The Mt French climb is located in Aspiring National Park near Wanaka, in the South Island of New Zealand. The highest peak in the area is Mt Aspiring at 3032m which rises above the forests of the Matukituki valley.

The hike was guided by Mountain Recreation, a professional mountaineering company based in Wanaka and run by Geoff Wayatt.

Day one of the Mt French climb started out at a relaxing pace which was fine as we were still recovering from our previous hike, the Ball Pass crossing in the Mt Cook range. We met up with our guide, Martin, a local guide, and part-time poet and folk singer for packing and organising before setting of to the Matukituki valley for an easy walk to Shovel Flats where we were staying the first night.

As we walked along the valley we were able to soak up the spectacular mountain scenery on all sides. We passed by Aspiring hut and headed to the private hut owned by Mountain Recreation at Shovel Flats. the hut is a base for all the climbs in the area and was well stocked with food and supplies.