A new safety video aims to help hikers and trampers better prepare for the Brewster Track after a surge in rescues and fatalities on the popular but challenging track.

The video was produced by NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) in collaboration with the Department of Conservation (DOC), Land Search & Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR), Metservice, and NZ Police.

Watch it here.

Two people have died in the area in the past five years, and in the last two years alone, 26 people were rescued - a nearly 600 percent increase compared to previous years. 

Most incidents occurred either at the unbridged Haast River or beyond Brewster Hut toward Brewster Glacier where there is no track.

Read more: Unprecedented Brewster rescues – social media misconceptions endangering lives

“The Brewster Track area has a number of challenges for trampers,” MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said. 

“It’s clear from search and rescue data that people are doing this trip without the necessary skills and experience. 

“We strongly advise anyone wanting to visit this area to watch the new official Brewster Track safety video before considering this trip.”

The video takes trampers on a journey of the track from the Fantail Falls carpark, 20 minutes north of Makarora, to Brewster Hut. It highlights key safety hazards including the river crossing, steep and rugged track conditions, and rapidly changing alpine weather, as well as essential planning and gear.

With the lure of a glacier experience, many people continue beyond the hut, and the video emphasises the hazards in this area, including no marked route, exposed and difficult terrain, and often icy conditions, even in summer.

“Beyond the hut is an unforgiving environment, and many people have needed to be rescued. Sadly, some have lost their lives,” Mike said.

“For most people, the best option is to enjoy the views from the hut and not venture any further unless they go with a qualified guide.”

The video is an outcome of the Brewster interagency taskforce, set up in April 2024 to address the rise in incidents. As part of this work, DOC installed new signage at the start of the track and hut last summer, warning trampers of the hazards.

PHOTO: Supplied