Brewster Glacier Trek

The Brewster Glacier Trek is an expedition exploring 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 camping at glacial lakes and exploring the ice formations and rock sculpting of the glacier terminal face.

Brewster Glacier Trek Itinerary

It is an hour and a half drive to Haast Pass, along the shores of Lake Hawea and Wānaka to the start of the trek. After crossing the Haast River, the track climbs up 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 exploring 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 the last day it is possible to ascend Mount Armstrong for views of the Southern Alps from Tititiea / Mount Aspiring to Aroaki / Mount Cook and the Brewster Glacier before descending back to the highway and returning to Wānaka.

Trip Difficulty and Fitness Requirements

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: 4 days

Get in touch to arrange private dates from December to March

2023/24 Price

$1690 / $2390 / $4350 per person for 3 / 2 / 1 people.

Price includes GST, guide fees, mountain food and accommodation, transport from Wānaka, and technical equipment.

Maximum ratio: 1:3

‘A very professional guide and great company. He took time to explain to us what walks were possible/practical each day depending on the weather and the impact it would have on the surrounding rivers. If you are city dwellers it is very comforting to know that your guide is thinking of the safety of the group. [He] certainly kept us well fed as well. We are looking forward to future trips in the beautiful mountains around Wānaka which is a refreshing change and takes us out of our comfort zone for a few days at least.’

— Michael, Siberia Hut Trip

‘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