Aurora Australis is the scientific term given to the natural light phenomenon of the Southern Lights in New Zealand. It is the same phenomenon that occurs as its more famous, northern sibling the aurora borealis.
Plasma particles radiated by the sun collide with matter in our atmosphere. This excites these atoms and molecules and causes ionization. These atoms and molecules release this energy in the form of what we see as the swirly colors of the night sky.
While the aurora borealis may be the more famous one, the aurora australis occurs far more regularly and visitors have a far greater chance of seeing the Aurora Australis in New Zealand, and can be seen throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit (Season) to See the Aurora Australis
Although visitors have a far greater chance of seeing the aurora australis in New Zealand than they would the aurora borealis in Europe, there are still several considerations to keep in mind while planning a trip to the country.
The aurora australis in New Zealand can be seen most clearly during the winter months between June and August. These days are shorter during the winter and have long hours of darkness, maximizing your ability to see the aurora.
The moon's cycle may also affect visibility, so try to align your trip with a day that doesn’t fall on a full moon, as it may obscure the aurora.
The springtime months between September and November are also good times to see the aurora australis in New Zealand, as the weather is drastically more pleasant then.
While the aurora australis can technically be spotted in New Zealand during the summer months between December and April, it is more difficult to get a glimpse of it during this time of year.
Autumn is similar to spring in that there are fairly good chances of seeing the aurora australis as the night draws on. Travelers visiting the region during this time of year also have the bonus of seeing the warm fall colors envelop the Mackenzie Basin region.
Where to See the Aurora Australis Around New Zealand
New Zealand is remarkable because there are many places around the South Island where you can see incredible views of the Aurora Australis.
1. Queenstown
2. Lake Tekapo
3. The Catlins
4. Stewart Island
Stewart Island is another popular destination in New Zealand for stargazing and spotting the aurora australis. Since over 85% of the island comprises the Rakiura National Park, there’s plenty to do during the day while you wait for the night to see the aurora. 5. The Great Barrier Island
The Great Barrier Island, just off the coast near Auckland, is another International Dark Sky Reserve that was designated in 2017. This is probably the best option for travelers who are not planning on heading to the South Island. 6. Invercargill
New Zealand’s southernmost city, Invercargill, is among the most popular tourist destinations for seeing the Aurora Australis. Since the aurora originates near the South Pole, Invercargill offers visitors some of the best chances to catch one of nature’s most famous phenomena. Best Weather Conditions to See Aurora Australis
Most people searching for the aurora australis in New Zealand tend to stay updated on the weather conditions because while the southern aurora is more frequent, it is also highly unpredictable. This makes it highly subject to weather changes, and it has even been known to appear within half an hour’s notice. Therefore, to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora, travelers should try to align their trips while keeping daily weather conditions in mind.
Auroras are a result of strong solar winds reacting with the earth’s magnetic field and, as a result, need not just dark skies free of light pollutants but also free of cloud cover. Additionally, the moon may obscure the aurora, so a night free of moonlight will increase your odds of catching it.