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 large alpine hut is located just below the snow line and offers amazing views across the Matukituki Valley, and provides a safe haven on route to ascents of Mount Aspiring.

Fees

This is a New Zealand Alpine Club hut.

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

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.

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. We recommend taking a sleeping mat or tent in case no bunks are available.