Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mt Brown Hut
Submitted by Steve Hanmer
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 37
Gnarl Factor: 91
8.6km
980m
980m
1109m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Steve Hanmer
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 37
Gnarl Factor: 91
8.6km
980m
980m
1109m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bush
Riverside
Lakeside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +20.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -20.9%
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4:00
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:45
Fast
Start from Geologist Creek, the track is well marked and fairly gentle for about the first 2 kms, after this point it gets a lot steeper and the trail gets much mor technical. You'll be on all fours for parts of this.
Eventually the bush thins and the gradient mellows out after about 3km. From here, keep pushing up and eventually you'll pop out of the bush into a basin which is clearly poled to the Mt Brown Hut.
Stop and enjoy they stunning location of this hut, and make a mental note to plan an overnight trip up here next time you're in the area, as it would be such a magical place to stay. After you've fed and watered yourself, and soaked in all the views you can, head straight back down the way you came. It's mostly 'runnable' , with the odd section where extra care must be taken to get down safely.
The Hut is just in an incredible spot
Small parking area near the DOC sign
32 km
35 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The start isn't entirely obvious. On entering Geologist Creek there's was a cairn/marker a few metres up on the right indicating where to go. If you have the GPX file it should be straight forward
Very patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.
Water at hut (has the standard boil notice)
Heavy rain will make it very muddy and slippery in places.
Could get snow any time really, so check the forecast before heading out, and take the right gear
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Make sure you tag the hut before returning!
You and Mt Brown Hut
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This is an awesome grunty hike but how you can claim it is mostly runnable is beyond me (unless you call using all 4 limbs running)! Suggest you don't head up the valley if the tops are clagged in as it really is stunning views from the top that would be a shame to miss.
January 4, 2023
Gnarly wee climb, with lots of obstacles to navigate! But totally worth it for the stunning views from the top and the beautiful wee hut. I highly recommend also doing the ridge run to Mt Brown Summit, adds about 45 minutes onto your journey, but definitely worth it for the panoramic views.
December 13, 2021
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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