unofficial or unendorsed social media posts, which often don’t show the full picture of what it’s really like. – DOC Central Otago Operations Manager Charlie Sklenar.
"There’s no marked track beyond Brewster Hut, and DOC doesn’t manage any of the hazards between the end of the track at the hut and Brewster Glacier. The terrain there is more challenging than it looks and requires experience in hiking off-track in remote New Zealand alpine areas. You’ll still get incredible views and some great naturing experiences right from the hut – without putting yourself at risk.”
The new official Brewster Track video, available free on YouTube, adds to MSC’s award-winning Tramping Video Series. The series showcases over 20 tracks as part of a growing library of safety videos on popular backcountry hikes across Aotearoa New Zealand.Find out more
- Trip planning | Use Plan My Walk, our free trip planning tool, to choose tracks, build a gear list, get alerts and share trip plans
- Weather skills | Be prepared for all weather on your next tramp or hike
- Leaving your intentions | Make sure someone knows your plans
PHOTO CREDIT | NZ Mountain Safety Council | Brewster Track, Mt Aspiring National Park