Sunrise Hut

About this hut

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.

Facilities

Heating, Mattresses, Toilets - non-flush, Water from tap - not treated, boil before use, Water supply

Fees and bookings

Fees

1 May - 30 September

• Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 October - 30 April

Weekdays:

• Adult (18+ years): $28 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $14 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $16 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 December - 29 February

Weekdays:

• Adult (18+ years): $29 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $17.50 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $34 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $17 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut. 

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.

• If no availability shows online for your dates, the hut is fully booked.
• No spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
• Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
• Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival. 

Trails

Sunrise Hut can be accessed on the trail Sunrise Hut from our trail directory.