Brewster Track

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

You need to ford the Haast River to get to this track.

This track truly requires strength and stamina. Over just 2 miles it ascends more than 3,000 feet up to Brewster Hut. The path up the mountain is clearly marked by red triangles on the trees. Shortly after leaving the parking lot you'll have to ford the Haast River. Depending on the season this might be a dangerous undertaking; however most of the time the water is not more than knee deep.

After fording the river, the brutal ascent starts. The track seems almost vertical at times and requires continuous scrambling over roots and rocks. After about 1.4 miles the beech forest opens up and you reach the alpine area. The roots are gone at this point, but the scrambling is not any less demanding. However the views are absolutely stunning and make up for the considerable effort you are making. You can see the Haast River and Lindsay Peak with its smaller summits across the way.

After two miles you reach the 12-bunk Brewster Hut (no heating). To your left is Mount Brewster.