Best Places to See the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis)
While the Northern Lights get most of the fame, the Aurora Australis—the Southern Lights—is a more elusive and equally breathtaking phenomenon. Because there is less landmass in the far south, finding the right viewing spot is key. From the rugged coastlines of Tasmania to the mountain peaks of New Zealand, here is where you can find the southern glow.
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01Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo is arguably the best place in the Southern Hemisphere for astronomy. The Southern Lights here often appear as a vibrant pink or green glow over the Southern Alps.
Highlight:
- World-class dark sky certification (Bortle 1-2).
- The Church of the Good Shepherd provides an iconic silhouette for photographers.
- Professional observatories on-site (Mt. John).
Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Travel Tripod
“Stable, lightweight tripod for long-exposure photography.”
Why we love it
NZ winds can be brutal. You need a tripod that's portable enough for hiking but stable enough to keep your camera still for 20-second exposures.
02South Arm Peninsula, Tasmania
Tasmania is the closest you can get to the south magnetic pole while still being on a civilized landmass. The South Arm Peninsula, just south of Hobart, is a favorite for local 'aurora hunters.'
Pro Tip:
- Look south over the ocean to avoid light pollution from Hobart.
- Use our live Kp index on the dashboard to time your trip. A Kp of 5 or higher is usually needed for a visible display in Tasmania.
Southern Advantage
03Stewart Island, New Zealand
Known as 'Rakiura' (the land of glowing skies) in Māori, Stewart Island is New Zealand's southernmost populated island and a designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Why go:
- Extremely remote and undisturbed darkness.
- The most southerly accessible viewing points in New Zealand.
- Incredible biodiversity and birdwatching during the day.
Remote Access
Take the ferry from Bluff for a true off-grid adventure.
Pure Dark
One of the few places with almost zero light pollution.
Celestial Pole
Perfect for capturing star trails around the South Celestial Pole.
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