East Hawdon Bivvy

East Hawdon Bivvy is a basic, free, two-bunk shelter tucked into beech forest on a small terrace near the head of East Hawdon Stream. It is a remote overnight destination, not a hut reached by following a marked track: the route needs independent planning and navigation. Set aside roughly 11 km and four to five hours each way from Hawdon Shelter, with river crossings and route-finding affecting the pace. This suits experienced backcountry trampers, not a quick detour.

There is no booking system, and the two bunks are first come, first served. Check the intentions book at Hawdon Shelter before leaving, and be prepared for the bivvy to be occupied.

The usual approach starts at Hawdon Shelter Campsite. It crosses the braided Hawdon River, follows the valley toward East Hawdon Stream, then continues through repeated stream crossings, streambed and narrow gorge sections, beech forest and a broad shingle flat. A short sidetrack leads into the trees near the stream confluence. Some of the way uses an established valley route, but there is no DOC track to the bivvy itself.

River levels can rise quickly, so avoid this route during or just after heavy rain. Dogs are prohibited on the Hawdon Hut Track section of the approach.

The current bivvy was built in 2007, replacing an older shelter on the same site. The setting is a small forest terrace beside the upper stream, rather than an open viewpoint. A pit toilet is reported at the site; no potable water supply is listed, although a stream runs nearby, so treat natural water before drinking.