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Walking track
Ruahine Forest Park
This track takes you from Sunrise Track to Waipawa Forks Hut.
Distance
4.5 km
Walking time
2 hours one way
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
11 October 2026
Mainly fine, with areas of early morning fog. Showers developing in the afternoon, possibly heavy with thunderstorms and hail, clearing in the evening. Northwesterlies developing for a time in the morning and afternoon.
12 October 2026
Fine. Easterlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Fine apart from isolated showers. Northwesterlies.
15 October 2026
Showers developing. Northerlies, turning westerly.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
From North Block Road carpark start on Sunrise Track . This well graded track soon passes Triplex Hut and then continues to climb up towards the alpine zone. After 3.2km, taking approximately an hour, the track departs Sunrise Track and quickly drops down to the Waipawa River. Although this section is only 1 km, allow 45 minutes to reach the river. From there, find a safe place to cross the river. Waipawa Forks Hut is located 200 m upstream. Return either via the same route or, in safe river flows, follow the Waipawa River downstream to North Block Road. Note: t his river route is not a DOC managed track or route. Do not expect any track markers.
It’s dangerous to cross or follow the river when the water level is high which can occur during or after heavy rain. To learn how to identify an unsafe river, check out this free resource on River Safety.
Waipawa Forks Hut is a large hut that is a popular recreational destination for day trips or weekend visits. The original hut was constructed in 1970 by the New Zealand Forest Service. It is 790m above sea level. The hut has 12 bunks, water and a woodburner for heating. Triplex Hut was constructed in 1973 by the New Zealand Forest Service. Triplex Hut is located quite close to the roadend at 630m above sea level, making it a popular recreational base for school/family groups and novice overnight trampers. The name of the hut originates from the finding of a shirt labelled “XXX” which was the only clue found of a missing pilot (Hamish Armstrong) who crashed into the ranges above Sunrise Hut in 1935. The hut has 12 bunks in two separate bunkrooms, tank water supply and a woodburner for heating.
The North Block Road carpark 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
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 .
No dogs.
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.