Go Further: How to Catch an Aurora on Stewart Island

You’ve heard of the Northern Lights – the aurora borealis, the mystical lights seen in northern regions from Greenland to Finland. But fewer people have heard of the Southern Lights, the aurora australis. The colourful phenomenon is even more elusive than its northern counterpart, only visible from largely remote destinations at specific times in the year – New Zealand is one of them. For hardcore astro-gazers, here’s what you need to know:

1. Winter (June-August) is the best time for aurora hunting (and stargazing) in New Zealand. The daylight hours are shorter, meaning there’s more darkness to enjoy the show. Also be aware of the phase of the moon, because its light can considerably dampen any visible aurora activity.

2. The further south you are, the better your chances. Maximise your luck on Rakiura/Stewart Island, 30 kilometres off the coast of the South Island. The Travel Insider offers aurora tours, timed for a good chance to see the aurora.

3. Log onto aurora-service.net for an aurora forecast. This service can tell you with reasonable accuracy how the Southern Lights will behave.

4. Download an aurora alert app like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts that will let you know when you’re likely to see the aurora in your location.

5. Set up a long exposure on your camera – the ghostly bands can appear faint or white to the naked human eye, but a camera will catch the rich colours you can’t see.

6. Use a red torch for lighting, so as not to destroy your night vision.