French Ridge Hut at sunset. Photo credit: Kate Ross
French Ridge Hut, another one of those iconic red alpine huts, is located in the West Matukituki Valley on New Zealand’s South Island. It is accessed via the West Matukituki Track and the Liverpool Track, which start at the Raspberry Flat car park, an hour’s drive from Wanaka.
I visited French Ridge Hut in January 2025, after almost five years of eagerly waiting to come back to New Zealand. During my last visit to New Zealand, I visited Liverpool Hut, but I dreamed of climbing up to French Ridge and seeing the views from the other side of the valley often while I was back in Canada between 2020-2024. I can safely say this one exceeded my wildest expectations!
Here is some beta for use to while planning your hike to French Ridge Hut.
Trail Stats
Distance: 17km one way, 34km total
Elevation: 1,579m (from AllTrails)
Route type: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
Hiking season: December to March
Planning Resources
The Department of Conservation website has lots of useful information and topographic maps to help you plan your trip.
Preparing for the Trip
Itinerary
I wanted to enjoy the sunset views from the hut, and did not want to haul my tent up with me, so I decided to just book a spot in the hut on this trip. I was happy with this decision but there were several groups I met on the trail who chose to do this as a day hike from Mount Aspiring hut.
Transportation to Trailhead
I parked at Raspberry Creek trailhead, which is about one hour from Wanaka. Note that the last 30km of the road is unsealed. I got there fine in a small van, but the road was serrated in parts, and there are a few water bars that may not have been passable in the rain.
Sleeping Options
French Ridge Hut costs $30 for an adult for one night at the time of writing.
On the Trail
Day 1: Raspberry Creek car park to French Ridge Hut
I was up early and on the road to Raspberry Creek for an early start on the trail. The first 2 hours of the trail are mostly flat and follow the Matukituki River, which gently slopes uphill until you arrive at Aspiring Hut.
The East Matukituki Valley in the morning. Photo credit: Kate Ross
I stopped at Aspiring Hut for a snack before continuing onwards. This section of the track mostly continues through the forest, climbing gradually, and crossing the river at several points. These crossings are all bridged.
After about 1.5 hours I arrived at the junction to the French Ridge Hut trail. Here I stopped for lunch and put my feet in the stream before starting the climb up to the hut. And, oh boy, this is a climb. Over 3km you will gain over 1000m in elevation. It is relentless and requires a bit of scrambling over slippery rock sections and roots. With a heavy bag this is manageable with some patience, but I’d recommend putting the hiking poles away for this section.
2.5 hours later, I arrived at French Ridge hut. From the hut you can see the end of the valley, across the valley to Liverpool Hut, and even back down the valley to Aspiring Hut.
I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening resting and taking in the panoramic surroundings, with several kea joining me for company as the sun set.
The East Matukituki Valley at sunset. Photo credit: Kate Ross
We received a radio broadcast at the hut that a nasty storm was rolling in overnight. I decided to wake up very early and head down the steep climb before the rain got too bad.
Day 2: French Ridge Hut to Raspberry Creek car park
When my alarm went off, it was still pitch black outside. I choked down some oatmeal and coffee, packed up my gear, and was out the door of the hut by 5:15am. The rain had not yet started but the wind was absolutely howling. I turned on my headlamp and slowly began the descent into the valley in the dark. Type 2 fun.
Luckily the sun began to rise about as I descended into the treeline, putting on a magnificent show of colours over the valley below.
Sunrise over the East Matukituki valley. Photo credit: Kate Ross
Once I reached the valley floor, the rain hadn’t yet started. I decided to make a cheeky hot chocolate on the river bank and put my aching feet in the river. After my quick break, the rain started, so I continued onwards to Aspiring Hut.
By the time I arrived at Aspiring Hut it was a proper rainstorm. I spent the afternoon drinking tea and reading while waiting out the rain at the hut. Truly, I can’t think of a better spot to hang out in the backcountry during a rainstorm.
Watching the rain pour outside from Aspiring Hut. Photo credit: Kate Ross
If French Ridge was your only objective, it would be an easy two hour walk back to Raspberry Creek from the hut at this point.
Originally I planned for this to be a 3 day trip. My plan was to camp outside of Aspiring Hut on Day 2, and then do a day trip to Cascade Saddle on Day 3. Unfortunately due to the weather, I wasn’t able to give Cascade Saddle a go on this trip. (Another excuse to go back to New Zealand? Maybe!)
The rain eventually subsided, and I was able to set up my tent in the evening. I slept here overnight and walked out to Raspberry Creek in the rain in the morning of Day 3, once I had decided Cascade Saddle would not be a safe objective given the conditions.
As I walked out of the valley the weather cleared, but the clouds lingered over the jagged peaks.
A moodier view of the East Matukituki valley on the morning of Day 3. Photo credit: Kate Ross
Summary
French Ridge Hut was everything I had hoped it would be. Unfortunately due to the weather I was unable to complete Day 3 of this trip (a day trip up to the Cascade Saddle) … looks like I might have to come back to NZ and tick this one off the list in the future 😉
