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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -42.65479, 171.34530. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 7 km return return via same track
- Walking time
- 8 hr return
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Lake Brunner area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Climb to the top of Mount French for spectacular views of Lake Brunner and the Southern Alps.
This DOC directory entry covers Mount French Track in West Coast, within Lake Brunner area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 7 km return return via same track
- Walking time: 8 hr return
- DOC grade: Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
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.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
