Aurora Viewing Locations in New Zealand

When people think of auroras, their minds often jump to the Northern Hemisphere’s dancing Northern Lights. But guess what? The Southern Hemisphere has its own celestial superstar—Aurora Australis! And where better to catch this cosmic light show than New Zealand, a unique experience that will leave you in awe? Let me take you on an adventure through why New Zealand is a dream location for aurora enthusiasts and spill the beans on the best places to witness this natural phenomenon. Spoiler alert: You’ll want to pack a thermos and head south (literally). Click here top view the Aurora Viewing Locations in New Zealand.

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Why New Zealand is a Stellar Spot for the Southern Lights

First, New Zealand is one of the few places to easily view the Southern Lights without needing a spaceship (or a one-way ticket to Antarctica). Thanks to its southern latitude and relatively low light pollution, New Zealand gives you a front-row seat to nature’s neon art show. The country’s long stretches of remote land and breathtaking southern-facing coastlines offer prime aurora-viewing opportunities, especially in the southern regions.

Top Spots for Aurora Viewing

Stewart Island / Rakiura

As New Zealand’s third-largest island and furthest south, Stewart Island is the holy grail for aurora seekers. Rakiura even means “The Land of Glowing Skies,” so you’re probably blinking too much if you’re not seeing the lights. The island is far from the lights of the mainland, offering minimal light pollution, and it gives you unobstructed views of the southern horizon. Hop on a ferry or a plane and prepare for a light show!

The Catlins, Southland

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the South Island, the Catlins is another fantastic spot. It’s rugged, wild, and wonderfully remote—ideal for getting that perfect darkness. A bonus? You’re also treated to epic coastal landscapes, so even if the aurora is shy, the scenery alone is worth the trip. Oh, and did I mention there are penguins?

Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve

Welcome to one of the darkest places on the planet, a certified Dark Sky Reserve! You’re guaranteed prime stargazing here; when the solar winds cooperate, the Southern Lights could be your evening’s headliner. Lake Tekapo also has that postcard-perfect backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a glittering lake, making it a picture-perfect viewing spot. Make sure to face south—no auroras in the north, folks!

Invercargill

Invercargill might not be on everyone’s tourist radar, but it’s a hidden gem for aurora hunters. It is located near the southern tip of the South Island and offers excellent viewing opportunities, especially along the coastline. Head out of town for minimal light pollution; you might catch those elusive lights.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a university town with a quirky vibe and killer coastal views, making it a great base for aurora-watching. Head out to Otago Peninsula or Brighton Beach for a better chance at catching the lights without the distraction of city lights. If you’re lucky, the Southern Lights will come out to play!

Why Light Pollution and Southern Views Matter

If there’s one golden rule in aurora chasing, it’s this: avoid light pollution like it’s your ex at a party. The aurora is a delicate beauty; artificial lights can wash out the colours and dim the entire experience. The darker your surroundings, the more vibrant and vivid the aurora will appear. So, finding a location far from city lights is not just a suggestion, it’s a necessity for a successful aurora-chasing adventure.

Also, since the Southern Lights, as the name suggests, show up in the southern sky, having a clear view in that direction is essential. Mountains, buildings, or other obstacles blocking the southern horizon? No dice! The more precise and broader your view, the better your chance of seeing the aurora stretch and shimmer across the sky.

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Arrowtown

Crown Range Road Scenic Lookout, Roaring Meg 9384, New Zealand
Wright Lookout, 2W3G+PX, Roaring Meg 9384, New Zealand
Crown Range Summit, Crown Range Road, Roaring Meg 9384, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Auckland

O’neill Bay Lookout
Te Henga Walkway, Muriwai 0781, New Zealand

Donald Mclean Lookout
Huia, Auckland 0604, New Zealand

Whatipu Beach
Whatipu Road, Huia, Auckland 0604, New Zealand

Ninepin Rock
WGX3+R8, Auckland 0604, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Blenheim

Ward Beach
Marlborough 7285, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Bluff

Lookout Point
Bluff 9814, New Zealand

Bluff Hill Lookout
180 Flagstaff Road, Bluff 9814, New Zealand

Stirling Point
39 Ward Parade, Bluff 9814, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Christchurch

Omahu Bush Reserve / Gibraltar Rock Car Park
Summit Road, Kennedys Bush, Christchurch 7672, New Zealand

Akaroa Head Scenic Reserve
Lighthouse Road, Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7581, New Zealand

Tambledown Bay
Te Oka 7591, New Zealand

Birdlings Flat Beach
Birdlings Flat 7591, New Zealand

Kaitorete Spit
Birdlings Flat 7591, New Zealand

Lakeside Domain Freedom Camping
251 Timber Yard Road, Leeston 7683, New Zealand

Coopers Lagoon
McEvedys Road, Southbridge 7683, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Dunedin

Rock View Point
1005 Brighton Road, Otago 9035, New Zealand

Blackhead Surfing Beach
Waldronville, Dunedin, New Zealand

Tunnel Beach Walking Track
25 Tunnel Beach Road, Blackhead, Dunedin 9076, New Zealand

Tomahawk Beach
Tomahawk Beach, Otago 9013, New Zealand

Smaills Beach
Smaills Beach, Otago 9077, New Zealand

Signal Hill Lookout
Signal Hill Road, Opoho, Dunedin 9010, New Zealand

Boulder Beach
Boulder Beach, Highcliff, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand

Sandfly Bay
Sandfly Bay, New Zealand, Sandymount 9077, New Zealand

Lovers Leap
Sandymount Road, Sandymount 9077, New Zealand

Sandymount – Allan‘s Beach Lookout
3119520, Sandymount 9077, New Zealand

Hooper’s Inlet Shed
273 Allans Beach Road, Cape Saunders 9077, New Zealand

Hoopers Inlet
Allans Beach Road, Cape Saunders 9077, New Zealand

Allans Beach
Allans Beach Road, Portobello, Dunedin 9077, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Feilding

South Beach
22P7+WR, Whanganui 4501, New Zealand

North Mole
unknown, Castlecliff, Whanganui 4501, New Zealand

Castlecliff Beach
Rangiora Street, Castlecliff, Whanganui 4501, New Zealand

Ototoka Beach
Ototoka Beach, Ototoka Beach Road, Pākaraka 4574, New Zealand

Tuuaropaki
4QQH+7H, Waiinu Beach 4587, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Gisborne

Titirangi
Kaiti, Gisborne 4010, New Zealand

Sponge Bay Beach
Wainui Beach, Gisborne 4010, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Hamilton

Hamilton’s Gap
238 West Coast Road, Āwhitu 2684, New Zealand

Karioitahi Beach
Karioitahi Beach, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Hawke’s Bay

Rocket Launch Viewing Area
127 Blucks Pit Road, Nūhaka 4198, New Zealand

Blackhead Beach
Blackhead Beach, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Hokitika

Dillmans Dam
85RW+FX, Dillmanstown 7875, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Invercargill

Oreti Beach North Entrance
810 Ferry Road, Taramoa 9879, New Zealand

Oreti Beach
Oreti Beach, 25 Dune Crescent, Southland 9879, New Zealand

Oreti Beach
Oreti Beach, Murihiku 9879, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Kaikōura

Pinnacle Rock
1406-1342, Peketā 7374, New Zealand

Luca’s Beach
Kaikōura 7374, New Zealand

Kaikoura Lookout
274 Scarborough Street, South Bay, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand

Dr. James A. Mills Bank
Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, Kaikōura Peninsula, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand

Whalers Bay
Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, Kaikōura Peninsula, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand

Seal beach
Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, Kaikōura Peninsula, Canterbury 7300, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Lower Hutt

Petone Beach, Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara 5012, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Napier

Rocket Launch Viewing Area, 127 Blucks Pit Road, Nūhaka 4198, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Nelson

Ward Beach, Ward Beach, Marlborough 7285, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near New Plymouth

Pouakai Circuit – Henry Peak Lookout
Taranaki 4391, New Zealand

Egmont National Park
Taranaki, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Oamaru

Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve, 89 Bushy Beach Road, South Hill, Awamoa 9400, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Picton

Ward Beach, Ward Beach, Marlborough 7285, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Pukekohe

Hamilton’s Gap
238 West Coast Road, Āwhitu 2684, New Zealand

Karioitahi Beach
Karioitahi Beach, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Queenstown

Lookout point, Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Mount Creighton 9371, New Zealand

Devil’s Staircase Lookout Point, 2911 Kingston Road, Kingston 9793, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Stewart Island / Rakiura

Boulder Beach
New Zealand, Southland, Ulva Island

Bragg Bay
Bragg Bay, Southland 9818, New Zealand

Butterfield Beach
Butterfield Beach, Southland 9818, New Zealand

Observation Rock Viewpoint
48 Excelsior Road, Oban 9818, New Zealand

Golden Bay Wharf
Golden Bay Road, Oban 9818, New Zealand

Watercress Beach
Watercress Beach, Southland 9818, New Zealand

Ringaringa Beach
Ringaringa Beach, Southland 9818, New Zealand

Wohler’s Monument
Ringaringa Road, Stewart Island / Rakiura 9818, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Te Anau

Free Barbecue
177 Te Anau Terrace, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand

Lake Henry Viewing Deck
117/179 Manapouri Te Anau Highway, Te Anau 9679, New Zealand

Te Anau Lions Lookout Point
265 Ramparts Road, Te Anau 9679, New Zealand

Supply Bay Recreational Area Parking
Supply Bay Road, Southland 9691, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Waitākere

O’neill Bay Lookout
Te Henga Walkway, Muriwai 0781, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Wānaka

Beacon Point
Wānaka 9305, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Wellington

Owhiro Bay Parade
Owhiro Bay Parade, Ōwhiro Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand

Te Kopahou Visitor Centre
Ōwhiro Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand

Owhiro Bay Beach
Ōwhiro Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand

Taputeranga Snorkel Trail
192 The Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand

Orchy Cres Lookout
Orchy Crescent, Southgate, Wellington 6023, New Zealand

Princess Beach
Princess Beach, Wellington 6023, New Zealand

Te Raekaihoe
Lyall Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand

Point view Breaker Bay
3809377, Breaker Bay, Wellington 6022, New Zealand

Ataturk Memorial Park
166 Breaker Bay Road, Breaker Bay, Wellington 6022, New Zealand

Aurora Viewing Locations Near Whanganui