Brewster Track

Out and back

• The Red Hut: The Brewster Hut is one of the most photogenic alpine huts in New Zealand. Against a backdrop of grey rock and white snow, its vibrant red exterior stands out beautifully. It’s the perfect place for that "I made it" summit photo.
• Fantail Falls: Before you even start the climb, take a moment to enjoy the falls right at the car park. These elegant, fan-shaped falls are a great warm-up for the eyes before the hard work begins.
• The Southern Alps Panorama: Once you hit the tussock line, the views of the Haast River Valley snaking below and the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps are simply unparalleled. On a clear day, you can see deep into the heart of the National Park.
• The Brewster Glacier (For the Experienced): While the marked track ends at the hut, experienced trampers and mountaineers often continue towards the Brewster Glacier. Guided by rock cairns, this route leads to stunning glacial lakes and ice formations. Note: This is an unmarked route and requires advanced navigation and alpine skills.

Getting There

To find the trailhead, you’ll need to head to the Haast Pass Highway (State Highway 6). The track starts at the Fantail Falls Car Park, which is roughly an hour’s drive (65km) north of Wanaka, or about an hour and fifteen minutes (75km) south of Haast.

The car park is well-signposted but relatively small. During the peak summer months, it can fill up quickly with day-trippers visiting the falls and trampers heading up to the hut. A very important tip: there are no toilet facilities at the Fantail Falls car park. The nearest public toilets are located a few kilometres south at the Blue Pools car park, so make sure you stop there first!

Wildlife Spotting

The Brewster Track is a fantastic place to encounter some of New Zealand’s most famous feathered locals.

The undisputed star of the show is the Kea. These cheeky, highly intelligent alpine parrots are common around Brewster Hut. They love to investigate hikers (and their gear), so keep a close eye on your sandwich and never leave your boots outside the hut! You’ll often hear their distinctive, screeching "kee-aa" call before you see them.

Down in the beech forest, keep an eye out for the Piwakawaka (Fantail). These friendly little birds often follow hikers, flitting around to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You’re also likely to hear the melodic chime of the Tūī and the Bellbird (Korimako) echoing through the canopy. If you are very quiet and have a bit of luck, you might spot the tiny Rifleman (Tītipounamu), New Zealand's smallest bird, or even the rare Rock Wren up in the alpine scree slopes.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Brewster Track is a serious alpine undertaking, so timing is everything.

• Best Seasons: Summer and Autumn are the most popular times to visit. The days are longer, and the track is more likely to be clear of snow. Spring is also beautiful, but be aware that snowmelt can make the Haast River crossing dangerous, and snow may still cover the upper sections of the track.
• Start Early: With a 7-hour return time and a massive 970m elevation gain, you want to give yourself plenty of daylight. Starting by 9:00 am is a good rule of thumb.
• The River Crossing: Never underestimate the Haast River. If it has been raining or the water looks brown and turbulent, do not attempt to cross.
• Gear Up: Even in summer, the weather in the Southern Alps can change in minutes. Carry a waterproof jacket, warm layers (merino or fleece), and plenty of high-energy snacks. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential for the root-scramble in the forest.
• Sun Protection: The New Zealand sun is fierce, especially at altitude. Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Fitness Check: This track is rated as hard. It is not suitable for young children or dogs (which are not permitted in the National Park anyway). You’ll need a good level of fitness and steady footing.

Local & Regional Context

The Brewster Track lies within the Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. This region is of immense significance to Ngāi Tahu, the Māori iwi (tribe) of the South Island. For centuries, Māori used the Haast Pass (known as Tioripatea) as a traditional pathway to reach the West Coast in search of Pounamu (greenstone).

The forest you walk through is a remnant of the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland. These beech forests have remained largely unchanged for millions of years. As you climb, you are literally walking through a living museum of New Zealand’s natural history. The area was designated as a National Park in 1964 and remains one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the country, protected by the Department of Conservation (DOC).

After the Walk

After 970 metres of descent, your knees will likely be screaming for a break. The best place to refuel and share stories of your climb is the Wonderland Makarora Lodge, located about 22km south of the trailhead.

The Lodge is a favourite for hikers. It features a relaxed cafe and bar with a big lounge that offers stunning views back toward the mountains you just conquered. Whether you’re after a cold beer, a hot coffee, or a hearty New Zealand-inspired meal, it’s the perfect spot to transition from the wild back to civilization. They also have Wi-Fi, so you can upload those stunning photos of the red hut before you even get back to town!