Located in the mid-eastern Ruahine Forest Park, Sunrise Hut is situated on the tops of the Ruahine Range. This hut is the most popular in the park. Sited in a tussock basin beside the bush edge at 1,280 m, the hut offers magnificent views across the Hawke’s Bay.
The original hut was constructed in 1983 by NZFS. It was upgraded in 2005. This is a large hut that is a popular recreational destination for day trips or weekend visits. The hut is heated by a woodburner. It is a popular walk for many family groups. The track is well formed, with a significant elevation gain from the carpark to hut of approximately 600 m. It takes 2-3 hours to walk from the carpark to Sunrise hut. In winter, there may be snow around the hut.
Facilities
- Tank water supply
- Large benched sleep areas catering for 20 persons
- Bench top with sinks
- Wood burner
- Broom/Shovel
- Long drop style toilet
- Two tables with bench seats
There are no cooking facilities in the hut. Although you may be able to use the woodburner as a cooking source, it is advisable to take your own cookers.
Note: Respect the rights of others to use the facilities and ensure all rubbish and foodstuffs are removed on departure.
Fees
Sunday to Friday
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
- Child/youth (5-17 years): $12.50 per night
- Infant (0-4 years): free
Saturday
- Adult (18+ years): $30 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $15 per night
- Infant: (0-4 years): free
Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut. To pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass, create/update your account on our booking system. Under 'Apply for a discount', select 'Backcountry Hut Pass Holder' and upload a scan of your pass. Once we've verified your pass, it will automatically be applied when you make a booking.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Labour weekend to 30 April
Bookings are required. For more information, including what you can expect as a 'booked' and 'non-booked' hut user, see Booking Rangiwahia and Sunrise huts.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival.
Tracks to this hut
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Duration: 2-3 hr one way Difficulty: Easy
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BK36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1871197, N5590932
Weather forecast
| Booking office contact | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 7 867 9080 |
| kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| manawatu@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |