Mt Brown Track

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.

Highlights & Must-See Features

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.

Getting There

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.

Wildlife Spotting

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.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Mt Brown Track is technically open year-round, but your experience will change dramatically with the seasons.

• Summer & Autumn: These are the most popular times to visit. The days are longer, and the track is (slightly) drier. However, even in mid-summer, the West Coast can deliver rain at any moment.
• Winter & Spring: This track becomes a different beast in the snow. The upper tussock slopes and the ridgeline can be buried in snow and ice. If you plan to head up in winter, crampons and an ice axe (and the knowledge of how to use them) are essential. The "scrambly" sections in the bush also become incredibly slick and dangerous when frozen.

• Start Early: With a 9-hour return time, you want to be on the trail by 8:00 AM at the latest to ensure you aren't descending the technical bush sections in the dark.
• Check the Weather: The West Coast is exposed to fierce nor'west winds and sudden storms. Do not attempt the upper ridgeline if the cloud ceiling is low or if high winds are forecast.
• Water: There is very little reliable water on the track once you leave the creek at the bottom. Carry at least 2-3 litres per person.
• Safety Gear: Cellphone coverage is patchy at best and non-existent at worst. Always carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and tell someone your intentions.
• Gear: Wear sturdy boots with excellent grip. Leave the sneakers at home—you’ll need the ankle support and traction for the root-climbing sections.

Local & Regional Context

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 the Walk

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.

• Fat Pipi Pizza: A local legend. Their whitebait pizza is world-famous, but any of their hearty toppings will taste like heaven after a day on the mountain.
• Stumpers Bar & Cafe: The perfect spot for a "post-tramp" burger and a pint of local Monteith’s beer. They have plenty of outdoor seating where you can rest your weary legs.
• Hokitika Sandwich Company: If you get back before they close, their massive, gourmet sandwiches are the ultimate fuel for recovery.

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.