Essential Info about Southern Lights in New Zealand
01
What are the “Southern Lights?”
Southern Lights which are known as Aurora Australis is one of the greatest creations of nature and can be seen from the southernmost parts of New Zealand. These ripples of light are nothing but the southern counterparts of Northern Lights. Oozing out neon colours like green, red, purple, blue, pink and red, Southern Lights paint the night sky into a stunning canvas.
Among all, the predominant colours which can be seen are Green and Pink.So, what causes such a spell-binding phenomenon? Upon coming into contact with Earth’s upper atmospheric layers, streams of charged particles from the Sun survive collision and effuse a neon glow. Every year, this mysterious event attracts many travellers from other parts of the world.
Among all, the predominant colours which can be seen are Green and Pink.So, what causes such a spell-binding phenomenon? Upon coming into contact with Earth’s upper atmospheric layers, streams of charged particles from the Sun survive collision and effuse a neon glow. Every year, this mysterious event attracts many travellers from other parts of the world.
02
Which is the best time of year to see the Southern Lights in New Zealand?
The best time of the year to see the Southern Lights in New Zealand is between March to September i.e. the Winter months. During this period, the surreal display of riot of colours usually takes place at midnight (12 AM- 1:30 PM).
Keep in mind that Aurora Australis doesn’t have a fixed schedule like the Aurora Borealis and appears at a half an hour’s notice.
Keep in mind that Aurora Australis doesn’t have a fixed schedule like the Aurora Borealis and appears at a half an hour’s notice.
03
Conditions to witness Southern Lights
Southern Lights in New Zealand which paints the night sky with enthralling colours appear under the following conditions:
- The occurrence of solar activity backed by strong gusts of solar winds.
- The sky should be pitch dark without any clouds.
- The total absence of artificial lights (city lights) or natural lights( moonlight).
- Head to the extreme south of New Zealand like Stewart Island, Lake Tekapo and The Catlins.
- March to September i.e. the Winter months are the perfect time to spot the Southern Lights in New Zealand. The Winter months are considered ideal because of the long hours of darkness.
- The occurrence of solar activity backed by strong gusts of solar winds.
- The sky should be pitch dark without any clouds.
- The total absence of artificial lights (city lights) or natural lights( moonlight).
- Head to the extreme south of New Zealand like Stewart Island, Lake Tekapo and The Catlins.
- March to September i.e. the Winter months are the perfect time to spot the Southern Lights in New Zealand. The Winter months are considered ideal because of the long hours of darkness.
04
What causes Southern Lights?
When streams of charged particles from the Sun come in contact with Earth’s upper atmospheric layers at a great speed, the charged particles undergo collision and effuse a neon glow. Thereafter, ripples of light are seen gracing the night sky for several hours. Predominant colours which can be seen are Green and Pink.
05
How can I photograph the Southern Lights?
1. Not only Southern Lights are spectacular to watch but they are equally gorgeous for photography. If you are planning to capture the sheer brilliance of Southern Lights in New Zealand, carry the followings:
- Sturdy Tripod
- Manual Mode Functionality Camera + 2-4 Extra Batteries
- Wide-angle Lens
- Sturdy Tripod
- Manual Mode Functionality Camera + 2-4 Extra Batteries
- Wide-angle Lens
2. In order to avoid movements, fixate your camera on the tripod and make sure to place it in a stable place. Manually select high ISO & keep the shutter speed at 18 seconds. Set the exposure to 4000, control the white balance and keep the aperture in the camera to the lowest.
3. Dark & clear sky will help you capture the best photos.
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06
Unknown Facts about Southern Lights
- Southern Lights in New Zealand are visible from space and satellites can take pictures of them.
- The smash-up of electronically charged particles from the Sun with distinctive oxygen atoms creates different colours.
- Other planets in our Solar System like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Mars also experience this charming phenomenon.
- As per folklore, Aurora Lights in New Zealand make noises similar to clapping sounds and hisses.
- The smash-up of electronically charged particles from the Sun with distinctive oxygen atoms creates different colours.
- Other planets in our Solar System like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Mars also experience this charming phenomenon.
- As per folklore, Aurora Lights in New Zealand make noises similar to clapping sounds and hisses.
Places to see Southern Lights in New Zealand
07
Lake Tekapo
In the inland South Island of New Zealand, Lake Tekapo is a scenic village. It is one of the best places to see Southern lights in New Zealand. The region experiences clear sky nights and is totally devoid of light pollution, which are 2 of the main conditions for witnessing the Aurora Lights New Zealand.
Lake Tekapo has also been honoured with a “Heritage Status” by the International Dark-Sky Association for having one of the darkest skies in the world. It has many lodgings and restaurants where travellers can sleep and eat during their venture to see the Southern Lights.
Lake Tekapo has also been honoured with a “Heritage Status” by the International Dark-Sky Association for having one of the darkest skies in the world. It has many lodgings and restaurants where travellers can sleep and eat during their venture to see the Southern Lights.
08
Stewart Island
Across the Foveaux Strait, Stewart Island is one of the popular places to see Southern Lights in New Zealand. It is located in the southern part of the South Island and is the last stop-off point before the Antarctic. Stewart Island is also known by the name Rakiura which roughly translates to ‘land of the glowing skies’.
The location has clear skies and the level of light pollution is closely controlled and is always under the radar. It has also been presented with the tag of Dark Sky Sanctuary by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
The location has clear skies and the level of light pollution is closely controlled and is always under the radar. It has also been presented with the tag of Dark Sky Sanctuary by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
09
The Otago Peninsula
In the easternmost part of Dunedin, Otago Peninsula offers an unforgettable experience with Southern lights in New Zealand. As the night falls, the coastal region offers a clear sky which is required for a brilliant appearance of Southern Lights.
All you have to do is take a seat in a suitable place and enjoy the mind-boggling view of the Southern Lights dancing in the sky on their happy tunes.
All you have to do is take a seat in a suitable place and enjoy the mind-boggling view of the Southern Lights dancing in the sky on their happy tunes.
10
The Catlins
In the southeastern corner of the South Island, The Catlins is one of the prime viewing spots to see the Southern lights in New Zealand. Featuring a scenic coastal landscape, it fulfils 2 of the major requirements for viewing the Aurora Lights New Zealand i.e. clear night sky and no light pollution. Besides, The Catlins also offer an excellent base for Stargazing as well.
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11
Chatham Islands
Due to clear skies, low light pollution and peaceful atmosphere, Chatham Islands is one of the best places to see Southern Lights in New Zealand. At a distance of 800 kilometres east of the South Island, the islands turn into a paradise every winter with green and pink displays.
It lures numerous Southern Lights ( Aurora Australis) enthusiasts who seek to witness this celestial phenomenon and tick-off an item from their bucket list.
It lures numerous Southern Lights ( Aurora Australis) enthusiasts who seek to witness this celestial phenomenon and tick-off an item from their bucket list.
12
Queenstown
Nestled against the Southern Alps, Queenstown is known for its natural attractions and Southern Lights is one of them. Stewart Island and The Catlins are 2 of the locations in Queenstown where one can see the Southern Lights in New Zealand.
Catch a glimpse of the twists and swirls of Aurora Australis in the backdrop of clear sky and absence of light pollution, and let its beauty engulf you.
Catch a glimpse of the twists and swirls of Aurora Australis in the backdrop of clear sky and absence of light pollution, and let its beauty engulf you.
13
Invercargill
One of the southernmost cities in the world, Invercargill offers all the right conditions to see the Southern lights in New Zealand. Low light pollution, dark sky and absence of clouds are the major requirements. As the midnight dawns upon, keep your eyes fixated on the sky to catch the ghostly glow across the night sky.
Through Invercargill, travellers can also access Stewart Island which is one of the eminent locations for seeing the Southern Lights.
Through Invercargill, travellers can also access Stewart Island which is one of the eminent locations for seeing the Southern Lights.
14
The Great Barrier Island
In the outer Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier Island is one of the hot spots for witnessing the Southern Lights in full glory. It is a recognised International Dark Sky Reserve known for its clear skies and low-light pollution. As the clock strikes midnight, stay ready with your camera perched on your sturdy tripod with necessary camera settings.
While the camera captures the finesse, watch the Aurora Australis with your naked eyes dancing in motion and decorating the sky with elegance.
While the camera captures the finesse, watch the Aurora Australis with your naked eyes dancing in motion and decorating the sky with elegance.
