Brewster Glacier Trek

The Brewster Glacier Trek is an expedition to explore the accessible Brewster Glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park. The journey through the elevation zones shows the diversity of the region including glaciers, sub-alpine scrub, and beech forest. Suitable for all levels of previous experience, it is possible to camp at glacial lakes, exploring the glacier including its ice formations, caves and crevasses, and even try some ice climbing. We offer an overnight option or a longer trip during which it is possible to spend more time exploring the area, ascending peaks, or learning mountaineering skills.

Brewster Glacier Trek Itinerary

It is an hour and a half drive from Wānaka to Haast Pass, along the shores of Lake Hāwea and Wānaka to the start of the trek. After crossing the Haast River, the track climbs up very steeply through the beech forest before the route opens up onto the scrub and tussock alpine tops for the last hour to Brewster Hut.

It is possible to stay at Brewster Hut or continue to camp beside the terminal lakes of the glacier itself.

The next day is spent gearing up for the glacier, learning to use crampons and ice axes to explore crevasses, and moulins (water holes in the glacier), and maybe trying some ice climbing.

On longer trips, it is possible to continue up the glacier and ascend one of the surrounding peaks for views of the Southern Alps from Tititiea/Mount Aspiring to Aoraki/Mount Cook. It is also a great venue to learn or refresh further mountaineering skills in preparation for future adventures.

On the last day, it is possible to ascent Mount Armstrong, before descending back to the highway and returning to Wānaka.

Trip Difficulty and Fitness Requirements

Wānaka Mountain Guides - Brewster Glacier Trek

It is a steep, 1000m climb, to Brewster Hut, and good fitness is required.

No previous crampon or ice axe experience is required. Some previous and recent off-track trekking experience is useful.

Pricing and Details

Duration: 2 – 3 days

Get in touch to arrange private dates from November to April

2025/26 Price

2-day overnight expedition: $2500 / $1390 / $1100 / $850 per person for 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 people.

3-day expeditions: $3750 / $2070 / $1650 / $1250 per person for 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 people.

Price includes applicable taxes, NZMGA certified guide, mountain food and accommodation, transport from Wānaka, and technical equipment.

Maximum ratio: 1:3

Brewster Hut is popular during the summer so space is only available when booked well in advance. Otherwise, it is possible to camp outside the hut, or from a more remote wilderness experience, on sites closer to the glacier.

Up close to the main divide, the Brewster Glacier can be exposed to harsh mountain weather. The Haast river is un-bridged and during heavy rain, it may not be possible to cross. We recommend booking at least 3 days to give you the best opportunity to get some good weather for the trip. The itinerary above is flexible to make the most of the weather available.

‘We had such a good time! [The staff in the office] were very helpful in planning the best trip for us, always available for any questions we had. Our guide was the most passionate and fun guide we ever met, spending 3 days in the mountains with him was a treat. We look forward using the learned mountaineering skills in the future!’

— Eva, Brewster Glacier Skills Course

‘Thank you again. That was an awesome day out and I really appreciated how generous [our guide] was with his time and knowledge. He crammed in more than I thought possible in a day.’

— Megan, Remarkables Alpine Rock Climbing Course

‘It was 4 days I’ll never forget! The experiences I had I only want to grow on. I set out to accomplish a task, but I got so much more! You showed me a whole new world with your sport and I can’t thank you enough! I’ve found a new love for this sport and it’s thanks to him! Absolutely exceeded my expectations!!! Thanks Wānaka Mountain Guides!

— Landen, Mitre Peak Ascent

Brewster Glacier Trek