2025 Hunter Valley Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

｜Itinerary｜ Brewster Hut is one of the few hiking routes in New Zealand that allows you to hike close to the glacier. Although the entire route is only about 5 kilometers, it requires climbing 1,000 meters, which is quite difficult. The first section of the hike requires wading through a river, then going through dense forests and straight up the mountain ridge, which requires both physical strength and concentration. About two-thirds of the way, you will see the red mountain house Brewster Hut, which has a wide view overlooking the valley and river. If the weather is stable, you can continue to challenge the unofficial route to the glacier from behind the mountain hut. ｜Transportation｜ It is recommended to drive there by yourself. The trailhead is located at the Fantail Falls parking lot near Haast Pass. It is recommended to check the weather and water level in advance to avoid rivers that are difficult to wade in due to fast currents after rain. ｜Recommendations｜ For me, this journey is not only a physical challenge, but also a baptism of the mind. Unstable weather and personal limits made us choose to turn back in front of the glacier. There was struggle and regret at that moment, but it was compensated by the fact that the clouds dispersed and the glacier briefly appeared on the way back. It is not a spectacular sight that will make people cheer, but a beauty that is quiet, solemn, and distant. I understand that sometimes you don’t need to reach the end to see the scenery that you truly desire in your heart. #AprilGoodDestinations2025

Spending a night at Brewster Hut was an unforgettable experience. The hike to the hut is one of the most challenging on the South Island, with a steep and demanding climb, but the stunning views along the way and from the top make it all worth it. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking once you reach the hut, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. If you have the time and energy, I highly recommend continuing further up to the glacier. It took us about 4 hours to reach the hut, though we took a wrong turn along the way, which added extra time to our journey. After reaching the hut, we spent another 2 hours hiking toward the glacier, and it was totally worth the effort. The glacier view was simply stunning. You can actually walk on the glacier and take pictures up close, which gives you a whole new perspective on the ice formations and the scale of the landscape. The deep blue hues of the ice and the surrounding peaks were nothing short of mesmerizing. That evening, we spent the night at the hut, sleeping on the kitchen floor with about 10 other strangers. It was a fun and unique experience, especially with no lights on the mountain, which added a peaceful and remote feeling to the night. Despite the basic accommodations, the shared camaraderie and the incredible surroundings made it all feel worth it. Early the next morning, as we stepped out of the hut, we were incredibly lucky to witness the Aurora! It was an unexpected and unforgettable experience, one of those magical moments you never see coming. The stunning display of light in the early morning sky was the perfect way to start the day, making our adventure even more special. This hike is definitely for those with a good level of fitness, as it’s tough at times, but the sense of accomplishment when you reach the top and the incredible views make every step worthwhile.✨️🏞 #travel #hiking #naturalwonders

Worth the hike to the glacier! Amazing 🤩