My name is Kneesha and welcome to my guide on the French Ridge Hut Hike of Mount Aspiring National Park! I’m from Nepal, but work and live in Queenstown with my family. We were in the North Island for six years before making Queenstown our home. I was born and raised in a place like this – surrounded by mountains and rivers – so I feel it in my blood.
I used to carry a heavy school bag with lunch and water in Nepal, and climb the steep hill to reach the school – so I’ve done lots of walking since childhood. Also, recently, the main reason why I have loved being in the outdoors is having the chance to get away from social media, and detox my mind and soul. I believe home is home but the world is out there in nature!
My Experience on the French Ridge Hut Hike
We drove from Arrowtown and headed to the Raspberry Creek Car Park, which took a couple of hours. We started our hike at 8am and it took us almost eight hours to reach French Ridge Hut due to the heavy rain, extreme wind and the stops we took for photos. The weather forecast was only for a few showers – so we decided to continue with the walk – but the rain did make the track very wet and slippery, which was a challenge.
However, it was worth it for the scenery. “Oh, my dear”! That is what I said to my partner when I saw the mountains and valleys of Mount Aspiring. The views looked so daunting, as it was dark and about to rain, the wind was howling and I felt like a magnetic force was pulling me to the mountains!
We had second thoughts about continuing but the waterfalls, rivers, valleys, glaciers, forests and tussocks were breathtaking! No way was I turning back! I can only describe Mount Aspiring National Park as paradise! All of it was like a scene out of a sci-fi movie. My favorite part of it was when we had lunch and soaked our feet in a glacial river. It felt surreal!
Difficult of the French Ridge Hut Hike
Anyone can do the first part of the French Ridge Hut Hike, in the valley, which is 14 km taking around four hours one way. But I consider the hike as advanced if you want to reach the hut and stay overnight. It took us about three and half hours just to do the 2.2 km section up to the hut. The track gets very steep and if it rains, the terrain becomes very slippery. One must depend on the tree roots to climb up and descend.
I have done many hikes in the past but this was one of the most intense walks I’ve ever done! As we crossed the section of dense forest, we were hit by extreme wind and I fell multiple times. My body had the bruises to prove just how hard it was. It also gets colder the higher you go. This trail isn’t maintained, it’s more like a catchment where water flows when it rains. This was made by climbers to climb Mount Aspiring. It’s all natural. If there were no tree roots, you would definitely need a rope to climb up.
What the Facilities are Like at the Hut
Surprisingly, French Ridge Hut was warm (despite not having a fireplace). There is enough space to accommodate 15-20 people. There were 12 of us in the hut when I went and since the wind was harsh, we weren’t able to open the windows. It was suffocating for 12 people to share such a small space! I couldn’t sleep for a while and others were constantly going outside to get some air. Yet, the kitchen is beautiful and the view is unreal!
The hut is equipped with bunk beds which are clean. There is also rainwater that can be used but I put it through a filter before I drunk or boiled it. Kea birds like to hang out here and the morning view will take anyone’s breath away. The toilet is a minute walk away and it looks beautiful on the top of the mountain. The hut is first come, first serve. But it must be paid for either to the warden in Aspiring Hut or to the NZ Alpine Club website.
Other Huts Worth Staying at in the Area
Aspiring Hut is another beautiful place you can stay. It’s a large space, has a kitchen, a flushed toilet and 32 bunk beds. People could stay here and enjoy the night if they didn’t want to go any further. It takes around two hours one way to reach from the Raspberry Creek Car Park. There is also a campsite nearby. Other huts to consider at Mount Aspiring National Park are Liverpool Hut and Colin Todd Hut. If you reach the top of the mountain, you can camp nearby and use the toilet and water from French Ridge Hut. Fees apply for most huts. Check the websites for updates.
Tips for Doing the French Ridge Hut Hike
We completed the French Ridge Hut Hike in the first week of March. The first day brought rain and wind, but the next day was sunshine and butterflies, despite the forecast predicting light rain for both days! It’s a national park thing, I guess. The best time would be February to May. Regardless of the weather though, this place will give lifelong memories!
When it comes to packing, the first thing to remember is sandfly spray. You can’t enjoy your lunch if you don’t apply it. I would suggest being prepared for bad weather (no matter what the forecast says) and bringing warm clothes. I carried extra layers to wear at night. Other things include extra socks, water-resistant shoes, a sleeping bag and food. A water filter is also a good idea if you don’t trust the glacial river or rainwater. Even though the French Ridge Hut is there, during the peak season space might run out – so bringing tents can be handy. We carried a lightweight tent for this reason.
Make sure you plan where you want to hike at Mount Aspiring National Park. There are multiple trails that you can do like the single day Rob Roy Track or more advanced multi-day hikes like Cascade Saddle Route. One of New Zealand’s Great Walks – The Routeburn Track – is another option in the region for all the adventurous souls out there! It all depends on your time restraints, hiking abilities and how much you want to explore. Mount Aspiring is rich in nature and it has something for everyone to enjoy.
Every moment of the French Ridge Hut Hike was special: seeing the friendly kea birds, dipping my feet in a glacial river, witnessing the sunrise from the hut and the view of Liverpool Hut in the distance. But, the simple pleasure of putting on warm clothes after being beaten by rain for seven hours and lying down in my warm sleeping bag was the best moment for me. I was able to reflect on the journey and feel a sense of achievement!
