Alex Knob Track

Climbing Alex Knob will reward trampers with some of the most spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier. This is not a stroll in the park though, a return trip will take eight hours or more with a steady uphill climb of over 1000m. This is a tramping track with rough terrain so you will need to be prepared to climb over windfalls and watch out for obstacles. However, a lot of track work from the jobs for nature team has cleared the track making it so much easier. Despite the endless zig-zags, the thick forest and bird life make it worth the time to take a break. Rata Lookout is the first welcome respite with magnificent views of the glacier far below, then further on Christmas Lookout and views up ahead of the summit. The next part of the trip is our favourite with sub-alpine plants that create a picturesque garden such as Leatherwood, Dracophyllum Hebes and Coprosma, as well as more zig-zagging as we climb to the summit of 1303. 360-degree views await you here, with the Southern Alps, the Tasman Sea, and the tiny village below, while the whole Franz Josef Glacier lies before you. ​​

The top of the Alex Knob track

The mighty Franz Josef Glacier

View on the way up from Christmas lookout

Sunset from the tops

Views from the tops of the Waiho river

Views from the tops out toward Ribbonwood Retreat and Lake Mapourika