Reaching Brewster Glacier involves a steep and challenging climb with a total vertical gain of 1,200m. The Haast River must be forded within a couple of minutes of starting the walk, so if it's in flood, this trip won't be possible.
The track over the first 3 hours to Brewster Hut (12 bunks - bookings essential between October and April) is well-marked. Beyond the hut, route finding skills are required; the remaining 2 hours is spent weaving among steep bluffs and scree. Being in the alpine zone, this section of the track can get snow and ice at any time of the year, but in winter this place becomes true mountaineering territory.
After waiting patiently for a good weather window to arrive, George (my 16-year old son) and I set off to see this very special place for ourselves. I hope you enjoy this record of our little adventure.
Trip undertaken 21-23 April 2023 (heading into late autumn). Footage captured on a Nikon Z7II with a handful of shots from a GoPro Hero 8. Edited in DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.
Chapters:
0:00 Location and Route Map
0:56 The adventure begins
2:24 Brewster Hut
2:59 Arrival at the glacier
4:24 Day 2 begins crisply
5:09 Up-close with the ice
5:57 Scramble to the Main Divide
6:38 Swim time!
7:05 Another perfect afternoon
7:43 Day 3 sunrise and departure
#adventure #hiking #camping #NewZealand