Without a doubt, one of my favourite activities to do in New Zealand is tramping (this is what the Kiwi’s call hiking, trekking etc.) My earliest memory of tramping, as a family, was with my Dad and step-mum when they took the seven of us children for a tramp to Shines Falls in Hawke’s Bay. The tramp to Shines Falls is a short 1½ hour return trip. However, on this day, my Granddad was on his way to Wairoa, and he dropped us off somewhere along the way, and we had to find our way to Shines Falls to be picked up. To this day, my Dad has no idea how we found our way, and I think it took us about six hours! Us kids ranged in age between 14 and 2 years of age. Probably not the smartest of introductions to tramping but I have loved tramping ever since!
On a recent trip to New Zealand, we (Dwayne, myself, my dad and step-mum) did the Sunrise Track tramp to Sunrise Hut. Sunrise Track is located in the Ruahine Ranges in Hawke’s Bay. It is a family-friendly track which is pretty safe in most weather conditions. This is an easy walk on a well-maintained track. The trail is almost entirely uphill and will take about 2 – 3 hours or about 5 hours return. I’m sure that some super-fit people could reach the hut in an hour if so inclined!
At the start of the track, there is a toilet and an information board that informs you about Sunrise Track as well as the other tramping tracks in the Ruahine Forest Park. Once you are ready to start your tramp, head off to the right of the information board and over the stile. The first part of the tramp takes you through farmland. However, after about 10 minutes or so, you will start your gradual uphill climb on a well-graded track.
As you climb, the vegetation will change, making this an enjoyable walk as there is always something captivating to see. The dense forest, with mountain beech and gorgeous ferns, will gradually become scrubland and at the top, the sub-alpine conditions eliminate all but the hardiest of plants thereby allowing the magnificent vista over the Hawke’s Bay plains.
The day we did this tramp, we were making the return trip. Highlights of the trip were the flora and the birds we saw. Once we reached Sunrise Hut, we took some photos of the views. It was warm inside the hut. We filled in the visitor’s book and then sat down to enjoy our lunch. It was absolutely freezing at the top when we stopped walking, so it was fabulous to be able to get out of the wind. The hut is well set up for overnight stays (read more about it below). I hope next time I will be able to do the walk and stay in the hut to watch the sunrise!
After lunch, we began our walk back, and on the drive home stopped at a bar for a glass of local wine! Click here to read more about Hawke’s Bay’s world-class wineries.
More Information
How to get there (from Napier).
Get onto State Highway 50 and follow it for about 65km. Turn right onto Wakarara Road. Travel along this road for about 20km and then turn left onto North Block Road. Continue along North Block Road, through the farm gates and to the car park at the end of the road. This is where the track starts, you should see the information board and a toilet. As you pass through the farm gate, please leave them as you found them.
Be prepared!
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- Don’t underestimate the changing weather. It can change rapidly and even in summer, on a beautiful sunny day it can suddenly turn very cold! Take clothing and provisions for all weather possibilities.
- Tell someone where you’re going and what time to expect you back.
- Fill in the hut visitor’s book (rangers can use this information to find you if you become lost etc.)
- Moderate fitness required – about 5 hours of walking required, with an altitude gain of 700m. It is considered an easy walking track. Read more about New Zealand walking track categories at DOC / track categories.
You will need to stay overnight in the hut to see the sunrise.
Sunrise Hut is a serviced hut with a good range of facilities for overnight accommodation.
Facilities include, but are not limited to –
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- Large benched sleep areas with mattresses
- Benchtop with sinks
- Wood burner
- Tank water
- Long-drop style toilet
- Caters for 20 persons
Visit DOC / Sunrise Hut for more information about cost and facilities.
Visit DOC / booking and paying for more information about booking the hut.
No dogs allowed.
Click here for more information about Ruahine Forest Park and the many walking tracks, including current alerts visit DOC / Ruahine Forest Park
Currency
New Zealand Dollar – NZD – written here as $
Accommodation
We typically book our accommodation through booking.com. We like the convenience of booking online, and we are usually able to pay for our accommodation on arrival at the hotel/resort or room. booking.com advertise many different accommodation styles in New Zealand, so you are sure to find the perfect place.
iVisa
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