Start Alex Knob Trail

The Alex Knob Track is a challenging but rewarding hiking trail located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park in New Zealand.

The trail is approximately 15 kilometers long and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trailhead starts at around 2km on the Glacier Access Road and climbs steadily up through a variety of forest. The track zigzags up to Rata Lookout for a view of the Franz Josef Glacier. From there, follow the marked track to the summit.

The track to Alex Knob climbs steadily from lowland forest through sub-alpine scrub to alpine meadows and herb fields, affording superb views of glaciers. The trail is rugged and beautiful, with native bush and tussock fields opening up above the tree line. The trail is challenging and requires a good level of fitness and experience, but the stunning views make it a must-do for experienced bush walkers.

To ensure safety, it is important to take the right gear for your trip, including walking and tramping gear. It is also important to tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. The Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre can be contacted for more information.

In summary, the Alex Knob Track is a challenging but rewarding hiking trail in New Zealand, offering stunning views of the Franz Josef Glacier from both the Rata and Christmas Lookouts. The trail is approximately 15 kilometers long and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. It is important to take the right gear for your trip and tell a trusted person your plans for safety.