Last Updated: 6th May 2025
Sunrise Hut
Last Updated: 6th May 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 50 ?
12.0km
905m
900m
1200m
Last Updated: 6th May 2025
Last Updated: 6th May 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 50 ?
12.0km
905m
900m
1200m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bush
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +15.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.6%
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3:00
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:30
Fast
Most of climbs are switch backs and can be steep in some parts. Difficult to run the whole thing, but no doubt someone has! Beautiful native forest on a well formed tracked with the views at top worth the journey.
Lots of native birds and great views of Hawke's Bay. Snow coverage in winter.
Take the track behind hut to Armstrong saddle to see the mountains on the other side of the ranges, but only do this if wind is not too high (track is very technical and slipping away at some parts)
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Plenty of parking in top carpark though road access is rough
Toilet at start of track and up at the hut
45 km
45 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Perfect throughout.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
Drinkable water at hut, but not advised to use unless boiled
In winter snow and ice on track does make it hard to climb (poles would be useful, but I have done it without them). High winds on track that goes behind hut to Armstrong saddle sometimes.
Express Loco
waipukurau
https://www.facebook.com/esspressoloco/
best coffee in town
not open on Sunday
Zinc Cafe
Waipukurau
https://www.facebook.com/Zinc-Cafe-Restaurant-263718627142742/
great food and coffee
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Loved this track. We hike-ran this. A whole lot of switchbacks and beautiful beech/pine forests as you run through. The downhill run was a treat! Sunrise hut is set up well, would definitely come hike it and stay the night to catch the sunrise in the morning ? and visit the surrounding saddles, lookouts and other huts.
April 26, 2022
Dragged my partner along to hike this trail. We popped slightly off track to start and visit Triple X hut. Was a great track and apart from the cloud cover hiding all the views well worth it. I’ll pop back another time solo and visit Armstrong saddle and check out Top Maropea hut along with Waipawa Forks hut and hopefully some amazing views!
January 24, 2022
A very nice track. For someone who doesn't really like hills, this one was actually enjoyable.
Was nice going through Bush and it was just quiet.
February 1, 2021
BP
Local haunt so have used it for training over the years - even did it in full firefighter kit one year - good for lifting fitness level and very fast downhill run - tripped and tore a chunk out of my upper thigh one time - superb views on a fine day!
August 30, 2017
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