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Hokitika
8.6 km
9 hours
1000 metres
If you are looking for a quintessential West Coast tramping experience—one that involves equal parts sweat, mud, and breathtaking reward—the Mt Brown Track near Hokitika is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday stroll; it is a steep, rugged, and unashamedly vertical ascent that tests your fitness and your resolve. But for those who persevere, the payoff is one of the most spectacular vistas in New Zealand.
Located in the heart of the "Cool Little Town" backcountry, the Mt Brown Track takes you from the temperate rainforest floor to a subalpine ridgeline, offering a 360-degree panorama that spans the turquoise depths of Lake Kaniere, the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps, and the wild, crashing surf of the Tasman Sea. It is a full-day mission that will leave your legs burning and your camera roll full.
The adventure begins at the edge of Dorothy Falls Road, near the bridge at Geologist Creek. From the moment you step off the gravel, the Mt Brown Track makes its intentions clear. This is an out-and-back journey of roughly 8.6 kilometres, but don't let that distance fool you. With a 1000-metre elevation gain packed into just 4 kilometres of climbing, the gradient is relentless.
The first section of the track is a beautiful immersion into the West Coast ngahere (forest). You’ll find yourself walking through a lush cathedral of rata, kamahi, and rimu. The ground is a vibrant tapestry of ferns and thick, spongy moss. However, you won’t have much time to admire the greenery before the track begins to tilt skyward.
As you gain elevation, the "walk" quickly evolves into a "scramble." This middle section is famous (or perhaps infamous) for its technicality. You will frequently find yourself using "four-wheel drive"—grabbing onto sturdy tree roots and branches to haul yourself up steep, muddy steps. It is a physical challenge that requires focus and a bit of grit, especially after a typical West Coast downpour when the track can become a slippery, muddy chute.
After about two to three hours of heavy lifting through the bush, the canopy begins to thin. The gnarled trees give way to subalpine scrub, and suddenly, you break through the bushline. The sense of relief is immediate as the horizon opens up. From here, the route is marked by orange poles that guide you through golden tussock grasslands. The air feels thinner, cooler, and infinitely fresher.
A small, un-signposted parking area is located just past the bridge at Geologist Creek, on the south side of Dorothy Falls Road. It is important to avoid parking on the road or obstructing access to any nearby farmlands.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
The destination for most is the iconic Mt Brown Hut, sitting proudly at 1120 metres. If you still have some gas in the tank, an unmarked but obvious trail continues along the ridge for another 1.3 kilometres to the true, unnamed summit of Mt Brown (1270m). Standing on the summit, you feel like you’re on the edge of the world, with the vastness of the West Coast spread out beneath your boots.
Because of the technical nature of the climb and the sheer drop-offs in certain subalpine sections, this track is not recommended for children. Similarly, to protect the local wildlife and respect the terrain, the track is not dog-friendly. This is a wild, raw experience intended for prepared, fit trampers.
The undisputed crown jewel of this hike is the Mt Brown Hut. This tiny, four-bunk hut is a testament to the passion of the Permolat Group, a band of volunteers dedicated to maintaining "remote" huts and tracks. Painted a classic high-visibility orange, the hut is incredibly photogenic and serves as a perfect lunch spot or an overnight refuge for those lucky enough to snag a bunk.
The view from the hut’s porch is nothing short of legendary. Looking directly down, you see the entirety of Lake Kaniere, its glacial waters reflecting the surrounding mountains like a giant mirror. To the west, the coastal plains stretch out toward Hokitika and the Tasman Sea. On a clear day, the sunset from this vantage point is a religious experience, as the sky turns shades of bruised purple and fiery orange over the ocean.
To the east, the view is dominated by the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. The rugged, snow-capped peaks provide a dramatic contrast to the lush green valleys below. If you make the final push to the summit, you’ll get an even better look at the Styx River valley carving its way through the mountains.
To find the trailhead, head inland from Hokitika toward Lake Kaniere. Follow the road around the eastern side of the lake onto Dorothy Falls Road. Drive past the beautiful Dorothy Falls (a great spot for a post-hike dip!) and continue until you cross the bridge at Geologist Creek.
Just past the bridge on the south side of the road, you’ll find a small, un-signposted area suitable for parking a few cars. Please be mindful of where you park; the road is narrow, and it’s vital not to obstruct access for local farmers or other road users. There are no fancy visitor centres or toilets here—just a small orange sign marking the start of your 1000-metre climb.
The West Coast is a stronghold for New Zealand’s native birdlife, and the Mt Brown Track offers a fantastic cross-section of species. In the lower forest, keep an ear out for the melodious chime of the Bellbird (korimako) and the soulful, complex song of the Tūī. You’ll almost certainly be greeted by the Fantail (pīwakawaka), which loves to follow trampers to feast on the insects stirred up by their boots.
As you climb higher, keep your eyes peeled for the Kererū (New Zealand pigeon) swooping through the canopy. Once you hit the tussock above the bushline, you enter the realm of the Kea. These highly intelligent, cheeky alpine parrots are often heard before they are seen, letting out their distinctive "kee-aa" call as they circle the ridges. While they are a joy to watch, remember to keep your gear close—they are famous for "inspecting" (shredding) boots and backpacks! You may also spot a Weka scurrying through the scrub; these flightless birds are famously curious and may try to investigate your lunch at the hut.
The Mt Brown Track is technically open year-round, but your experience will change dramatically with the seasons.
The area around Lake Kaniere and Mt Brown holds significant meaning. For local Māori, the lake was a traditional source of food (mahinga kai) and part of the network of trails used for transporting pounamu (greenstone).
The track itself is a testament to the "pioneer spirit" of the West Coast. Unlike the manicured Great Walks, Mt Brown represents the traditional New Zealand tramping culture—rugged, minimalist, and deeply connected to the wilderness. The Mt Brown Hut was originally built in the 1960s for animal culling operations and was later rescued from ruin by the Permolat Group. Supporting this track is, in a way, supporting the preservation of NZ's backcountry heritage.
After 9 hours of vertical climbing and descending, you’ll likely be dreaming of a cold drink and a hot meal. Head back into Hokitika (about a 30-minute drive) to refuel.
The Mt Brown Track is a challenging, muddy, and steep undertaking, but standing on that ridgeline looking out over the West Coast, you’ll realise it’s worth every single bead of sweat.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Gallirallus australis
Flightless rail known for bold, inquisitive behaviour. Found mainly in the South Island and some offshore islands.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round