Brewster
Personally hiked by Mike & Amanda, premium Rab, Lowe Alpine & MSR gear, delivered NZ wide - trusted by hikers from NZ and around the world
INCLUDES PERSONALISED GEAR TIPS FROM HIKERS WHO HAVE DONE IT!
10km return
ONE OF NZ’s MOST REWARDING OVERNIGHT HIKES WITH A BIG ALPINE PAYOFF
4-7 HOURS RETURN
MOST HIKERS STAY OVERNIGHT AT BREWSTER HUT TO ENJOY SUNSET, SUNRISE AND EXPLORE THE SURROUNDINGS
GRADE
CHALLENGING - A STEEP CLIMB WITH RIVER CROSSING AND EXPOSED ALPINE TERRAIN. BEST SUITED FOR REASONABLY FIT HIKERS
ALPINE HUT & TENT SITE
INCREDIBLE VIEWS, WAKE ABOVE THE BUSHLINE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS ACROSS MT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
QUICK FACTS
Everything, at a glance.
HIGHEST POINT
Brewster hut 1,460m
SEASON
December - April
SUITABLE FOR
Fit hikers with alpine awareness
Our brewster story
Hi, we're Mike & Amanda, and it's fair to say that Brewster Hut delivered one of the most unforgettable hiking experiences we've ever had.
If there's one piece of advice we'd give, it's this: don't be fooled by the distance. While it's only 5 km to the hut, you'll climb around 1,000 vertical metres, and for much of the hike it feels like you're heading straight up the mountainside. It's a proper workout, but every step is rewarded.
Perched high above the Haast Valley, Brewster Hut is every bit as spectacular as the photos suggest. The iconic red hut sits on an alpine terrace with panoramic mountain views in every direction. Sleeping just 12 people, it feels far more intimate than the Great Walk huts, creating a cosy alpine lodge atmosphere that we absolutely loved.
We decided to stay for two nights so we could spend a full day exploring the surrounding alpine environment, including a trip to Brewster Glacier. It was one of the highlights of our South Island adventures. We set off early while the weather was calm, and we're glad we did because the conditions changed quickly later that morning. The climb towards the glacier was steep and exposed in places, pushing us well outside our comfort zone, but the reward was extraordinary.
Standing beside the glacier felt like stepping into another world. Brilliant blue melt pools, towering ice, dramatic rock faces and delicate alpine plants combined to create a landscape unlike anything we'd experienced before.
We can't recommend the glacier trip highly enough, but only if you're well prepared. The terrain is challenging and should only be attempted by experienced trampers with the appropriate equipment, including a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). We were fortunate to be hiking with experienced alpine trampers, and their knowledge made all the difference.
Back at the hut, sharing dinner, a game of cards and a whisky by candlelight while watching the sun disappear behind the mountains was the perfect way to finish the day.
Brewster isn't the easiest overnight hike in New Zealand, but for us it was one of the most rewarding. If you're looking for a true alpine adventure that feels a little off the beaten track, we can't recommend it highly enough.
Brewster glacier
Whisky, chocolate & cards
Planning the Brewster?
✔ Premium gear
✔ Delivered NZ-wide
✔ Pay only for hiking days
THE ROUTE
Glacier magic.
From Haast Pass to Brewster Hut and Glacier.
Day 1
2-4 hours
📌 Haast Pass / Fantail Falls carpark
📌 River crossing
📌 Steep climb through native forest
📌 Brewster hut
Day 2
6 - 8 hours
📌 Alpine basin exploration
📌 Brewster glacier viewpoint
📌 Glacial streams and tarns
📌 Return to Brewster hut
Day 3
2-4 hours
📌 Descend through alpine tussock
📌 Native beech forest
📌 River crossing
📌 Carpark
PACKBACK TIP
Missed a hut booking?
DOC campsites are often still available. Our lightweight MSR Hubba Hubba tent is perfect for Brewster camping - and you can pair it with our Core Pack for $60 / day.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE
The moments worth showing up for.
BREWSTER HUT BEFORE SUNSET
WALKING TO THE GLACIER
EXPLORING
TUSSOCKS, SUNSETS & PEAKS
COLD PLUNGE?
LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD
SUNSET VIEWS
HARDY LITTLE FLOWER
BREWSTER GLACIER - WE MADE IT!
BREWSTER GLACIER
THE TERRACES
EXPOSED PLACES
TESTED ON THE TRACK
The Brewster Bundle.
Essentials, hand picked for this exact walk.
✓ 65L Lowe Alpine Pack
✓ Ascent Pro Rab sleeping bag
✓ Sleeping bag liner
✓ Leki trekking poles
✓ After dark (head torch, pillow & towel)
✓ Meal pack
✓ Rab Kangri gortex jacket
✓ Cooking pack (plate, cup, spork & knife)
✓ Emergency & first aid kit
✓ Rab gaiters
✓ JetBoil (optional)
✓ Variety of dry bags
Trip length
3 Days
$590
NZD $196 / DAY FREE DELIVERY (excluding JetBoil)OR PICK INDIVIDUAL ITEMS
Curate your own Brewster pack.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The honest briefing.
Checklist
✓ Book Brewster hut in advance (before summer)
✓ Start early, especially if rain is forecast. The stream crossing can rise quickly
✓ Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes - the track is steep, uneven and can be slippery
✓ Pack warm layers, waterproof jacket, it is exposed up at the hut
✓ Trekking poles come in handy for this hike
✓ If vising glacier, only attempt in good weather and be comfortable with off track alpine terrain
💧Water
We filled out bottles up in the lakes, streams (which were free flowing) and from the tanks - but don’t assume every water source is safe untreated.
🍽️ Food
There are no food supplies once you leave the road end, so carry everything you'll need for your stay.
The climb burns plenty of energy, so pack high-calorie snacks, hearty dinners and something special to enjoy while taking in the incredible views from Brewster Hut.
⚠️ Alpine conditions can change in minutes.
Brewster Hut sits in true alpine terrain, and weather can deteriorate quickly. Rain can make the track extremely slippery, while cloud can reduce visibility around the glacier.
If you're planning to explore Brewster Glacier, only do so in stable weather and within your experience level. Always check the latest DOC forecast before setting off, and don't be afraid to turn around if conditions change.
THE NEIGHBOURS
Wildlife & where to land after.
Can you spot the Kea?!
Mike & Amanda’s Wanaka picks
Hard-earned food, drinks, relaxation & local attractions
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Barmuda
Our favourite spot for a pre-dinner drink. Great cocktails, relaxed atmosphere and perfect for sitting outside on a warm Wanaka evening. -
Big Fig
Excellent coffee and some of the best cabinet food in town. Ideal before hitting the road or after finishing your hike. -
Francesca's Italian Kitchen
A PackBack favourite. Handmade pasta, woodfired pizza and a fantastic wine list. Book ahead during summer.
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Kai Whakapai Coffee Cart
Grab a takeaway coffee and wander down to the lakefront. One of our favourite ways to start a Wanaka morning. -
Sofi's Mediterranean Kitchen
After two nights in Brewster Hut, you've earned it. Delicious Mediterranean-inspired food, excellent service and a warm atmosphere make this one of our top Wanaka recommendations. -
Secret Hot Tubs Wanaka
One of the best post-hike experiences around. Private cedar hot tubs tucked into native bush with mountain views. Your legs will thank you.
QUESTIONS
Asked, answered.
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Yes. Brewster Hut is a DOC backcountry hut with only 12 bunks, making it one of the smallest and most sought-after alpine huts in New Zealand. During summer and public holidays it often books out well in advance, so we recommend securing your booking early.
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Don't give up. DOC campsites are often still available. Our premium MSR Hubba Hubba tents are a lightweight, comfortable alternative for completing the track. Get in touch we may be able to secure you a hut booking.
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Don't let the 5 km distance fool you. The track climbs around 1,000 metres from the road to the hut and is steep for almost the entire ascent. A good level of fitness is essential, but the views from the hut make every step worthwhile.
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Yes, provided you're reasonably fit and prepared for a sustained uphill climb. The track is well marked, but it is considerably steeper than most Great Walks. If you're comfortable hiking for 5 to 7 hours with a full pack, you'll likely enjoy the challenge.
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Yes, and we highly recommend it if the weather is stable. The route from Brewster Hut to the glacier is unmarked alpine terrain with some route finding required, so it should only be attempted by experienced trampers in good conditions. We stayed two nights specifically so we could spend a day exploring the glacier.
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Late December through to April generally offers the most reliable weather and longer daylight hours. That said, alpine conditions can change quickly at any time of year, so always check the latest DOC forecast before setting off.
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Brewster Hut is a standard DOC alpine hut with bunk beds, mattresses, toilets and rainwater collection. There is no cooking equipment, heating, lighting or food available, so you'll need to carry everything you require.
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Yes. We deliver nationwide so your gear is waiting before your adventure begins.
BREWSTER GLACIER