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Description
Hawdon Valley in Arthur’s Pass National Park offers a classic and stunningly scenic backcountry experience with excellent birding in a rugged South Island setting. From the Hawdon Shelter campsite, the track leads into the valley with several river crossings following the river through beech forest and open flats toward Hawdon Hut. The mix of habitats and great pest-eradication efforts allow for a wide range of special species.
One of the key highlights is the chance to see Orange-fronted Parakeet, Hawdon being one of the last remaining strongholds of this critically endangered bird. They are more often spotted in the upper parts of the valley and in part around the DoC hut halfway of the track. But don't mix them up with the more common Yellow-crowned Parakeet. Kea and New Zealand Kaka are often heard and seen flying over the valley, Black-fronted Tern can be seen hunting in summer, and Whio Blue Duck could be seen anywhere along the river.
The forest parts are great to have South Island Robin nip at your shoe laces, to observe the tiny Rifleman, or to marvel at a flock of Mohua moving through.
Details
Access
About 20min from Arthur's Pass Village, leave SH 73 onto Mount White Rd and then continue to follow the signposts towards Hawdon Shelter Campground. The 9km track to Hawdon Hut contains a few river crossings, the biggest right at the start - do not attempt if flows are high or rain is forecast. It takes about 3-4h without birding, so plan for a few hours more.
An alternative to the two-day hike with a stay at Hawdon Hut is to explore only the lower half and stay at the campground, where Great Spotted Kiwi are also around at night. Another track from the campground leads up Woolshed Hill.
For overnight stays at the campground or in the hut, you need to make a booking with DoC. During winter this alpine area may be covered in snow, making access difficult.