Alex Knob Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

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.

This DOC directory entry covers Alex Knob Track in West Coast, within Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere / Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 17.2 km return via same track
• Walking time: 8 hr
• 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 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.

Getting there

Drive 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.

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.

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.

Nature and conservation

Vegetation changes visibly from rimu, rata and kamahi forest to sub-alpine New Zealand cedar and tree daisies. Forest birds, such as tui, bellbird, kereru (New Zealand wood pigeon), are heard regularly along the track, and sometimes the less common kaka and parakeet. Kea and pipit may be found on the higher sections of the track.

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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.