Mount French Track
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Climb to the top of Mount French for spectacular views of Lake Brunner and the Southern Alps.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
The track passes through mixed lowland rimu forest that also features some kaikawaka and silver pine, to the top of Mt French (1305 m).
It's a steady climb but, on a fine day, the views of Lake Brunner and the inland to the Southern Alps reward the effort.
Getting there
The track start on Kumara-Inchbonnie Road, on the south end of Lake Brunner. Lake Brunner is inland from Greymouth, between SH 73 and SH 7.
Turn off SH 73 at Kumara into Kumara-Inchbonnie Road (17 km), or at Jacksons into Lake Brunner Road, which leads into Kumara-Inchbonnie Road (23 km).
Know before you go
This track is steep and slippery in places and even on fine days the tops can become clouded quickly making navigation difficult on the rugged tops.
Wear sturdy footwear (preferably boots), carry warm, waterproof clothing and take enough snacks, drinking water and equipment needed for a full day walk. If venturing along the tops take a map.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track