2024-07-13T00:00:00.000Z • Westland District, West Coast, New Zealand / Aotearoa

Hiking to the Brewster Glacier in Winter

During this overnight trip we slept in the Brewster Hut and hiked to the Brewster Glacier. We did this in winter which made it more adventurous due to the snow and icy conditions.

Hike

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Start / Finish

This is an out-and-back trail that begins and ends at the Fantail Falls Carpark.

Season

We hiked this trail in July 2024, which meant encountering icy and snowy conditions. In summer, much of the snow melts, making the trail more accessible.

Campsites / Huts

Brewster Hut is a 12-bunk hut that requires advance booking through the DOC website. Camping is also allowed around the hut, or, for those seeking a more adventurous experience, near the glacier.

Maps / Info

The Tititea / Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre provides up-to-date information on current conditions. As the trail crosses avalanche paths, it’s crucial to check the latest avalanche conditions.

Food / Water

The hut collects rainwater, but during the climb, there are no water sources. On hot summer days, ensure you bring enough water. Past the hut, near the glacier, you’ll have access to fresh glacial water.

Route / Conditions

Immediately after leaving the car park, you’ll need to cross the Haast River, which you’ll also cross again on the return. Heavy rain can make the river impassable, so plan accordingly.

In winter, the trail is often covered in snow and ice. We encountered these conditions upon leaving the treeline toward Brewster Hut and used crampons and ice axes all the way to the glacier. The route between Brewster Hut and the glacier is unmarked, and during snowy conditions, avalanche risks are significant, particularly along this section.

Hike

Day 1

We set off on this hike post-lunch. With not too heavy packs, we began the exhilarating climb to Brewster Hut. Right from the start, be aware that you'll need to cross a river just 50 meters from the carpark, so it’s smart not to put on your hiking boots until after the crossing. Once across, the climb begins through the forest on a well-trodden, though rugged, path with plenty of tree roots to scramble over.

As we reached the treeline, the track became icy, making the rocks very slippery, and eventually led us into snowy terrain. After about 2.5 hours, we arrived at the hut and spent the evening soaking in the incredible views. The sunset, especially, was breathtaking, with the sun sinking behind the mountain ranges across the valley.

Hike

Hiking on July 14, 2024

In the early morning, we strapped on our crampons, grabbed our ice axes, and set out for the glacier. Having previously hiked this route in summer, the snow made the going slower this time. Along the way, we encountered old avalanche debris—a clear reminder of the importance of checking current avalanche conditions. After some fun downclimbing, we reached the glacier.

For anyone planning to visit the glacier, it’s essential to know what you’re doing and to have the right equipment. While we were there, we saw unprepared people without crampons attempting to cross the glacial ice, slipping multiple times. If you’re not experienced with glacier travel, avoid venturing onto it too. We stayed near the glacier’s edge, marvelling at the stunning natural formations, it’s like art!

After about an hour, we looped around past the glacial lakes before retracing our steps to the hut and eventually back down to the carpark.

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