Hawdon valley

 Hawdon Hut 

 

Time: 3 hr

Follow the track on the true right of Hawdon River until just above the point where the East Hawdon Stream joins the main Hawdon River. If the rivers are low cross the main river here, then cross the East Hawdon Stream. Follow the open grassy flats on the true left to a line of cliffs. Recross the Hawdon and follow the river down the bush edge where a last crossing of the river is needed to reach the Hawdon Shelter at the road end. If the rivers are in flood you should stay put until they drop down to a safe level.

Note: Hawdon valley is home to the endangered orange-fronted parakeet / kākāriki. DOC staff use 4-wheel motorbikes to access the valley and do work to protect these birds. Coloured markers and tape in the valley mark access points for DOC staff. Do not follow these markers - only follow the standard orange track markers. 

This is the new hut and it's like a hotel in the wilderness with stunning views up the valley. Sleeps 20, wood stove and a woodshed, plenty of bench space and double glazed windows. Great hut for a weekend trip away from it all and Walker Pass 1-2 hrs further up makes a great day trip from here.

This is also a good place to stop if you're going through to the Edwards via Tarn or Amber Col or wanting to get up onto the Polar Range.

East Hawdon biv

A smart new hut on East Hawdon Stream. It was built 2007, replacing the original biv.

 The biv is located at the back of a river terrace on the true right bank of East Hawdon Stream just below the fork at Mount Valiant. Access is 2-2.5 hours from the Hawdon Valley.