Sunrise Hut
Sunrise Hut is a serviced 20-bunk backcountry hut in Ruahine Forest Park (Hawke’s Bay region), run by the Department of Conservation. It’s set on the tops of the Ruahine Range in a tussock basin beside the bush edge at 1,280 m, and it’s a popular base for day trips and weekend visits from the Eastern Ruahine road end (about 600 m elevation gain from the carpark).
Inside, expect heated accommodation with a woodburner, heated by a woodburner, and large benched sleep areas for up to 20 people. The hut includes bench-top sinks and tank water supply, but there’s no cooking facility; plan on using your own cookers and, if you do use the woodburner, do so only as a cooking source when appropriate. Toilet facilities are long-drop style with pit latrine disposal. Bookings are required, and fees apply (Backcountry Hut Passes are usable at this hut). Dogs aren’t permitted, and the hut operates with a fee structure that runs from 30 June 2026 and then changes from 1 July 2026; bookings open for stays up to 30 June 2027.