Alex Knob Track
WalkWest CoastOpen
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 8 hr
- Distance
- 17.2 km
- Route
- Return
- Dogs
- No dogs
Access: read before you go
Locals and other car park users can purchase an annual permit. Permits cannot be purchased at the payment machines and need to be purchased online.
How to pay fees or buy an annual permit.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzDrive or walk south from Franz Josef/Waiau township, cross the Waiho bridge, and turn left onto the glacier access road for 2 km where the Alex Knob track begins, signposted on the right-hand side of the road.
You can park your car at the Alex Knob/Wombat carpark. If full, use the main car park for Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Then walk back down the road via the public walking track on the left-hand side to the start of the Alex Knob Track.
DOC charges fees for car parking at Franz Josef Glacier.
The fees are $2.50 per half hour or $20 a day. If you arrive and leave within 10 minutes, parking is free. If you plan to stay for longer than 10 minutes you must pay on arrival.
Payment machines that accept debit and credit cards are highly visible at each site. Cash payments are not accepted.
Locals and other car park users can purchase an annual permit. Permits cannot be purchased at the payment machines and need to be purchased online.
How to pay fees or buy an annual permit.
Car parking fees
DOC charges fees for car parking at Franz Josef Glacier. The fees are $2.50 per half hour or $20 a day. If you arrive and leave within 10 minutes, parking is free. If you plan to stay for longer than 10 minutes you must pay on arrival. Payment machines that accept debit and credit cards are highly visible at each site. Cash payments are not accepted. Locals and other car park users can purchase an annual permit. Permits cannot be purchased at the payment machines and need to be purchased online. How to pay fees or buy an annual permit .
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 43.40922° S, 170.16371° E
About this place
This is a challenging day hike with a reward of the best views of Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere without taking a helicopter flight. In summer, make sure you start your hike early to avoid afternoon cloud.
The route
The start of the Alex Knob Track begins on the right-hand side of the Franz Josef Glacier access road at the Alex Knob/Lake Wombat carpark. The first part of the track is a steady climb through lowland forests to the Rata lookout which will offer glimpses of the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. To reach this lookout will take about 2 hours. The track continues for a further hour at a gentler grade to Christmas Lookout. This is a good rest spot for the climb to Alex Knob and offers fantastic views of the glacier on a clear sunny day. The next part of the track is a steady climb to the forest through to the sub-alpine scrub zone, then alpine meadows and herb fields. You will be rewarded with stunning views of glaciers, mountains and seascapes at various viewpoints along the way to the Alex Knob summit. To return back to the carpark and start point follow the track back the way you came.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Be prepared
This track is for experienced and well-equipped day hikers. Afternoon cloud is a common feature of the local weather during summer. Start your walk early in the morning to reach the summit before the afternoon cloud begins to obscure your views. Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip.
What to take
The track is steep in places and proper hiking boots are recommended. Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. Carry drinking water, as there is no other water sources on the track. Carry and use insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
Winter conditions
In the winter months, snow is likely above Christmas Lookout . Do not go beyond the snowline if you are inexperienced in walking in alpine areas in winter conditions.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
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Castle Rocks Hut
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Almer Hut
Serviced Alpine • 12 bunks • West Coast • 8.1 km
Almer Hut is a well-known hut in the West Coast region, situated above Franz Josef Glacier. It offers excellent views down the valley and across to the high…
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Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).