This easy out and back has stunning ridgeline views, a hidden waterfall to swim under and a cosy four-bunk hut.

The popular Sunrise Track starts at Sunrise Track car park on North Block Road and follows the edge of a paddock and native bush. After an easy 10 minutes there’s a junction to Triplex Hut.

Keep left here and begin the 650m climb to Sunrise Hut. The track through beech forest is wide and well-maintained, with many switchbacks.

At 900m it levels off briefly and there is a bench for a deserved rest.

Sunrise Hut is perched in a perfect place to catch the dawn. Views over farmland below extend all the way to Hawke’s Bay, which glimmers in the distance.

The hut is 2–3hr from the car park, so bookings fill up fast, especially on weekends.

The track behind the hut emerges above the bushline within 100m, then it’s a 20-minute walk to Armstrong Saddle along a ridge with excellent views into the heart of the Ruahine Range.

Armstrong Saddle was named after Hamish Armstrong, who disappeared on a routine flight in the winter of 1935. Two weeks later the wreckage of his Gypsy Moth plane was found in the saddle. A plaque explains that Armstrong did a good job of a forced landing in the snow, but he was never found. Although there is no record of what happened to him, search and rescue volunteers from 1935 speculated that he crawled away from the wreckage only to be eaten by wild pigs.

Putting that grim thought aside, at the trail junction in the saddle stay left. A short climb leads to a ridgeline from where it’s about an hour to Top Maropea Hut.

Steep drop-offs line the trail and dramatic views let you peer straight down the mountain into the valley below. In low visibility or winter conditions, take it slowly and watch your footing. As the trail turns north it descends to wider, open alpine areas – delightful spots for lunch on a clear day.

As the trail re-enters the bush it becomes steep, muddy and rooted, and the last 100m to the hut require care.

Cosy four-bunk Top Maropea Hut was built in 1958 by the New Zealand Forest Service. It has been spruced up by the Love Our Huts campaign and DOC, and had a new roof and wood shed installed in December 2024. There are views over the Ruahine Range from the helicopter pad.

For a hidden surprise, continue past the hut on an unmaintained trail that heads sharply down to the river. This 20-minute walk leads to a picturesque unnamed waterfall and swimming hole. It’s well worth the effort in order to cool off and relax after a satisfying half-day’s tramping.