Fatal Fall Near Brewster Hut Prompts Safety Reminder

Media Release

Following the recent death of a woman in Mt Aspiring National Park, 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.

According to NZ Police, the woman and her companion were crossing exposed and difficult terrain beyond the hut when she fell several metres on Friday 21 February. This is the second fatality in area in the past five years.

“This tragedy is a reminder of the risks in alpine environments,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley. “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 and there are no marked tracks.

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.

Brewster Track and beyond the hut towards Brewster Glacier have become increasingly popular over the last few years with both domestic and international visitors. This has seen an increase in the number of search and rescue operations in the area. In the last five years until 31 December 2024, there have been 20 search and rescue operations involving 43 people, with one fatality in that period.

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 local Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) 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.

The MSC team extends our 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 LandSAR team for their swift response.

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 CREDIT | Bianca Bratton - Brewster Glacier