The long steep climb to Brewster Hut leads to an alpine environment. Photo: Paul Stephen.
The walk to Brewster hasn’t changed, but social media, accessibility and the growing appetite for iconic alpine destinations have changed the number and experience level of people attempting it.
What was once a lesser-known alpine route is now widely shared online. The images are compelling but rarely capture the effort, exposure or judgement required to get there.
Over the last three years, 32 people have required rescue and in the past five years two people have lost their lives.
Land Search & Rescue volunteer, Gerard Watt, understands why so many get in trouble there. Here’s his guide to tackling the walk safely.
Missed Friday’s feature? Seven Australian & New Zealand cottage tramping brands to know, is tramping losing a bit of its soul as boots become a thing of the past, Russell on the cusp of becoming first mainland town to achieve pest-free status and more in last week’s The World Outdoors.
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This month in tramping history
UK couple embarks on a clockwise kayak around the North Island
November 2016
Fiona Weatherall and James Corfe, who had already completed a full circumnavigation of the South Island in the spring of 2016, launched their kayaks from Mission Bay in Auckland. The British duo then paddled clockwise around the North Island. They experienced the highs and lows of long expedition paddling: secluded beaches, warm hospitality and horrifying surf landings. Gale-force winds destroyed their tent. Rounding Cape Rēinga took 23 hours, a gruelling 130km stretch. The pair finished their unsupported paddle in March 2017 – an admirable feat which few have achieved.
Current Issue - Nov 2026
Discover this stunning 47km stretch of TA, 10 films to avoid before your next trip, a rugged, three-day tramp into the remote Tara Tama Range, the nightmare of being lost, the pros and cons of a smartwatch and dozens more stories in our latest issue.
Photo of the week 📸
This week’s photo of the week comes from Peter Laurenson who snapped this pic while on his journey to summit Te Atuaoparapara. This photo was featured as one of the Wild Trips in this month’s issue.
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