French Ridge Hut | Is This The Most Scenic NZ Alpine Hut?
New Zealand is renowned for its iconic red alpine backcountry huts, offering some of the most stunning views imaginable. Choosing a favourite among these alpine huts is no easy task, but we have to hand first prize to French Ridge Hut for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, the hike itself offers an exhilarating challenge for strong intermediate to advanced hikers. Secondly, the hut’s position provides a spectacular location to witness both sunrise and sunset. Finally, French Ridge Hut attracts fewer visitors compared to popular spots like Mueller Hut and Brewster Hut, making it a more peaceful experience.
No matter which reason compels you to plan a trip to French Ridge Hut, we have you covered with all of the essential information you need for a successful adventure. And for those that need a little more convincing, just wait till you see the rest of the images scattered throughout this post!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase of a product we recommend through one of our links, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you! This helps to support our blog and enables us to continue providing you with helpful tips and exciting adventures, so thank you 🙂
What To Know About Hiking To French Ridge Hut In Mount Aspiring National Park
Quick Statistics For The French Ridge Hut Track
Distance
37.4 km return from Raspberry Creek Car Park
Time
2 – 3 days
11 – 14 hrs walking time
Navigation Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Difficulty
Hard
Physical Effort
Very Hard
Elevation Gain
1,579 m
Highest Elevation
1,470 m
Fees And Bookings
French Ride Hut & Camping
Facilities
Trailhead: Car park, shelter, toilets, untreated water
On The Trail: Toilets, shelter and untreated water at Aspiring Hut and French Ridge Hut
Where Does The Hike To French Ridge Hut Start?
Situated in Mount Aspiring National Park within the Matukituki Valley, French Ridge Hut sits on a ledge beneath Mt French, surrounded by hanging glaciers and dramatic gorges and gullies.
The hike to French Ridge Hut begins at Raspberry Creek Car Park. You’ll start on the West Matukituki Track, passing Aspiring Hut and continuing up the valley. Then, you’ll cross the Matukituki River and join the French Ridge Track for a final steep and rugged climb to reach the iconic hut.
Raspberry Creek Car Park includes toilets, untreated water, and a picnic shelter. It also allows overnight camping for certified self-contained campervans, perfect for those eager to set off early!
How To Get To Raspberry Creek Car Park
Raspberry Creek Car Park is about an hour’s drive northwest of Wanaka, located at the end of Wanaka Mt Aspiring Rd. Driving yourself is the most convenient way to reach the trailhead, but a shuttle service from Wanaka is also available through the warmer months.
Wanaka To Raspberry Creek Car Park Shuttle
Wanaka Transfers is the most reputable shuttle company from Wanaka, offering shared and private transfers between the 1st of October and the 30th of June. Private Transfers offer flexibility, but are a little more expensive, costing $195 NZD for up to two people, with an extra $45 NZD per person for a maximum of 11 people.
Shared transfers leave Wanaka Lakefront twice a day and cost $55 NZD per person for a one-way trip. A minimum of four people is needed for the service to run. The departure times from Wanaka Lakefront are 8 am and 1:45 pm, with returns from Raspberry Creek Car Park at 9:15 am and 3 pm.
*Prices and times are current as of September 2024, check the Wanaka Transfer website for up-to-date details before planning your trip.
Driving From Wanaka To Raspberry Creek Car Park
To get to Raspberry Creek Car Park by car, drive west out of Wanaka on Wanaka Mt Aspiring Rd. The trip begins with smooth roads and stunning views, but after passing the Aspiring Helicopters shed, it turns into a gravel road. The last 30 km are slightly rough, with corrugations and wandering sheep and cows in the open paddocks – though it’s usually nothing a 2WD can’t handle.
However, In the last 10 km, you’ll encounter more potholes and at least 8 fords. These fords are generally shallow enough for a 2WD to cross in good weather but after heavy rain or snowmelt, these fords can become deeper and inaccessible for 2WDs. We recommend checking the road conditions using The Wanaka App before departing from Wanaka.
Note: Google Maps estimates the drive from Wanaka to Raspberry Creek Car Park to take 2 hours. However, unless you’re planning to drive the 30 km of unsealed road at an average speed of 15 km/hr, this seems overly generous. It takes us less than an hour, but if you’re a bit cautious, plan for 1.5 hours.
How Hard Is The French Ridge Hut Track?
For the first 15 km or so, you’ll enjoy a relatively easy hike through the dramatic Matukituki Valley. But that all changes when you reach the French Ridge Track – a 3 km climb that demands endurance, a head for heights, and adept scrambling skills to tackle the wildly tangled forest.
While the gradient is minutely gentler and there’s less exposed climbing compared to the Liverpool Hut Track, you’ll still ascend almost 1,000 m in elevation in a short distance. The first kilometre of the climb winds through dense forest, requiring some problem-solving and plenty of pulling yourself up deep ruts and over exposed tree roots. But by taking it slowly and carefully through the trickier sections, the challenge is quite manageable.
For the last 2 km, you’ll navigate a steep, rocky ridgeline leading to French Ridge Hut. While the ridgeline traverse isn’t technically challenging, it can become slippery in icy or snowy conditions. If you’re expecting these conditions, consider packing a pair of microspikes just in case.
Taking everything into account, we only recommend the French Ridge Hut Track for experienced and confident hikers due to its distance, technical difficulty and remote nature. If you’re confident in your climbing ability but uncertain about the distance, you can turn it into a three-day adventure by spending the first night at Aspiring Hut.
Navigation On The French Ridge Hut Track
Thankfully, navigation is one thing you don’t really need to stress about for the hike to French Ridge Hut. The entire journey is clearly marked, featuring signs at every track junction, orange triangle markers in forested areas, and orange-tipped poles in open spaces.
The trail markers are well-spaced, making it easy to locate the next one before moving on. However, in low visibility or darkness, they become more difficult to spot – especially because they aren’t reflective.
Given the highly unpredictable nature of mountain weather, we always track our adventures using the GPS tracking app – AllTrails. It records our journey and allows us to keep an eye on our location at any time.
🥾 AllTrails has been our go-to resource for over three years, and we rely on AllTrails+ for all our adventures. From our experience, we highly recommend this platform for your navigation and trail research. Use our code LESSTRAVELLED30 to enjoy 30% off your subscription!
Save Time By Biking To Aspiring Hut
For those that are short on time, or bore easily walking on dirt roads, you can mountain bike from Raspberry Creek Car Park to Aspiring Hut. This allows you to cut off at least an hour from your journey either way!
The bike ride is relatively easy, except for a few stream crossings and some rocky sections. However, make sure you’re comfortable biking with a heavy backpack before committing to this idea!
Additionally, there is a risk of damage to your bike at Aspiring Hut due to the mischievous keas. These cheeky alpine parrots delight in chewing on bike seats, so be sure to hide your bike well and cover the seat with a tarp or something similar for added protection.
Best Time To Hike The French Ridge Hut Track
For the easiest trail conditions, the best time to hike to French Ridge Hut is between November and April. During these months, you’re less likely to encounter ice or snow, and you can enjoy a somewhat warmer sleep.
However, if you’re experienced in snowy and cold conditions and there are no avalanche warnings, our favourite time to hike the French Ridge Track is in May or October. These months offer quieter trails and stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks.
But the trade-off is potentially tougher trail conditions and freezing nights without heating. We hiked to French Ridge Hut in early May and spent the morning cautiously descending the icy ridgeline. At times, the ice was so thick and slippery that we had to slide down on our butts!
If you choose to hike to French Ridge Hut outside of the summer hiking season, ensure you’re equipped with additional gear and skills to tackle this extra challenge. It’s also essential that you check in with the DOC visitor centre in Wanaka to ask about the Avalanche risk.
Hiking To French Ridge Hut In Winter
Winter expeditions to French Ridge Hut demand advanced skills in avalanche awareness and navigating steep, snowy terrain. It’s not recommended to attempt this hike in winter unless you are well-prepared and possess these essential skills.
Essential Information About Staying Overnight At French Ridge Hut
What To Expect At French Ridge Hut
French Ridge Hut is an alpine serviced hut owned by the NZ Alpine Club (NZAC). Perched on a ledge beneath Mt French, this hut offers incredible views of the Matukituki Valley from the large dining area and the sunny deck.
The quaint alpine hut features one separate bunk room and a large kitchen and dining area. While French Ridge Hut lacks heating, you can enjoy lighting – as long as there has been enough sunlight for the solar.
French Ridge Hut Facilities
- A separate room with shared bunks and mattresses that sleep up to 20 people
- Lighting
- Table and chairs
- Preparation bench in the kitchen
- Non-treated water tank and sink outside
- Outdoor long-drop toilet (bring your own toilet paper)
Booking French Ridge Hut
Booking French Ridge Hut is quite straightforward compared to other alpine huts in New Zealand. The cost is $40 NZD per adult, per night, year-round and bookings must be made in advance and paid at the time of booking. Your booking provides access to the hut’s facilities, including an unassigned bunk and mattress.
Unfortunately, because French Ridge Hut is owned by the New Zealand Alpine Club, backcountry hut passes and backcountry hut tickets cannot be used. However, if you’re a member of NZAC, you’ll receive a $20 NZD discount per booking.
The best way to book your stay at French Ridge Hut is via the DOC website. Booking by phone, email, or in person at the visitor centre will incur a $10 NZD service fee. However, if you need to apply your NZAC member discount, you won’t be charged this fee as the discount can’t be done online.
Camping at French Ridge Hut
While it’s not advertised, there are several flat spots to pitch a tent near French Ridge Hut. Camping costs were $5 NZD per person when we visited in May 2023, but we’re not sure if this has increased since.
Before departing, you will need to buy a camping ticket from the visitor centre in Wanaka. The $10 NZD service fee is waived for campsite bookings since they must be made in person.
If you choose to camp, you have access to the toilet and water but using the hut is off-limits. During summer, this rule is enforced by the hut warden.
Beware Of The Kea
French Ridge Hut is a local hang-out spot for New Zealand’s mischievous alpine parrot called kea. These cheeky parrots enjoy meddling with your belongings and will chew on anything left unattended, especially tents!
We encountered several keas at French Ridge Hut and believe they are still active there. To prevent damage to your tent, set it up after dark and avoid leaving any gear outside. Additionally, refrain from feeding the kea as this negatively impacts their health and behaviour.
What To Pack For Your Hike To French Ridge Hut
The hike to French Ridge Hut takes roughly 6 – 7 hours one way and is very physically demanding. We recommend packing high-energy snacks and keeping your pack as light as possible to make the climb a bit easier.
However, the weather in the Matukituki Valley is notoriously unpredictable and you can experience some seriously freezing nights at the hut, even in summer! Therefore, make sure you pack a hearty meal for dinner and plenty of warm layers. You can save weight by packing only one set of hiking clothes and leaving behind non-essential items.
Here is a recommended list of essential items to pack for your hike to French Ridge Hut:
- Warm Layers – we typically carry both a fleece jacket and a down jacket for alpine hikes
- Rain Jacket – the weather in the mountains can change quickly, we also recommend bringing rain pants if possible
- Hiking Boots – if you prefer hiking shoes, they’ll work fine in the middle of summer, but remember that snow and mud are common on the trail, especially in the sub-alpine
- Sandals – avoid having to get your shoes wet or crossing the river with bare feet by packing a pair of durable sandals
- Insect Repellent – sandflies are aggressive in the valley and will attack as soon as you stop, repellent with at least 40% DEET is the only effective solution we’ve found
- Water Filtration System – the water available at the hut is not treated and can cause sickness if it’s been contaminated by animals
- Hiking Stove – a warm meal is essential in cold weather, you’ll also need to pack gas as this isn’t supplied at French Ridge Hut
- First Aid Kit & Emergency Blanket – many hiking first aid kits lack an emergency blanket, which is crucial for treating hypothermia
- Emergency Beacon – if you don’t have one, you can rent from the DOC visitor centre or Macpac store in Wanaka
- Head Torch – we always carry a head torch in case we get stuck on the trail after dark
- Hiking Sleeping Bag – it’s often freezing at French Ridge Hut, so unless the forecast is unusually hot, we suggest bringing your winter sleeping bag
French Ridge Hut Track Notes
Raspberry Creek Car Park to Aspiring Hut
Leaving Raspberry Creek Car Park, you’ll begin the journey to French Ridge Hut by heading west on the West Matukituki Track towards Aspiring Hut. The track mostly follows a private farm road that meanders alongside the Matukituki River for 9 km.
Aside from a few shallow creek crossings and small inclines, your attention during the easy 1.5 – 2.5 hour walk to Aspiring Hut can be almost entirely focused on the incomprehensible landscape unfolding before you. Seasonal waterfalls cascade down the steep slopes flanking the verdant valley, flowing into the turquoise braided river.
For more details on what to expect on the walk from Raspberry Creek Car Park to Aspiring Hut, check out our comprehensive guide to the Aspiring Hut Hike.
Aspiring Hut To Shovel Flat
Aspiring Hut offers a peaceful place for a quick break, where you can use the toilet, refill your water, and relax on the sunny deck overlooking the breathtaking valley. If you look closely, you might even spot the small red dot that is French Ridge Hut on the right side of the valley.
Once you’re ready to continue on, you’ll cross the grassy campsite in front of the Hut and duck into the bordering treeline at the northwest corner. An enchanting scene greets you the moment you enter the native forest, where silver beech trees form a dense canopy above the lush, moss-covered ground below.
You’ll follow the wide dirt path as it weaves in and out of the thriving forest, crossing two glacier-fed creeks on wobbly swing bridges before reaching Shovel Flat after about 45 minutes.
Shovel Flat To Pearl Flat
It’s mind-boggling to imagine the views could improve, but stepping into the open expanse of Shovel Flat will leave you in awe. Surrounded on all sides by towering mountains topped with snow-capped glacial peaks, you’ll feel truly dwarfed by their grandeur.
The track loosely follows the Matukituki River once again, leading you through the vast tussock-filled flatlands towards the northern treeline. Just before you enter the forest, you’ll come to a heavily eroded riverbank.
When river levels are low, navigating the steep and loose banks is fairly simple. But when the river is high, you might want to consider seeking an alternative path through the forest – or turning back if it feels unsafe.
After traversing the eroded riverbank, the trail briefly re-enters the forest for about 400 metres before opening into the smaller Pearl Flat. A short walk alongside the river will deliver you to the top of Pearl Flat, where you’re met with a choice.
Depending on the state of the eroded riverbank, this section takes roughly 30 – 45 minutes to complete.
Crossing The Matukituki River
Just before the swing bridge that leads to the Liverpool Track, you must decide whether to wade across the river or continue upstream to a swing bridge crossing the Matukituki River. Although taking the swing bridge option adds 15 – 20 minutes to your journey, it’s worthwhile if the water is icy or too high to cross safely.
We chose to cross the swing bridge on our way to French Ridge Hut but waded through the river on our way back. We wanted to avoid wet feet before the big climb, but if you have time and the weather is sunny, your feet should dry quickly.
Pearl Flat To French Ridge Hut
Whichever way you decide, you’ll find the trailhead for the French Ridge Track tucked into the treeline on the eastern side of the river. Immediately, you’ll start ascending through the fairy-tale worthy forest on a path mainly constructed of tree roots trailing from the giant beech trees and rock slabs.
Some sections in the forest demand more careful attention to navigate the climb. However, with no exposure and several short, relatively flat traverses for active rest, we found that the climb offered a fun challenge rather than a painful one.
Roughly one kilometre later, after performing a particularly tricky manoeuvre to pull yourself up a seriously rutted root-filled section, you’ll pop out above the treeline and receive your first glimpse of the towering glacier-laden peaks above – but you won’t see French Ridge Hut until the last minute!
For the final 2 km, you’ll ascend along a rough trail that traces the steep ridgeline, passing several alpine tarns that beautifully mirror the surrounding mountains on calm days. A few rises give off a false summit vibe, but eventually, you’ll clamber over the final rise and arrive at French Ridge Hut.
The 3 km climb from the Matukituki River to French Ridge Hut took us roughly 2.5 hours, including plenty of stops to snap some photos and gawk at the mind-blowing landscape surrounding us.
French Ridge Hut
French Ridge Hut is perfectly situated on a sprawling ledge, where you’re gifted with dramatic views of the monstrous glaciers above and the majestic Matukituki Valley below. The only thing that’s missing from the panorama is Mount Aspiring.
If you’re keen to explore, a short – slightly sketchy – walk to the edge of the plunging Gloomy Gorge allows you to stand before the incredible Maud Francis Glacier. For highly experienced hikers, you can also climb higher on the ridgeline to the start of the Bonar Glacier, but this is a much longer adventure and one we didn’t do.
Returning To Raspberry Creek Car Park
After experiencing a magical night in the alpine at French Ridge Hut – hopefully witnessing an incredible sunrise and sunset – you’ll sadly say goodbye to the little red alpine hut and make your way slowly back down to the valley floor.
The descent took us almost as long as the ascent did, with several sections requiring us to climb backwards down exposed tree roots. But we didn’t mind the slow pace as it allowed us to soak in the breathtaking landscape for a little longer.
Other Important Information For Hiking To French Ridge Hut
Which Should You Choose, French Ridge Hut Or Liverpool Hut?
French Ridge Hut and Liverpool Hut both provide an amazing experience and breathtaking views from the quaint alpine huts. We visited both huts on a single hiking trip and loved both equally for their unique qualities.
However, if you’re pressed for time and can only choose one, we’ve outlined the differences below to help you make the best decision for your journey into the Matukituki Valley.
French Ridge Hut:
- Bigger hut with electricity
- A bit more popular
- Slightly pricier, and the Backcountry Hut Pass isn’t valid any time of the year
- The climb is longer yet somewhat easier, with no tricky exposed rock slabs
- No views of Mt Aspiring, but the expansive vistas are equally stunning
- Nearer to the glaciers that highly experienced hikers can walk up to (there are no tracks and it’s extremely steep)
Liverpool Hut:
- Smaller hut without electricity
- Less popular
- More affordable
- You can use a Backcountry Hut Pass during winter
- Slightly more challenging ascent
- Offers views of Mt Aspiring
If you have an extra day to spare, we highly suggest extending your hike to two nights so that you can stay at both French Ridge Hut and Liverpool Hut. Both are amazing experiences and visiting them on the same trip saves you from trudging to the head of the valley twice – Just be ready for some significant elevation!
Leave No Trace
One of the major reasons we repeatedly return to New Zealand is for its breathtaking and untouched landscape that we are free to roam. Our hope is to enjoy these pristine trails for years to come, but this relies on everyone playing their part by following the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
Luckily, maintaining the natural beauty of the Matukituki Valley is easy. All you need to do is pack out all your rubbish, including food scraps and tissues, use the provided toilets, and stick to the trail when possible.
You’ll find toilets at Raspberry Creek Car Park, Aspiring Hut and at French Ridge Hut. But there are no rubbish bins in the valley, the nearest ones are located an hour away in Wanaka.
Where To Stay Near The Matukituki Valley in Mt Aspiring National Park
Wanaka is the nearest town to the Matukituki Valley in Mt Aspiring National Park and also happens to be one of our favourite towns in New Zealand! We highly recommend basing yourself in Wanaka for a few days to fully enjoy all that this adventurous town has to offer.
Having visited Wanaka multiple times, we can honestly recommend The Hidden Spring as our favourite place to stay. This cosy and budget-friendly studio is conveniently located just outside of town and offers lovely views of the valley.
For more insights on the best areas to stay and additional recommendations for accommodation, take a look at our guide to discovering the best places to stay in Wanaka.
Camping Near Mt Aspiring National Park
There’s an abundance of campsites to choose from near Mt Aspiring National Park, including one conveniently located right at the French Ridge Hut Trailhead!
Certified self-contained campervans can park overnight at Raspberry Creek Car Park, providing a perfect spot for an early morning start. This location offers access to toilets and untreated water, but keep in mind that there is no phone service available.
If you prefer staying near Wanaka with amenities like a hot shower and phone service, we suggest checking out Glendhu Bay Holiday Park. This budget-friendly caravan park is conveniently located on Lake Wanaka, between Wanaka and the Matukituki Valley.
For more suggestions on campgrounds and information about the various areas nearby, check out our guide on the best campsites in Wanaka.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying that the hike to French Ridge Hut is physically demanding and technically challenging, but it was easily one of our favourite adventures in the Matukituki Valley and worth every aching minute.
We hope this guide has fueled your excitement and helped you prepare for this incredible journey. If you’re still not sure whether you’re ready to take on this hike, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we’ll do our best to help you decide.
Happy Hiking 🙂
