Mt Brown Hut

Mt Brown Route starts next to Geologist Creek, at the southern end of Lake Kaniere. From Hokitika, follow Lake Kaniere Road all the way to Lake Kaniere. Once at the settlement on the eastern side of the lake, follow Dorothy Falls Road (unsealed) along the eastern lake edge to Geologist Creek. The route start is not signposted (at the time of writing), though there is an obvious parking area immediately south of the bridge across Geologist Creek.

Note that Mt Brown Route is not maintained by DOC, but it receives some maintenance from Permolat Trust.

The route begins at a gentle gradient, climbing across an alluvial fan through lush native forest at the base of the range. The route crosses an unnamed creek (the last reliable water source until the hut), then follows a narrow spur on the true left side for a while. After 1.5 km, the gradient steepens, as the track heads more-or-less straight up the side of the range, climbing steeply through native forest featuring southern rata and kamahi. Tree trunks and roots provide useful hand and foot holds, as the route gains about 450 m of elevation over little more than a kilometre. As you gain elevation, the forest transitions to subalpine scrub dominated by mountain cedar and dracophyllum. Through here there are several sections that can be quite boggy after rain. You will reach the tree line after 3.6 km, at 1050 m elevation. This is the first real opportunity for views. The route, now marked by poles, continues upwards through tussock to the hut.

Mt Brown Hut is a four bunk basic hut. It enjoys great views of the Southern Alps and the Kokatahi Plain. Lake Kaniere can be seen just over the brow of the ridge. Note that the hut is becoming an increasingly popular destination, and the number of overnight guests often exceeds the hut’s limited four-bunk capacity. Prepare for this situation by bringing a tent (suitable for alpine conditions).

The structure that constitutes Mt Brown Hut actually spent its first 48 years in the Lower Arahura Valley, approx. 8.5 km to the east. Then named Lower Arahura Hut, the hut was in a poor state and was due to be replaced with a modern hut in 2010. Instead of being completely discarded, the old structure was shifted to its present location to become Mt Brown Hut. It was then properly restored through the volunteer effort of the Mt Brown Community Project Team and is now managed by the Kokatahi Tramping Club.

The summit of Mt Brown (spot height 1270 m on the topo map) is 1.4 km beyond the hut. There is no official track, though a well-worn path along the sharp ridge leads the way there (though this will be hidden when there is snow on the ground). This route climbs up and over several steep-sided knobs, and the knee-high tussock often hides the underlying ground surface, so be careful with your foot placement. Once at the summit, head back the same way to return to the hut.

The topo map shows an alternative route between Mt Brown Hut and Styx River Valley, though this reportedly is in a poor state and likely impassable due to slips.

Mt Brown is an alpine environment, so proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe trip. The track reaches a high elevation and is exposed above the tree line. You must always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extreme care if snow and ice are present. Do not rely on the Hokitika weather forecast as the alpine conditions towards the Main Divide are likely to be drastically different.

See the Mountain Safety Council website for useful information on preparing for the outdoors.