10 October 2026
Cloud about the tops increasing in the morning, then showers developing in the afternoon.
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1 / 28Matukituki Valley area
French Ridge Track
French Ridge Track is a steep and technical alpine hike in Mt Aspiring National Park. It leads to French Ridge Hut at 1480 m.
Distance
17.2 km
Walking time
6 hr - 7 hr 30 min one way
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Purchasing Aspiring Hut camping tickets from April to October
Purchasing Aspiring Hut camping tickets from April to October
Weather outlook
Mount Aspiring National Park forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
11 October 2026
Showers clearing to partly cloudy in the afternoon. Snow to 2100 metres until afternoon.
12 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers.
13 October 2026
Rain developing. Snow lowering to 2200 metres.
14 October 2026
Showers, some heavy, easing. Snow to 1900 metres.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
French Ridge Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About French Ridge Track
Time required : 6 hr - 7 hr 30 min one way The track begins by following the West Matukituki Track to Pearl Flat (3.5 - 4 hours). From Pearl Flat, ford the river to the east bank or cross the Liverpool Stream swing bridge. Continue 10 min further up the valley where a second swing bridge provides access across the river. From the Pearl Flat crossing the track enters the bush and climbs steeply all the way to the ridge – with narrow cuttings and creek beds to negotiate in the subalpine zone. Then follow the tussock slopes for about 1 km. The hut (1480 m) is on flattish ground, just below the normal summer snowline of around 1,500 m. French Ridge Hut is a common stop for alpine climbers/mountaineers heading up to higher peaks such as Mt Aspiring and Mt Avalanche. Mountaineering experience and equipment is required beyond the hut as there is no longer any maintained track or markers and the area soon changes to dynamic and unforgiving glacial terrain.
Essential information for French Ridge Track
The upper part of the French Ridge Track is very exposed and can be treacherous in windy and wet or snowy weather. Good fitness and equipment are important to enjoy your trip, especially as unpredictable weather patterns can mean that cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. The track is open in winter, but snow can make travel difficult and dangerous. This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November.
Huts and campsites
French Ridge Hut
Getting there for French Ridge Track
The track starts at the Raspberry Creek car park, 54 km west of Wanaka on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road. The last 30 km are unsealed. The drive takes about an hour. Drive carefully and be courteous to drivers coming the other way by slowing down to avoid stones flicking up and hitting the other vehicle. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Transport services from Wanaka to the car park are also available.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Weather and track conditions
Northwesterly winds could strengthen as you ascend to the hut. Be wary of southerly wind changes which can bring rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Dog access for French Ridge Track
No dogs.
Before you walk French Ridge Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.