CHASING THE SOUTHERN LIGHTS NEW ZEALAND - A GUIDE TO THE AURORA AUSTRALIS
- Rach Stewart
- 7 hours ago
- 11 min read
Witnessing and capturing the South Lights of New Zealand or aka The Aurora Australis is one of those incredible once in a life time phenomena on almost every photographers bucket list. I was lucky enough to witness the Southern Lights very early on in my photography journey and it is a moment I will never forget.
It was 2016 and my friends and I had camped out at a lake in Twizel where we were hoping to try for some astrophotography.
We set up our cameras and took a few test shots, not knowing that the Aurora Australis was already starting to dance in the sky. Checking the backs of the camera screens we were beyond excited to see green and red colour on the horizon .. and little did we know that the show was just starting.
The rest of the night was a mind blowing experience watching the sky literally dance in front of our eyes. Shades of red, green and purple filling the night sky, beams tip toeing across from left to right, all seen clearly with our naked eye. The images on the camera were absolutely breathtaking but actually seeing and watching the show was a moment etched in the memory bank forever.
Some 8 years later in 2024 I would get to experience the Southern Lights again, but this time the show was absolutely apocalyptic (the best word I can think of to describe it!) . The May 2024 geomagnetic storm was the most powerful to affect Earth since March 1989, and produced aurora at far more equatorial latitudes than usual in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
It .. was .. epic .. and I just happened to be in the South Island of New Zealand at the time to see it. Through this experience I thought I would share some of the valuable lessons I learnt capturing the Aurora Australis in New Zealand so you can be prepared for when the next solar storm happens.
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CONTENTS
WHAT IS THE AURORA AUSTRALIS AKA THE SOUTHERN LIGHTS IN NEW ZEALAND
The Aurora Australis, similar to its northern equivalent, the Aurora Borealis, is a natural light phenomenon that happens when charged solar particles collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere. This usually occurs close to the geomagnetic poles, where Earth's magnetic field lines come together. As these solar particles enter the Earth's atmosphere, they interact with gases like oxygen and nitrogen, leading them to emit light. This interaction produces a stunning array of colours and patterns, which differ depending on the type of gas and the altitude of the collisions.
The colours seen in auroras are determined by the type of gas that collides. Oxygen, for instance, causes the commonly seen green and occasionally red shades in auroras. These are the colours that are typically seen with the Southern Lights in New Zealand and the Aurora Australis.
Nitrogen can create blue or purplish-red colours and are more often seen in the Northern Hemisphere. The distinctive patterns and shapes of the aurora, like arcs, spikes, spirals, and curtains, are shaped by the Earth's magnetic field and the behavior of the solar wind.
The sun's activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, plays a crucial role in the intensity and frequency of auroral displays. During periods of high solar activity, known as solar maxima, the chances of witnessing a vibrant aurora increase.
APPS AND WEBSITES TO TRACK THE AURORA AUSTRALIS IN NEW ZEALAND
If you happen to be travelling around (especially in the South Island) or are lucky enough to live in a location that sees the Aurora Australis easily, there are a number of websites, Facebook Groups and apps that can help predict whether an aurora will be in the forecast.
Aurora activity is measured on the KP scale, where 0 represents the weakest level and 9 indicates the strongest. A KP level of 5 or higher is classified as a geomagnetic storm, which enhances the likelihood of observing auroras.
Aurora Australis forecasting I have used include:
GLENDALE WORLDWIDE AURORA ALERTS
To use the Glendale Aurora Alerts app, simply download it, enable notifications for your location, and you'll receive real time alerts when aurora activity is likely visible near you.
I have found that this app has the most accurate and up to date real time data. It takes a little getting used to and understanding, but the information is real time which is what matters the most when you're chasing the Aurora. They have a detailed user guide on the website.
You can get alerts from the app on your iPhone but you have to be a bit devious and get them via Telegram.
Install the Telegram App and follow: Aurora Alerts UK (Glendale App).
SPACEWEATHERLIVE
Spaceweatherlive.com tracks key indicators like the Bz, solar wind speed, and the auroral oval. It is very reliable for forecasting substorms and planning aurora outings.
MY AURORA FORECAST & ALERTS APP
Aurora app for iOS & Android that lets you set custom alerts for your location (including NZ).
This app has a great UI showing KP index, cloud cover, and visibility chances.
NEW ZEALAND AURORA AUSTRALIS GROUP
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO EXPERIENCE THE SOUTHERN LIGHTS
A lot of the time, it really comes down to luck as to whether you will see the Southern Lights or not. During the May 2024 solar storm, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. However .. there is a certain time of the year when the chances of seeing the Aurora Australis heightens. In New Zealand, the optimal time to see the Southern Lights (and any kind of astrophotography) is during the autumn/winter months, from March to September, and during a clear night. This season offers longer nights, which means more darkness and a higher chance of observing an aurora. The Milkyway core is in the sky, and the winter solstice, around June 21st, signifies the peak of these lengthy nights, making it perfect for aurora hunting and star gazing.
While winter offers the best chances of seeing the Aurora Australis, it’s also important to consider the moon phase. A new moon provides the darkest skies, allowing the Aurora’s colours to stand out vividly against the backdrop of stars. Conversely, a full moon can wash out the subtle hues of the aurora, making it less visible. Planning your trip around the lunar calendar can enhance your Aurora viewing experience significantly... but remember ... there is the luck factor at play also!
Besides the time of year and moon phase, weather conditions play a critical role in Aurora Australis visibility. Clear, cloudless nights are essential for an unobstructed view of the sky. New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to monitor local weather forecasts and be prepared to adapt your plans.
BEST LOCATIONS IN NEW ZEALAND FOR VIEWING THE SOUTHERN LIGHTS
In New Zealand, the South Island is the place to be if you want to have a good chance at seeing an Aurora Australis display. Having said that .. the solar storm of May 2024 saw the entire country looking at the skies and seeing vibrant colours from top to bottom. But generally, the further south you can be, the more chance you have of seeing the aurora.
Some of the best photo locations in New Zealand for seeing the Southern Lights include:
NELSON LAKES
Photographing the Aurora Australis in the Nelson Lakes area and in particular Lake Rotoiti at the Kerr Bay jetty makes for a beautiful composition with the jetty pointing directly south. While it’s not the most southern location in New Zealand, with its dark skies and snow capped peaks in winter, this spot offers a stunning backdrop for capturing the Southern Lights.
CANTERBURY AND KAIKOURA
While Canterbury and Kaikoura aren’t the first places that come to mind for viewing the Aurora Australis, their wide open skies, coastal vantage points, and occasional bursts of strong geomagnetic activity can make for some beautiful Aurora Australis viewing. When the conditions are right especially during high KP events places like Birdlings Flat (pictured above), the Port Hills and Lake Ellesmere are all great places to go that look South.
MACKENZIE, TWIZEL AND TEKAPO
Some of my most memorable nights under the stars waiting for the Southern Lights to appear have been spent in Mackenzie regional and in particular Tekapo and Twizel. The first time I ever saw the Aurora Australis was in Twizel at the Wairepo Arm lake and it was incredible.
These two spots, right in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, offer some of the clearest, darkest skies in New Zealand, and some of the best reflecting lakes, perfect for aurora chasing.
Wairepo Arm, the Kelland Ponds and Lake Ruataniwha all have areas that point directly south and are perfect for capturing the Southern Lights.
The wide open plains of the Mackenzie basin especially around Tekapo also make for great viewing and compositions when the Aurora Australis is on show.
AORAKI MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
With minimal light pollution, wide open valleys, and a clear view south, the Mount Cook area of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is a dream location for aurora chasers and star gazers.
For viewing the Aurora Australis, looking back south from locations like the Hooker Valley car park, along the road to Tasman Glacier, or from up higher (and more challenging) like the Sefton Bivvy hike or the Mount Wakefield hike, will make for some beautiful Southern Lights photography.
QUEENSTOWN LAKES INCLUDING WANAKA AND GLENORCHY
Chasing the Aurora Australis in the Queenstown Lakes region, including Wanaka and Glenorchy, provides for some great locations for Aurora photography. While it's not the most southern spot in the country, the combination of dramatic mountains, reflective lakes, and relatively low light pollution makes it a stunning place to catch the Southern Lights when the conditions are right.
Some prime locations all where you can get views facing south include:
Meiklejohns Bay along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
Coronet Peak in Queenstown
and Eely Point Reserve in Wanaka
FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
Photographing the Aurora Australis in Fiordland National Park is a rare and unforgettable experience. With its deep, remote valleys, towering peaks, and untouched wilderness, Fiordland offers one of the most dramatic backdrops in New Zealand for capturing the Southern Lights.
Some good locations for Southern Lights in Fiordland National Park include: Lake Gunn, Lake Te Anau, Lake Henry Te Anau and Lake Manapouri.
OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND INCLUDING STEWART ISLAND
Southland is one of the best regions in New Zealand to view and photograph the Aurora Australis. Thanks to its southerly latitude, low levels of light pollution, and wide open landscapes with clear views to the southern horizon, it provides excellent conditions for capturing the Southern Lights.
Popular locations all offering unique foregrounds and vantage points include Hoopers Inlet Dunedin, Tunnel Beach Dunedin, Sandfly Bay Dunedin, Nugget Point Lighthouse The Catlins, Waipapa Point Lighthouse The Catlins, Stewart Island
WHAT CAMERA GEAR DO I NEED TO CAPTURE THE AURORA AUSTRALIS SOUTHERN LIGHTS
Photographing the Southern Lights requires a blend of skill, patience, and the right equipment.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is essential for capturing the intricate details and vibrant colours of the aurora.
A wide angle lens (like the 16-35mm or similar) preferably with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or lower), allows more light to enter the camera, which is an important aspect of night photography.
A sturdy tripod is indispensable for keeping your camera stable during long exposures. Any movement, even minor, can blur your images. Additionally, using a remote shutter release or the camera’s self-timer function can prevent camera shake when you press the shutter button.
Extra batteries and memory cards!
OTHER ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR AURORA CHASING IN NEW ZEALAND
Preparing for an aurora chasing adventure requires more than just a camera. Here are some tips for some of the extra gear you might like to take with you while you're out chasing the night sky.
Dressing appropriately for the cold, especially during the winter months, is crucial. Layering your clothing with thermal wear, a good quality down jacket, and waterproof outer layers will keep you warm and dry. Also add in a hat, gloves, and warm socks to protect all those important bits!
A headlamp with a red light setting is an invaluable tool for nighttime excursions. The red light preserves your night vision, making it easier to adjust camera settings and navigate your surroundings without disturbing the natural darkness.
Hand warmers can also be a welcome addition to your kit, providing extra warmth during long waits.
Water and snacks .. or even better, hot coffee, chocolate or tea in a flask to keep you warm.
A portable chair or blanket can make your wait more comfortable, especially if you find yourself in a remote location with limited amenities.
Being well prepared ensures that you can focus on the experience and the beauty of the Southern Lights without discomfort or distraction.
TIPS FOR CAPTURING STUNNING PHOTOS OF THE AURORA AUSTRALIS
For the best results and aurora photos, using a sturdy tripod and a wide angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is super important.
Your camera settings should typically range between the following settings:
ISO - depending on how strong the Aurora Australis is on the night, you will usually have an ISO setting anywhere between ISO800 (pictured above on a very strong aurora evening) and ISO6400 (weaker aurora). You will most likely need to change your ISO settings throughout an aurora event due to the ebbs and flow of the solar storm.
Aperture - this will depend on what kind of lens you have, but an aperture of f/2.8 is what I have used when taking all of my images of the aurora.
Shutter Speed - between 5 to 15 seconds, depending on the brightness and movement of the aurora. Keep an eye on the KP index and Bz values beforehand, and always arrive early to let your eyes adjust and frame your composition before the lights begin to dance.
CONCLUSION
Chasing the Aurora Australis in New Zealand is a truly unforgettable experience ... one that combines patience, planning, and a bit of luck with mother nature and solar storms created by the sun.
Whether you're standing by a quiet lake in Twizel, marvelling under the dark skies of Aoraki Mount Cook, or on the rugged coastline of Southland, the moment those ethereal Southern Lights appear is nothing short of magic. It’s a reminder of just how special this corner of the world is.
So check the forecasts, keep your camera close, and when the conditions align, get out there .. you never know when the Southern Lights will put on a show you'll remember for a lifetime!
Thanks for taking to time to read my Chasing the Southern Lights New Zealand Aurora Australis Guide. I hope it helps when you get to experience this amazing phenomenon.
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