Image: DOC
French Ridge Hut.
French Ridge Hut

Located in Matukituki Valley area and Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region

This is an alpine serviced 20-bunk hut in the Wanaka/Makarora area. This hut is an NZ Alpine Club hut.

This hut is owned and maintained by the New Zealand Alpine Club. It is available for the public to use.

French Ridge Hut is located near the end of the tussock, just below the snow line. It has excellent views across Gloomy Gorge to Rob Roy and the west face of Avalanche. To the north-west the view sweeps around Hector Col, Mts Barff, Liverpool, Cascade Saddle and beyond. 

It is an ovenight stop for ascents of Mount Aspiring. 

Information about French Ridge Hut on NZ Alpine Club website. 

You'll need to take:

  • sleeping bag
  • stove and fuel
  • pots/pans and utensils
  • toilet paper
  • rubbish bag (to pack out all rubbish, including food scraps)
  • torch.

Fees

Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut.

  • Adult non-members (18+ years): $40
  • New Zealand Alpine Club member Adult: $20
  • New Zealand Alpine Club member Youth Youth (11–17 years): $10
  • Youth non-members (11–17 years): $20
  • Child/Infant (0–10 years): free

Bookings

Pay when you book online. Bookings are required all year.

Book French Ridge Hut online. 

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2026.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

A $10 service fee applies to all phone, email and in-person bookings. New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) members applying for their discount will not be charged this fee.
Approximate time from nearest road end and hut
  • Raspberry Creek car park (Wanaka Mt Aspiring Road) via West Matukituki track to Pearl Flat and French Ridge Track: 6–7 hr 30 min (16.2 km)
  • From Aspiring Hut via West Matukituki to Pearl Flat and French Ridge Track: 4–5 hr (7.2 km)

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: CA11
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1257248, N5071498

This is a popular hut in summer.