Hawdon Shelter Campground

Good spot for a picnic. Crank up a fire in the hut and you're away laughing. Hut is small so can get crowded if you're not the first there... but a really nice we spot.

We loved it, great campsite, clean toilets and an awesome shelter where you can have a fire. The walk to the hut is stunning, we didn't go all the way but loved every second that we did do. Three easy river crossings and incredible scenery and will definitely be on our list to do next time we are out that way.

I was worried about driving my motorhome over the gravel road but it was fine. Wonderful location surrounded by mountain beech trees. I was woken in the night by great spotted kiwi calling. What a treat! Basic facilities but who cares in a location like this.

Another fantastic spot, then up to the hut.

Great fire, no wood there but plenty of wood near by. Can get busy

Beautiful location. Far enough off the main road that the sound of freight trucks climbing the pass isn’t distracting. The sandflies were absolutely unbearable when we were there in March. Orientation was confusing because when we reserved online there was a site number, but no site number markings existed at the campground. The back portion of the campground was inaccessible due to potholes in the road. Like all NZ campgrounds we stayed at, the camp sites would benefit from more space and privacy between them and a picnic table and fire pit for each camp site.

It was just a wonderful campsite. We did a small fire in the hut, it was so nice

Really great secluded camping spot! Most of the other campgrounds along Arthur's Pass are right next to the highway and very active railroad tracks but this one is a 10 - 15 minute drive down a gravel road so it's much quieter. The road is fairly wide, not too steep and in decent condition so should be accessible for most vehicles.The camping area is HUGE, so no chance of it being full, even at peak times. It's a pretty standard DOC setup with two long drop toilets, a small shelter with a fireplace and a rainwater sink. Not to mention the stunning alpine views! The walk along the river to Hawdon Hut is really beautiful too, definitely worth doing.

Good spot for camping. Quiet and you get beautiful sunsets.

A vast expanse that can accommodate somewhat more campers than the DOC website would have you believe. A shelter and toilet at one end for sheltering and toileting. Plenty of sandflies. Walk in the forest, go fishing whatever, just don't forget the Aerogard if you plan to stay still for more than a few seconds at a time.