Mountain Safety Council urges Brewster Track hikers to improve readiness
A recent surge in the number of rescues taking place along one of the most popular tracks in Mount Aspiring National Park has spurred the Mountain Safety Council to initiate a fresh safety campaign. The council’s main aim is to help trekkers be better equipped and more knowledgeable for challenging terrains, especially considering the unfortunate deaths of two individuals throughout the last five years and the necessity for 26 rescues over the last two years.
Mike Daisley, the Chief Executive Officer, emphasized that the struggles people undergo while trying to navigate the route leading to Brewster Glacier, especially when tackling the hazardous Haast River crossing or advancing beyond Brewster Hut. With this in mind, an inter-agency task force was put together in April 2024, drawing members from the Mountain Safety Council, Department of Conservation (DOC), Land Search & Rescue New Zealand, MetService, and the police. Daisley highlighted that the primary goal was to find a sustainable solution that wouldn’t compromise public enjoyment of this natural environment but stress the importance of adequate preparation.
Centered on the challenging terrain and rapidly changing alpine conditions in this area, a new video was crafted to educate and inform. On the back of the video’s release, new warning signs were also placed by the DOC near the start of the track and the hut. These signs specifically warn trekkers about the dangers of unpredictable alpine weather, the perilous river crossing, and the rough terrain that lies ahead. Chief Executive Mike Daisley believes that there is often a discrepancy between the expectations and the reality of what the track offers, hence the campaign’s necessity.
Choosing a foundation of education over simply marking out a route clearly, stemmed partly from the volatile terrain, which can erode man-made constructs rapidly due to Mother Nature’s capriciousness. Charlie Sklenar, the DOC Central Otago operations manager, advised potential trekkers to rely on dependable sources like the council’s Plan My Walk tool instead of unofficial social media cues. She further mentioned that DOC isn’t responsible for managing the hazards beyond the track endpoint and Brewster Glacier, which demands both off-track hiking experience and sound judgment to navigate the rugged terrain.
In conclusion, the call to action for trekkers is clear: prepare adequately, depend on credible sources for planning, and refrain from underestimating the challenges posed by Mother Nature. The Mountain Safety Council’s safety campaign is a crucial step towards reducing accidents and ensuring that thrill-seekers can enjoy these adventurous trails with minimal risks.