Area & getting there
Andrews Shelter Campsite
DOC's published campsite reference point, not a surveyed entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -42.99408, 171.79292 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- Published DOC reference coordinates; not a claim of survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- Andrews Shelter Campsite: published Location coordinates (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- The current DOC listing says free camping, first come, first served.
- Access follows 5 km of gravel along Mount White Road.
- Stream water and non-flush toilets are listed; bring drinking water.
- Winter snow can impede access; DOC warns of summer wasp numbers.
- Location
- Mount White Road, Arthur's Pass National Park
- Camping
- 20 non-powered sites; tents, campervans and caravans
- Booking and fee
- No booking; free, first come, first served
- Access
- 5 km along Mount White Road from SH73; gravel
- Facilities
- Cooking shelter, non-flush toilets and stream water
- Seasonal issues
- Winter snow; high wasp numbers January-March
- Restrictions
- No dogs or fires
Andrews Shelter is a basic camping option rather than a serviced stop or a reserved bed. It can suit a flexible itinerary around Arthur's Pass National Park, provided your group can manage an unreserved arrival and a simple water-and-cooking setup.
Understand the free-camping arrangement
The current DOC page lists free camping with no reservations, on a first-come basis. There are 20 non-powered sites. Do not use an older brochure's price or the name "shelter" to infer a bookable room.
Decide on a latest arrival time and another legal overnight option before setting off. That makes a full campground a manageable change of plan rather than pressure to camp somewhere unauthorised. Use our campsite selection guide to compare flexibility with guaranteed reservations elsewhere.
Allow for the gravel approach
The campsite is 5 km along Mount White Road from SH73. DOC lists car, campervan and caravan access, while warning that winter snow can make access difficult.
The vehicle category is not a promise about today's surface or your rental agreement. Confirm both before leaving the highway, and keep enough time to turn the trip into a different overnight plan if the approach is unsuitable. A short distance should not become a reason to dismiss a seasonal warning.
Bring a complete camp routine
A cooking shelter, non-flush toilets and stream water are listed. Arrive with drinking water or a suitable treatment plan. Pack cooking equipment, bedding and lighting rather than depending on the shelter to supply them.
Separate the water reserved for drinking from any containers used for washing. Think through the first meal and the following morning's breakfast together: running out of ready-to-use water is inconvenient before a planned early departure.
Prepare for the season and onward trip
DOC highlights high wasp numbers between January and March; dogs and fires are prohibited. Take that seasonal notice into account when deciding whether this setting suits your group.
The site is associated with trips towards Casey Hut, but an overnight camping decision is not a tramping plan. Check the chosen route, conditions and equipment separately. Revisit the official Andrews Shelter page before travel.
Source: Department of Conservation; factual information paraphrased under DOC's reuse terms.
Common questions
Can I reserve Andrews Shelter Campsite?
DOC lists no booking requirement and first-come camping. There is no reserved space to rely on, so retain another authorised overnight option.
Is there treated drinking water?
The checked list identifies stream water, not treated taps. Bring drinking water or plan suitable treatment before travelling.
