11 October 2026
Cloudy periods, and occasional showers. Thunderstorms and hail possible during the afternoon and evening. Northwesterlies, but easterlies about the coast for a time afternoon and early evening.
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1 / 47Ruahine Forest Park
Sunrise Track
This well-graded track is a great overnight tramp for families with children and new trampers - it passes through changing forest types to the open tops, with great views of the Hawke’s Bay plains and excellent sunrises from the hut.
Distance
6.4 km
Walking time
2-3 hr one way
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Predator control for Ruahine Forest Park – north-east Ruahine
Weather outlook
Hawkes Bay forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 4:35 pm
12 October 2026
Fine for most. Areas of morning fog and a isolated showers about the ranges in the afternoon and early evening. Light winds and afternoon easterlies.
13 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Northwesterlies.
15 October 2026
Occasional rain clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northerlies, turning westerly in the morning.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Sunrise Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Sunrise Track
Sunrise Hut Track is one of the most popular tracks in the park, particularly with family and school groups. It is a high-quality benched walking track which makes its way through changing forest types to the open tops. There are superb views of the Hawke’s Bay plains and excellent sunrises from the hut, which resides in a tussock basin beside the bush edge. From behind Sunrise Hut there is a 30-minute route up to the sub-alpine herb fields at Armstrong Saddle where you can view Mt Ruapehu on a fine day.
Essential information for Sunrise Track
Caution is required in the exposed area surrounding the hut, where strong north-westerly winds are common.
Huts and campsites
Sunrise Hut (opens in browser)
Getting there for Sunrise Track
The North Block Road end is the most popular starting point for visitors to the Eastern Ruahine. North Block Road is approximately 100 km from Napier. Follow State Highway 50 for 66 km and turn right into Wakarara Road. After 20 km, turn left into North Block Road. The start of Sunrise Tracks starts at the road end. The last 4 km of this road is through private farmland. Dogs are not permitted. Please don’t disturb stock and leave gates as you found them. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way ther e.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Sunrise Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Sunrise Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.