Alex KnobBeginner - Intermediate
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bushRiversideOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/tops
Beginner - Intermediate
5:00 (Slow)
3:45 (Moderate)
2.30 (Fast)
-15.2%
+15.2%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
Very easy run to follow (just not to run) - from the carpark follow the signs. After about 1.5km of 'tourist footpath' you will see the sign pointing left to Alex Knob. Take this and start to climb. Reasonably well groomed at first, but climbing it soon gets more technical and from there to the top is a real mix.
There are two viewpoints of the Glacier on the way up... the Rata and the Christmas... take the time and get some shots if it's clear, because it can change quickly and not be there when you get back. As you near the top you will think you see the Knob, however there are several 'false Knobs' before you actually reach the top.
Have a breath, take pics if its clear and head back the way you came.
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Features of interest
Two of the best views you can hope to get of Franz Josef Glacier. If you get a clear day on top, you may even get the very best!
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 0%
Technical Single Track: 35%
Moderate Single Track: 30%
Easy Single Track: 35%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 0%
Gravel Road: 0%
Sealed Road: 0%
Route Data
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Access
Heading south out of Franz Josef, cross the bridge and turn left on the Glacier Access Road, there is only one official carpark on the way in on the right hand side after about 1km... if you get as far as the main carpark you have missed it, so turn around and head back.
There is carpark for about 8 vehicles although it is often full, just up or down the road there are other places to park your vehicle off the road.
1 km
2 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Easy.
Very patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.
Surprisingly for the area, there is no water other than a couple of small tarns where the water has been standing for probably too long to drink.
This route can have snow and ice in winter, so if you are attempting it then, make sure you have a full set of gear, microspikes, and all the safety gear and clothing. There are also a couple of boggy areas that could become tougher in winter.
Quite a few rocks to manouvre over, so be careful if wet.
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See other runs nearby:
Okarito Majesty
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Frolic
Canavan Knob
Roberts Point Track
Tartare Tunnel Track
