Trekking Adventure to Brewster Glacier

2 days 1 night
New Zealand
Photo Tim S.
Tim S.
Tour Provider
View Tim’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Basic
Group size
1-3 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Have you ever imagined stepping onto a glacier, where ice sculptures glint in the alpine sun and the silence is broken only by your own footsteps? The Brewster Glacier Tour offers a rare chance to explore the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, traversing diverse landscapes from dense beech forests to sharp alpine tops, and finally onto the shimmering blue of the glacier itself.

This multi-day adventure begins with a scenic drive along Lake Hāwea to Haast Pass, before a steep climb brings you to Brewster Hut or the glacial lakes for a night under the stars. Days are spent learning to navigate the ice, exploring crevasses and moulins, and testing your skills with crampons, ice axes, and optional ice climbing. On longer trips, you can ascend surrounding peaks, capturing panoramic views from Mount Aspiring to Aoraki/Mount Cook, or learn techniques in preparation for future alpine adventures.

The trek is flexible, offering both overnight and extended options, with opportunities to camp beside the glacier or stay in the hut. Perfect for those with moderate fitness and some trekking experience, it requires no prior glacier skills. Join this journey to immerse yourself in untouched wilderness, challenge your limits, and witness New Zealand’s Southern Alps from a truly unique perspective!

Price: 2-day overnight expedition: $2490 / $1390 / $1050 / $850 per person for 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 people.
3-day expeditions: $3690 / $2050 / $1490 / $1250 per person for 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 people.

from
$502
per tourist for 2 days
This tour is booked individually on request
Any dates between 1 Nov, 2026 and 30 Apr, 2027 are available. Сlick to book or contact tour provider.
Number of individuals
1-3 tourists, over 18 y.o.
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
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Photo Tim S.
Tim S. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Tim is based in Wānaka with his young family. He has been climbing, skiing, and guiding throughout the Southern Alps since arriving in New Zealand from the UK in 2008. He has climbed and skied around the world and in other roles, he mentors, trains, and assesses prospective ski patrollers and mountain guides and is a member of the local Alpine Cliff Rescue team. When not out in the hills guiding or instructing, he will be usually found introducing his young family to the outdoors, away on his own adventures, or out at the local rock climbing crags.

Tour highlights

brewster mount
Summit Vistas
Ascend nearby peaks for sweeping views from Mount Aspiring to Aoraki/Mount Cook
brewster mount
Glacier Playground
Explore ice caves and crevasses on the Brewster Glacier, learning real alpine skills
brewster glacier lake
Hands-On Mountaineering
Gain experience with crampons, ice axes, and glacier navigation in a safe environment

Route details

Day 1
Ascent to Brewster Glacier

The day begins with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Wānaka along Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka to Haast Pass, where the trek starts. After crossing the Haast River, the trail climbs steeply through beech forest before opening onto scrub and tussock-covered alpine tops.

The final stretch leads to Brewster Hut, where you can spend the night, or continue a short distance to camp beside the glacier’s terminal lakes.

glacier hike
brewster mount 3 more photos
Day 2
Glacier Skills and Exploration
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

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.

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
1 night
1 night
Mountain huts

Tents and cooking equipment are provided and sleeping bags and mattresses are available for hire. It is possible to stay Brewster Hut or continue to camp beside the terminal lakes of the glacier itself.

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

Conditions

Included
  • applicable taxes;
  • NZMGA certified guide;
  • mountain food and accommodation;
  • transport from Wānaka;
  • technical equipment.
Extras
  • other personal expenses.

It's important to know

Where do we meet?

Trips start in Wānaka.

Insurance
Tour Details
Fitness and Difficulty
Cancellation of booking

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Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Nov, 2026 – 30 Apr, 2027
    Request to book

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