Catch dancing ribbons of green, pink, purple, and red light up the sky. These are the Southern Lights.
Aurora Australis – also known as the Southern Lights – is caused by magnetically driven explosions on the sun that result in an array of colours lighting up the night sky. The best time to witness these lights is from March to September, when nights are darkest and there's no cloud cover or moon. With the naked eye, you’ll see white vertical beams of light and if you're lucky some colour too. But to capture this celestial show in all its glory, you’ll need a high-quality smartphone or a camera with a low shutter speed.
Atmospheric conditions in New Zealand are so good for stargazing that DarkSky International(opens in new window) recognises nine locations as dark sky reserves, parks, or sanctuaries. All are amazing places to watch the Southern Lights.
The first island Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world, Great Barrier Island offers unobstructed ocean views that make it easier to see the aurora. The climate is warmer than most inland locations too, so you can enjoy longer, more comfortable aurora-watching sessions.
Facing to the south and east on the Wairarapa Coast, Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve has great vantage points for aurora sightings. This is one of New Zealand's largest dark sky reserves. Both Lake Wairarapa and Cape Palliser offer stunning reflections of the lights over water.
Located in the Nelson Tasman region, Wai-iti is known for expansive open landscapes that are ideal for panoramic night sky views. The park hosts star parties and sidewalk astronomy events to help visitors learn about the night sky.
Kaikoura is home to a coastal sanctuary that covers 98% of the district. The unobstructed ocean horizons are great for wide-angle aurora displays. While mountain backdrops create stunning contrasts between the sky and rugged peaks.
Aoraki Mackenzie International is the largest reserve of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Deep in the heart of Mount Cook, you can expect unmatched aurora visibility with next to no interference from artificial light. Prepare for epic aurora sightings set against a dramatic alpine backdrop.
Situated in the North Canterbury foothills, the Oxford Forest Conservation Area is a forest retreat. Experience clear, unobstructed views of the aurora above the treetops, without interference from artificial light or dense vegetation. You can go anytime – it's open 365 days a year, day and night.
Kawarau Gibbston is surrounded by gorges and The Remarkables, so you can expect naturally dark conditions. And because it sits at a southern latitude with high-altitude vantage points, you have a better chance of seeing the aurora on clear nights.
This sanctuary's location at the head of Lake Wakatipu creates stunning aurora reflections on the water. Sitting on the 45th parallel, this region is New Zealand's astronomical sweet spot for frequent aurora sightings and great visibility.
Rakiura in Māori means ‘land of the glowing skies’. With 85% of Stewart Island protected as a national park, you can enjoy views of the aurora from remote beaches, forest clearings, and elevated viewpoints that ensure unobstructed views of the night sky.
