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Camp on Alex Knob

Westland National Park, New Zealand

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

11 miles

Elevation Gain

3800 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

Experience the varied terrain, flora and fauna of the remote New Zealand west coast, including rainforest, sub-alpine scrub and alpine meadows, and then enjoy fantastic views of the Franz Josef Glacier and the Southern Alps at sunrise and sunset.

From Highway 6 on the New Zealand South Island's west coast, take the Glacier Access Road for 2km to where the signposted Alex Knob track begins. There will be a obvious parking lot on the right.

The trail begins at the parking lot breaks off to the left from the Lake Wombat trail about a half-mile on. The trail then proceeds steeply uphill past the Rate and Christmas Lookouts, which are marked.

The summit is clearly marked. The trail proceeds past the summit towards Ebenezer and Lemmer Peaks, where excellent campsites can be found amongst the tussock.

Watch out for the Kea, the "cheeky" alpine parrot that will absolutely try to break into your packs to steal your food and will even fly off with your non-food related items.

As a multi-day add-on, you can follow the ridge line and use-trail from Alex Knob across Ebenezer Peak and up to Lemmer Peak.

Be sure to check the weather before you climb and, in the winter months, expect snow above the Christmas Lookout so take the appropriate gear (crampons, ice axe).

Camping is allowed all throughout Tai Poutini National Park but be sure, particularly in winter, to follow the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions Process which you can do via their website here.

Other helpful information can be found on the New Zealand Department of Conservation Alex Knob Track website.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Groups
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Camp on Alex Knob Reviews

We did this recently as a day hike in January. It took about 5 hours round trip moving at a good pace but still stopping for lunch at the top and waitig for fog to clear to get a good glimpse of the glacier. Despite a massive rain storm the day before, the trail was in good condition on the way up, although rain on the descent accumulated quickly on the trail. The only downside to this trail was the evident overuse due to it's massive popularity. There was trash on the side of the trail and I saw people taking some not-too-discreet toilet opportunities up at the top.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Franz Josef Glacier

Hike to Robert's Point (Franz Josef Glacier)

Explore Peter's Pool

Watch the Sunset from the Waiho River Bridge

Heli Ice Climb on Fox Glacier

Hike to the Fox Glacier