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French Ridge Hut

Added 20 December 200620 December 2006 by MatthewMatthew.
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This new hut is located on the summer snowline on French Ridge, near the head of the Matukituki Valley West Branch. This hut built in 1999 is the fourth French Ridge Hut, the first being built slightly higher on the ridge in 1940. Climbers heading for Aspiring, Avalanche and other nearby peaks pass through here. The hut commands views of the head of the valley as well as Rob Roy Peak, although Aspiring itself is hidden from view. A warden is present from late October to late April to collect hut fees during summer months.

Location	Mount Aspiring National Park National Park. 355,518ha (1,373mi²).
Category	Serviced Alpine Hut (NZAC)
Altitude	1,463m (4,799.9 ft)
Access	A steep scramble from Pearl Flat on the valley floor below. It is a full day walk from the Raspberry Creek car park to the hut.
Capacity	20
Facilities	Water supply, Toilet
Map sheets	NZTopo50-CA11 NZMS260-E39 View points

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NZAC

Tracks

French Ridge

2 – 4 days. Medium. Return via same track. Updated 15 March 200815 March 2008.

A steep climb to the snowline in the West Matukituki. More »

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Comments

"This hut is one of the best locations in Mount Aspiring National Park. From Aspiring Hut, it is about one and a half hours walk to the base of the track. From this point it is 3-4 hours steep uphill, easing off after the first two hours. It pays to be fit, two to two and a half hours to the hut is a "fit" time, and you will have done very well. Enjoy the views. Take good storm clothing, when the weather is bad on French Ridge it is awful!" — Blue Penguin 11 August 200711 August 2007

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Hut categories

Great Walk Hut: Well appointed DOC hut on a Great Walk. Great Walks pass required, bookings may be required.
Serviced Hut: Larger, high standard hut. Back country hut pass / 3 hut tickets required, no bookings (several exceptions). Mostly owned by DOC.
Serviced Alpine Hut: Alpine hut owned by DOC or clubs such as NZAC. Generally no heating. Payment varies.
Standard Hut: Typical DOC hut. Back country hut pass / 1 hut ticket required, no bookings.
Basic Hut/Bivvy: Small DOC huts of 2-6 bunks. No fees or bookings.

See DOC and NZAC websites for details of pricing and booking.

Nearby

Liverpool Hut

Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 4.

Distance: 1km

Located on the steep lower slopes of Mount Barff, this hut offers striking views and a route to the Arawhata Saddle. More »

Aspiring Hut

Serviced Alpine Hut (NZAC). Capacity: 38.

Distance: 5km

This historic hut in the West Matukituki Valley was constructed of local schist, and opened at Easter 1949. Situated immediately beneath Cascade Saddle and en route to Mount Aspiring, the new hut opened up the valley for climbers and trampers. ... More »

Colin Todd Hut

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This 1996 hut replaced the original, constructed in 1960. It was named after one of the best-known Post-War New Zealand climbers. This hut is commonly the last stop before an ascent of Aspiring. More »

Dart Hut

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Dart Track More »

Tummell Burn Hut

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Low 3 person unbunked Forest Service era hut with open fire. 3 mattresses present (2009). Water supply from Tummell Burn 20m distant. Comments in hut book indicate that fire is smokey. May need door open when in use. No window ... More »

Lochnagar Hut

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Old style musterers hut yet rebuilt in 1990. Painted corrugated iron half buried in earth with a partial schist slabbed ,partial PV tarp floor. Original fireplace but use with care. There is a recently built sleeping platform with a 2 person ... More »

Shelter Rock Hut

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Cattle Flat Bivy Rock

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