Be Amazed by The Southern Lights (Aurora Australis)

What are the Southern Lights?

The Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis, is a natural light display in the Earth’s sky. This incredible display can provide stunning shimmers of pink, red, green, and purple light. This breathtakingly vibrant optical phenomenon is named after the Roman goddess of the dawn (Aurora).

How do the Southern Lights Form?

The varying colors of the aurora are produced by different gases in the atmosphere reacting with the solar particles. These stunning displays of colored light result from collisions between electrically charged particles in Earth's atmosphere and charged particles from the sun, often delivered through solar flares. 

When can you see the Southern Lights?

The best time to witness the Aurora Australis is from March to September, when the nights are longer. During the equinoxes, the Earth’s magnetic fields point in opposite directions, allowing more solar wind to penetrate, causing strong geomagnetic activity. keep in mind that that there is no fixed schedule and they occur at short notice.

Best Conditions for the Southern Lights:

• In a remote area away from light pollution
• A night with minimal cloud cover
• A clear view to the south
• Late at night
• In the winter

Can you see the Southern Lights with the Naked Eye?

A camera with a long exposure can capture more detail and the vivid colors of the Southern Lights but in ideal conditions, the Aurora Australis can occasionally be seen without the use of a camera. Typically, it appears as vertical beams of white light, but if the display is particularly strong, you might catch glimpses of its vibrant colors with the naked eye.
 

Photo by Matt Hall

Where can you see the Southern Lights?

New Zealand:

The closer you are to the south pole, the greater the chance of seeing a strong display. That is why you are most likely to see them in the South Island of New Zealand.

• Queenstown & Wanaka
• Fiordland National Park
• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
• Tekapo

Australia:

Being the most southern state in Australia, Tasmania is the best place for Aurora hunting.

• Bruny Island - specifically the southernmost point of The Neck and Cloudy Bay
• Satellite Island
• Cradle Mountain-lake St Clair National Park

Dark Sky Reserves

Dark sky reserves are internationally recognised as having some of the planets clearest and darkest night skies. 2 of the worlds 22 dark sky reserves are located in New Zealand. 

• The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve - located in the North Island
• Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - located in the South Island and is the worlds biggest dark sky reserve

Due to its southern location the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve offers a better chance of seeing the Southern Lights. Dark sky reserves are also amazing spots to go stargazing. Mount John Observatory in Lake Tekapo is not to be missed. Read everything you need to know about Stargazing in New Zealand.

Exciting Aurora News From NASA

NASA has predicted heightened solar activity through the end of 2025, offering a thrilling opportunity for aurora hunters and amateur astronomers alike, sparking excitement among both visitors and locals.