The NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is urging trampers to assess their skills before attempting unmarked routes beyond Brewster Hut at the end of Brewster Track.

The prompt follows the recent death of a woman in Mt Aspiring National Park.

The woman and her companion were crossing exposed and difficult terrain beyond the hut when she fell several metres last Friday (February 21).

It is the second fatality in the area in the past five years, MSC said.

“This tragedy is a reminder of the risks in alpine environments,” MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said. 

“To prevent further tragedies, we strongly advise people to carefully assess their ability, fitness and gear, and check the weather conditions before undertaking Brewster Track, especially if considering going beyond Brewster Hut.”

The area between Brewster Hut and the Brewster Glacier is a remote, alpine environment which has become increasingly popular over the last few years with domestic and international visitors.

In the past five years until December 31, 2024, there have been 20 search and rescue operations involving 43 people in the area.

MSC advises that this area is only suitable for trampers with off-track experience in high-consequence terrain that includes steep drop-offs and rocky bluffs; navigation skills and a high level of fitness are also essential; trampers need to be well-equipped for the conditions; and MSC recommends carrying a personal locator beacon.

“As an alpine environment, the weather is highly changeable and prone to low cloud, rain and freezing temperatures,” Mike said.

“These conditions increase the hazards considerably, making the rock slabs and steep terrain slippery, as well as hindering navigation.”

In response to the spike in incidents, a Brewster interagency taskforce was set up in April 2024. 

The prevention collaboration includes MSC and the Department of Conservation (DOC) working alongside NZ Police and the Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) team.

A number of initiatives have so far been implemented, including new DOC signage for Brewster Track and at the hut. Further work is underway.

Mike said the MSC team extends its heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and friends, and all those affected by this fatality. 

“We acknowledge the efforts of the Otago Rescue Helicopter crew and Wānaka SAR team for their swift response,” he said.

Key safety points to note:

• There are no marked tracks beyond Brewster Hut towards Brewster Glacier or Mt Armstrong. The tracks that are marked above the bushline in the Brewster area are indicated by a pole topped with an orange plastic marker.
• Only those with off-track experience in high-consequence terrain should go beyond Brewster Hut. Navigation skills and a high level of fitness are essential.
• Conditions in the area are highly changeable year-round and can include rain and freezing temperatures, snow, ice and avalanches, especially in winter. Trampers need to be well-equipped for these conditions and should carry a personal locator beacon.
• Brewster Track to Brewster Hut and back to the carpark requires crossing the Haast River. While the river is generally shallow, it can rise quickly following rain. The crossing should not be attempted if trampers are unsure that the river is safe or if rain is expected during their trip, as this could make the crossing unsafe on their return.

PHOTO: Bianca Bratton