Example of the rock slabs to navigate on the track
Image: DOC

Raspberry Creek car park to Pearl Flat

Time: 3 hr 30 min - 4 hr
Distance: 14 km 

Take the West Matukituki Track to Pearl Flat.

Pearl Flat - French Ridge Hut

Time: 2 hr 30 min - 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.2 km

The tramp to French Ridge Hut is a demanding climb and recommended for experienced trampers only.

From Pearl Flat, ford the river to the east bank or cross the Liverpool Stream swing bridge. Continue 10 minutes 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. It is a demanding, steep, and often slippery climb to the bushline that requires you to pull yourself up using tree roots and negotiated rock slabs.

There are narrow cuttings and creek beds to negotiate in the subalpine zone. Then follow the gentle 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.

The track starts at the Raspberry Creek car park, 54 km west of Wanaka on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road. The drive takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The last 30 km are gravel.

There are several creeks to drive through in the last 10 km of the road. These rise in heavy rain and can become impassable to 2WD and sometimes 4WD vehicles. After 24 hours of little or no rain, the fords are usually passable for 2WD vehicles, including campervans.

Check the weather forcast on NIWA website.

Drive slowly through the fords and, if in doubt, get out of your vehicle to check the depth of them beforehand. If needed, you can park before the final two fords and walk the remaining few hundred metres to the car park – just make sure your vehicle is safely off the road and not blocking any farm gates.

After particularly heavy rain, the road is prone to washouts, sometimes requiring it to be closed for repairs. 

Example of the terrain to expect in the bush section.
Image: DOC

Track suitable for experienced trampers only

The bush section of the track requires you to pull yourself up using tree roots and climb up rock slabs. 

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.

The upper part of the French Ridge Track is very exposed and can be treacherous in windy and wet or snowy weather.

Hiking boots/shoes are essential.

Overnight trampers need a sleeping bag, cooking utensils and sufficient food, warm and waterproof clothing – including gloves and hat.

Swing bridges

There's a limit to the number people allowed on the swing bridges at any one time – be prepared to wait at each end if numbers allowed have been reached. 

Shovel Flat erosion

The track has eroded at Shovel Flat. Proceed with caution and allow extra time. If the river is high do not attempt to pass through the river, detour through the bush instead.

Be avalanche alert

This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information and the terrain rating for this track.