French Ridge Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
4-5 hours
Distance:
7.2 km
Description
From Pearl Flat, ford the Matukituki River to the east bank or cross the bridge 1 km upstream. The track enters the bush and climbs steeply all the way to the ridge - with narrow guts and creek beds to negotiate in the sub-alpine zone. Then follow the gentle tussock slopes for about 1 km.
The hut is on flattish ground, just below the normal summer snowline of 1465 m.
Getting there
French Ridge Track is in the Matukituki Valley, an hour's drive west from Wanaka.
The track starts at Aspiring Hut which you get to on the West Matukituki Track.
Plan and prepare
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
- The upper part of the French Ridge Track is very exposed and can be treacherous in windy and wet or snowy weather.
- Plan properly and follow the outdoor safety code.
- Overnight trampers need a sleeping bag, cooking utensils and sufficient food, warm and waterproof clothing - including gloves and hat.
- 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. These valleys are also open in winter, but snow can make travel difficult and dangerous.
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