Stunningly beautiful yet treacherous — the popular Brewster Glacier near Haast is exploding in popularity. However, backcountry experts are warning trampers not to underestimate the dangers.
The warning comes after a nearly 600% increase in rescue missions of stranded or injured trampers.
She said there were two problem areas: people crossing the fast-flowing Haast River at the start of the track, and the area above the hut, which has no marked route.
"When it hasn’t been raining and the river’s in low flow, it’s all good and nice and easy to cross, but what usually happens is that it rains overnight and the river’s in a full flood ... there are more than a few rescues there."
Above the hut, a degree of experience was needed to navigate the way.
"People underestimate the effort, the time and the skills required to be able to navigate themselves — it’s an alpine environment."
Ms Calhaem said loose rock, fog and low cloud made it hard to see up the glacier, and a compass was needed to navigate.
The area was beautiful, and she understood why people wanted to go there. However, they needed to be prepared for the challenges and also be prepared to change their plans depending on the conditions.
It did not help that the glacier had become a hotbed of tourism due to social media posts pitching the tramp as "a nice walk", and a chance to "sleep by a glacier".
Wānaka LandSAR volunteers often found themselves conducting the rescues in terrible weather, and every trip involved packing a 24-hour kit in case they needed to stay overnight.
"Remember that these guys and girls are volunteers — there’s been cases where the person has been rescued and brought down to the hut, and everyone’s had to stay there overnight due to the weather."
The result was a safety video that covered river crossings, the hazards, what essential planning and gear was needed and safety advice.
MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said in the past five years, two people had died in the area.
"It’s clear from search and rescue data that people are doing this trip without the necessary skills and experience."
He said people needed to be realistic about their abilities, and most people should not attempt the glacier walk without an experienced guide.
