Overnight Hike to East Hawdon Biv | Arthur's Pass National Park

Hiking into the Wild: East Hawdon Biv via Hawdon Valley

Arthur’s Pass National Park, located in Canterbury, is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes. This hiking journey takes an off-track route deep into the Hawdon Valley to reach East Hawdon Biv, a two‑bunk hut maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC), built in 2007 and perched at around 1,050 m elevation.

This off-track route is not marked on topo maps, and for good reason, route finding and navigation skills are essential.    The elevation gain is about 500 metres from Hawdon Valley to the biv. While it is not a strenuous hike, it is considered and advanced track due to the lack of track markers.

Starting from the Hawdon Campsite Shelter on Mt White Road, begin by crossing the braided Hawdon River. The river is a broad channel that is often shallow, but caution is necessary as river levels can vary. It is crucial to attempt this crossing only when river flows are low; do not proceed if heavy rain is forecasted or if it has been raining in the area.  If you encounter difficulties crossing the Hawdon River at the shelter, reaching East Hawdon Biv will be impossible.

After successfully crossing the Hawdon River, pick up the marked track through the fence and follow it up the valley. You will cross Sudden Valley Stream and enter beech forest before coming out into the open again to cross the Hawdon River back to the true left. Continue up the Hawdon Valley on a 4WD track, which speeds up your progress toward the East Hawdon confluence. This leg takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from the shelter to East Hawdon Stream.

Cross to the true right of East Hawdon Stream, where the valley narrows. Travel in the stream bed, where you will encounter multiple crossings that are usually manageable if conditions are right. Keep a sharp eye out for rock cairns in the stream that indicate potential crossing points, there are about five of these in the lower gorge sections. You may also spot orange flagging tape and more rock cairns guiding the way through bush sections along the true right of the stream. About halfway up the valley, it opens to a wide shingle section. At the top end of this section, the valley narrows again, and it is approximately 3 km to East Hawdon Biv.   After navigating more bush sections, take the true right fork in the stream, which follows a dry stream bed. A short side track leads into the bush about 100 meters from the confluence, where your destination lies, hidden under the forest canopy. This section typically takes about 3 to 4 hours from Hawdon Valley to reach East Hawdon Biv.

Upon arriving at the clear, beech forest opening, you will find the simple charm of the biv. It accommodates two people and is outfitted with an outdoor fire pit, a long drop toilet, and even a small veranda, making it perfect for a serene night amid the beech forest.

East Hawdon Biv

• Water is available from the stream

• Long drop toilet

• Two mattresses

• Camping is nearby

• Cooking bench

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Tips for Future Hikers

• Navigation & Preparation: Since there are no marked DOC tracks (beyond the Hawdon Valley Track), it's essential to have a GPS, maps (specifically NZTopo50 BV21), and a compass.

• River Safety: Always be cautious when crossing rivers. Never attempt to cross if the channels are deep or fast. Treat every crossing as a separate hazard.

• Insect Precautions: Bring insect repellent because sandflies are prevalent in the beech forests. Water treatment is recommended, even though water is from the stream; if you're unsure, boiling the water is a safe option.

• Responsible Freedom: The biv is free and does not require a booking, but it is fragile. Follow Leave No Trace principles: camp on durable surfaces, pack out all rubbish, and respect the natural environment.

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Why This Route?

• Wild Off-Track Adventure: This route offers a true backcountry experience, there are no bridges or maintained trails beyond the Hawdon Valley Track. It's just you, the valley, and your navigation skills.

• Birdlife Opportunities: The Department of Conservation (DOC) has plans in place for the valley that support species such as kaka and kiwi.

• Pioneering Spirit: Remote huts like this one serve as gateways to longer trips through the Walker or Savannah Ranges.

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