Sunrise Hut

Location: Ruahine Forest Park

Trampers: Dad (Chris), Mum (Liz), Ben (10) and Sam (4)

Our walk in: 5k in 3hrs with stops

Our walk out: 5k in 2hrs 30mins with stops

DOC Link for Sunrise Hut

We embarked on a family tramp to Sunrise Hut with two other families, for the 5th birthday party of three young adventurers. Setting off from the carpark you amble across farmland before entering the forest park.

Soon you begin the climb on a well-formed track zig-zagging your way up the ridge before suddenly popping out at the tussock line. Here you may bbe lucjky enough to be greeted by the smell of the fire burning at the hut!

If you have clear weather do not miss the sunrise! It seems to take an age to come up, but is worth the watch with a hot drink. We found some icicle formations under the soil shown in the photo below. 

If you go out the back door of the hut there is a great view down into the valley. Also this is the continuation of the track up to the Armstrong Saddle (1369m) and on to the historic Top Maroopea Hut. Stunning views north across the central plateau to Ruapehu, Ngarahoe, and Tongaririo await.