Sunrise Hut

Sunrise Hut occupies a position right on the bushline in Buttercup Hollow in the sunny Hawke's Bay. First built in 1983, using an 8-bunk Fraemohs design (similar to Lockwood) it was a pair with Barlow Hut, located in the nearby Makarora River. However, after the Department of Conservation upgraded the Sunrise Track in the late 1980s, the hut soon got very popular, so in 2005 it was expanded into the 20-bunk structure of today.

In early 2021, Sally Neal from the Backcountry Trust led a group of volunteers to repaint the hut with Dulux products. The rest of the team included: Ed Cook, Aaron Neal, Helen Payn and Tobias Wevers.

Flying in by helicoper, the team removed flaking paint and mould, scraping, using a wire brush and sanding. Following up with a generous dose of Dulux Prep Wash.

The team then protected the buildings with Dulux Weathershield in Dulux Colours of New Zealand Waiau Bay Half and Ruahine (shed). 

All up, the team completed about 130 person hours of solid work.

“The hut is looking smart with its new paint, and the improvements last year include a new fireplace, a heat transfer system and refurbished interior painting. The track improvements will allow visitors to focus on the sights and sounds while accessing this great part of the country,” says DOC Manawatu Supervisor Shaun Ruddle.

Related products

Weathershield® Low Sheen

Weathershield® Low Sheen

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Roof & Trim™ Semi Gloss

Roof & Trim™ Semi Gloss

Dulux Roof & Trim™ is a 100% acrylic paint suitable for use on exterior roofs.

Aquanamel® Semi Gloss

Aquanamel® Semi Gloss

Dulux Aquanamel® Semi Gloss is a non-yellowing, water-based interior and exterior acrylic enamel that dries to a glossy and durable, chip-resistant finish. Aquanamel® Semi Gloss can be used in most areas were traditional oil-based enamels are applied with the time-saving benefits of an acrylic paint.

DOC manages a network of over 950 huts of all shapes and sizes. They provide unique places to stay, refuge from bad weather, or rest and recover when you're out exploring the outdoors. Find out more about bookable huts.

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Sunrise Hut pictured with the sun rising reflecting in the windows
Sunrise Hut

Sunrise Hut occupies a position right on the bush line in Buttercup Hollow in the sunny Hawke's Bay and was built in 1983.

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