There are great tracks around the lake ideal for bikers and hikers and all with wonderful views of this alpine region. This is the perfect spot to contemplate nature’s wonders. New Zealand is a great place to see the Southern Lights. Our activities page above gives more detail on many of the free and optional activities that you might choose to do on your Southern Light tour and how it all works. Located a two-hour drive from Melbourne, Philip Island is a great spot for trying to see … There are plenty of wildlife encounters along the way (such as whales, dolphins, seals and penguins) as well as the odd adrenalin rush such as rafting grade 5 rapids and many other great activities. Their sister page Aurora Australis is great for discussion and several resources. This southern city is also home to the world’s steepest residential street, which makes for a great challenge to see who can get to the top first! John Observatory which is home to some of the largest telescopes in New Zealand. Its name is the Scots Gaelic word for Edinburgh, a testament to the mostly Scottish settlers who came here. Reach the island by ferry from downtown Auckland or by air from Auckland, Coromandel, Northland, Tauranga, and Hamilton. This is a camping and adventure tour for intrepid lovers of nature as well as those seeking a unique snapshot of our great outdoors. Book Globus’ New Zealand vacations and tour Rotorua, Auckland & more. , Custom drawn artwork bring constellations to life. A tour company is packing Air New Zealand Dreamliners with aurora hunters and launching flights chasing the 'Southern Lights'. Flying Kiwi Southern Light - 10 day tour from Picton to Queenstown. Your email address will not be published. This unique VR Tour experience of Lake Tekapo’s Dark Night Sky Reserve features stunning 360 degree images of the stars in an incredible time lapse of the entire night sky including the ‘Aurora Australis’ or Southern Lights. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the many hidden gems in this gorgeous country, such as the atmospheric Larnach Castle in Dunedin or the stunning Art Deco architecture of 1930s-built Napier. . Southern Light South Island Tour , Buy Tours & Tickets. Our camp is a short walk from the beach and you walk the short distance to St.Clair to grab some food at one of the laid back water front restaurants. Call us FREE on 1855 979 6662. Iceland. With so much to do we spend a full day in fantastic Queenstown with the opportunity to enjoy those once in a lifetime experiences (don’t forget to try the legendary and very tasty fergburger!). To follow this campervan driving itinerary, pick up and return your vehicle at our Auckland branch. Answer 1 of 9: Having investigated the northern lights the southern lights are lesser known but a good bet on South Island, a trip to Christchurch in the longest darkest part of winter increases the chances of seeing them? Travelling with a group of like-minded and respectful people was the highlight of the trip for me. Buy Tours & Tickets. Your best chance is on the southern tip of both Tasmania and New Zealand, where a dark sky will help you see any active auroras over the southern horizon. As with any natural phenomenon, we try to predict the aurora australis but flexibility is the order of the day. New Zealand is a space enthusiast’s dream. Suggest an edit. This trip makes a great introduction to see for yourself why we love New Zealand. The southern lights or aurora australis are only visible in the southern hemisphere. A traditional Maori concert and feast and a visit to the ancient glaciers of the West Coast are just some of the highlights of this spectacular New Zealand adventure. Also located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, there is nearly no light pollution out here, making for some stellar views of the sky. Go for a walk to a view point and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean and try and spot a little blue penguin along the shore. 8 Days. Customise Your Trip: It is possible to only do part of the route - maybe you want to start in Christchurch and finish in Te Anau. My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! Before heading south, we make a stop at the nearby Moeraki Boulders - a collection of perfectly round rocks each weighing up to 4 tonnes that sit down on the beach, and then it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin - the South Island's second-largest city. Queenstown thrives year round with its superb alpine facilities and ski slopes - it was recently voted one of the top 25 cities in the World by a top travel magazine and we know why! In Tasmania, Aurora Australis Tasmania is the most active group, and in New Zealand, Aurora Australis – New Zealand is another popular group. Sometimes referred to as the 8th wonder of the world this Fiord is quite incredible with towering sea cliffs and dramatic waterfalls the Milford cruise is one of the highlights of any trip to New Zealand. Call us FREE on 1855 979 6662. Home / Northern lights tours Northern Lights Tours & Trips. Featured image by Paul Stewart via Flickr. Simply outstanding. Watching the Southern Lights in Invercargill. If planning a visit here, be sure to check our New Zealand travel guide. The Aurora Australis – New Zealand CURRENT ALERTS Facebook group is also excellent as group members post tip-offs on current activity with no other chatter. . This trip is the perfect way to experience the outdoor beauty and excitement of New Zealand. By joining a fantastic social tour, you’ll be sure of meeting plenty of likeminded people, from all ages and backgrounds. Most importantly, it is a prime location to chase the southern lights. If you’re not venturing further south than Auckland, heading to this protected environment increases your chances of seeing the aurora, away from the city lights. Today is a real chance to immerse yourself in the snow-capped mountain scenery that New Zealand is famous for. If you have the time, there are plenty of other amazing things to do in Mt. We have been creating Self Drive Holidays, Tours & Vacations in NZ since 2004 and our local expert knowledge means you get the best advice from New Zealand based experts. Book Globus’ New Zealand vacations and tour Rotorua, Auckland & more. If planning a visit here, be sure to check our New Zealand travel guide. Particles of plasma emitted by the sun (known as the solar wind) strike atoms and molecules in our atmosphere. Our bike rides page and the hiking pages give you lots more detail into the rides and hikes our guides will show you along the way. For cyclists there is the chance to cycle into camp and for the hikers this camp offers some great short treks (ask your guide about secret glow worm trails). Northern Lights Tours & Trips. Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) Forecast for Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Latest Forecast = in 15 minutes, the Aurora will be Quiet When and Where are the Southern Lights tonight in Australia and New Zealand? Bluff and Tiwai Point are both excellent viewing locations located within a 30-minute drive south of Invercargill. People interested +98. If you are out and hunt for aurora, do not forget to enjoy the stunning night sky! Northern Lights tours - with over 50 unique tours to Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland, our Northern Lights experts provide 24 hour service and local support on your authentic tour package. Southern Light Southern Island tour - Overview: If you don't have time for the full South Island tour, then the Southern Light is an excellent way to see and experience some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery on the planet. on 01/01/2019. New Zealand is closer to the Southern Lights than Iceland is to the Northern Lights, and the skies are generally clearer with fewer clouds, adding further to the reasons why you should go to NZ to see the Southern Lights instead of (or as well as) to Iceland for the Northern Lights. Identical to the Northern Lights, this phenomenon is caused by the collision of atoms and energy-charged particles above the North and South Poles. The skies above it are also known to put on an amazing light show. Many people have heard of the northern lights but the southern lights exist too and are equally as amazing. John which offers some of the best views of the sky in the world on a clear, dark night. Get here by bus or drive in from Christchurch (141mi/227km away) or Queenstown (160mi/256km away). New Zealand may not have “flights to nowhere”, but it arguably has something even better (and certainly less directionless): A scenic flight to see the Southern Lights. *If your tour starts/finishes in Christchurch you will leave/join us at 2:30pm. Stunning stargazing, regular rocket launches, and awe-inspiring aurora are all common sights in New Zealand, though most travelers visit for the beautiful vistas, friendly Kiwi locals, and delicious food and wine. Night tours of the facility are run by are available, including the opportunity to peer at the sky through some of the telescopes. There is even an onsite museum to learn more about the region and history. But there is another option! Also, bring warm clothing and be prepared to wait in the dark for a couple of hours….. How it works. If you have a bike it’s possible to visit a colony of extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins near to camp. Southern Light South Island Tour This trip makes a great introduction to see for yourself why we love New Zealand. People interested +102. While there are no multi-day aurora and/or stargazing tours that we were able to find, here are a couple tours worth checking out if you’re traveling in New Zealand: Both of these tours take place within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, so they offer the darkest skies you can find in New Zealand. But with the right conditions and the right location, the Aurora Australis will give you a night to remember. Night tours of the facility are run by are available, including the opportunity to peer at the sky through some of the telescopes. End of Trip Transport Options:The Southern Light tour has you finishing in Queenstown where there are regular daily flights to Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland with either Air New Zealand or Jetstar. Fantastic trip with a great variety of beautiful locations and activities. If you travel New Zealand in winter, you might be lucky enough to catch the symphony of colour that is the Aurora Australis. Give yourself more than one night if possible, to up your chances. You can start this trip in Picton (10 days) or Christchurch (9 days). Claire from GB Camping isn’t feasible in this bustling alpine village, for the next two nights we stay in dorm-share accommodation in a centrally located hostel. I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. travelled Southern Lights: Witness the world most remarkable natural light show the Aurora Australis! Venture to the top of Mt. However, if you'd like to avoid the crowds, Alaska is a great option. It is best to head far from city lights to minimize light pollution that brightens the sky, fading out the stars and aurora. - Food: Delicious, tasty and healthy meals are included. Once we arrive at the adventure capital of New Zealand you have a huge selection of activities to choose from. 2021 New Zealand Tours: The colorful world of New Zealand awaits. The South Island offers a number of great observatory areas to enjoy spectacular displays of multicolored southern lights. An Air New Zealand jet flew into an aurora storm on a tour from Christchurch last night to view the Southern Lights. Something wrong? We have been creating Self Drive Holidays, Tours & Vacations in NZ since 2004 and our local expert knowledge means you get the best advice from New Zealand based experts. Bikes, Hikes and Things to do in New Zealand, Flying Kiwi - New Zealand Adventure Tours. There are also bus and shuttle services travelling daily from Queenstown to Christchurch costing from $70 NZD. We won't spam you, but we will send you occasional specials and news on our New Zealand camping, hiking and cycling tours: If you don't have time for the full South Island tour, then the Southern Light is an excellent way to see and experience some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery on the planet. The South Island of New Zealand is a visual paradise filled with jaw dropping scenery hosting adventurous activities. Great group of people and relaxed travelling atmosphere lead by the brilliant Nick + Chrissy. Although it is only relatively small, this trio of islands in the Pacific is filled with dream-like landscapes, promising an experience like never before. Auckland to Auckland 755km. , From your knowledgeable, local guides to your new best friend, you will share this journey with a great group of people that will remain friends for life. Over the weekend the Southern Lights were visible from Canterbury and Otago. Stewart Island, New Zealand: Not only can you spot the southern lights, you might even be greeted by the small furry kiwi bird. Unfortunately there isn’t a service like this available in Tasmania yet. It was a great way to see the country and more remote places. Southern Light South Island Tour travelled - Seafood Feast - Kaikoura is one of the best seafood locations in New Zealand which is why it’s a great place to enjoy a delicious seafood feast on us. The Best Time of Year to See the Southern Lights in New Zealand, The Best Places in New Zealand to See the Southern Lights, Popular Tours & Day Trips to See the Southern Lights, Queenstown Aurora Australis Facebook group, Aurora Australis – New Zealand CURRENT ALERTS, The 4 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in Patagonia, 11 Things You Need to Know to See the Northern Lights, The 13 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in Tasmania. We then head back to the Pacific coast with a short stop in the historic town of Oamaru. The chances are low to photograph them with a sensitive camera, and even lower to see one that is strong enough to be visible by eye. SOUTH ISLAND TOURS NORTH ISLAND TOURS NATIONWIDE TOURS. Here you will view the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains. Now regarded as the Shaky Isles, you’ll have time to explore Christchurch city area as well as buy your lunch from one of the many of the quirky container cafes at the ‘Restart Mall’. Southern Light South Island Tour Beautiful green and purple lights danced across New Zealand's skies as the Aurora Australis lit up the night. Both of these accommodations are designed to maximize your chances to enjoy the night sky and possibly see aurora if it’s visible! Planning your NZ … New Zealand is a great place to see the Southern Lights. 85% of the island is covered by Rakiura National Park and light pollution is not an issue due to the island’s relative isolation and sparse population. Pooja from IN Best Place To See The Southern Lights in New Zealand A mesmerising swirl of vibrant green and pink lights, the Aurora Australis is harder to catch than its northern counterpart. We take in many of these on the Southern Light tour. The southernmost and smallest of New Zealand's three main islands, with its clear turquoise sea and sand beaches, seems like a tropical paradise. And these are the best viewing spots around the country for the Aurora Australis from March to September. The waters off this stretch of coast are home to a variety of marine and bird life - it’s the perfect spot to get 'close to nature'. This causes ionization and excitement of the atmospheric particles, emitting light similar to how neon lights work, only much cooler and grander. Buy tickets. In this area everything is oversized - gigantic waterfalls, towering mountains and forested valleys meet you around every corner. Spring is also a great time to enjoy what Kiwis call ‘waterfall season,’ where New Zealand’s gorgeous mountains shed their snowy winter clothing in massive and widespread waterfalls. Hiring a car or campervan by yourself can both be expensive and lonely, but joining a tour is anything but! Cook National Park is also located within the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Guided Tours. Flying Kiwi Southern Light - 10 day tour from Picton to Queenstown. Open your eyes to the unlimited magic of Northland New Zealand, on an 8 day trip that takes in many highlights of the upper North Island of New Zealand. Today we travel the scenic Pacific coast to Kaikoura where close encounters with seals and seabirds are common. This trip is the perfect way to experience the outdoor beauty and excitement of New Zealand. Having investigated the northern lights the southern lights are lesser known but a good bet on South Island, a trip to Christchurch in the longest darkest part of winter increases the chances of seeing them?. Enjoy it for less green. Something wrong? This is the river where you can try white water raft tomorrow morning -- highly recommended! Custom drawn artwork bring constellations to life. By JIM THOMAS-- Soft Serve News The Aurora Australis, like its northern cousin, is difficult to predict with precision. View this post on Instagram. Will do more camping in the future. John Observatory which is home to some of the largest telescopes in New Zealand. Kaikoura has an interesting Maori history and legend - Maui placed his foot on the Kaikoura peninsula to steady himself while he 'fished-up' the North Island from the sea. Look south from the shores of Lake Wakatipu or head to Lake Hayes, a 15 minutes drive from downtown Queensland, for water-side views and photo opportunities. PICTON TO KAIKOURA - THE INCREDIBLE PACIFIC COAST! travelled Located relatively close to the South Pole, Tasmania is a perfect spot for observing the fascinating natural phenomenon of the aurora australis. Watching the Southern Lights in Invercargill. See the spectacular southern lights. New Zealand may not have “flights to nowhere”, but it arguably has something even better (and certainly less directionless): A scenic flight to see the Southern Lights. From there it’s a short drive down the coast to the small village of Moeraki. This picturesque town sits right on the ocean at the foot of the mountains – a spectacular spot. The South Pole is the place where the aurora australis originates, and New Zealand is the closest country, so if you head far enough south, you might just see a dance of light like no other! You can also take advantage of autumn colored landscapes and better chances of seeing the aurora as the night gets longer. Today we journey to Queenstown along the shores of the photogenic Lake Wakatipu. The best places to experience this phenomenon is in the southern-most destinations in the world, including New Zealand. Even given these resources, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see the southern lights on any one night. Tabea Schlasser from DE Southern Light South Island Tour An hour into our flight, my window began to glow green. Apparently they are a good bet to see from Lake Tekapo, which provides a great backdrop, as well as being dark enough without worrying about light pollution? Get off the beaten track with Flying Kiwi and explore New Zealand's beautiful outdoors. Apparently they are a good bet to see... New Zealand. On a dark night with the right conditions, viewing the aurora australis is possible from pretty much anywhere in the park as long as you stay away from light sources and allow your eyes to adjust. Perfect for making the most of all Queenstown as to offer. For many of these we include printed maps and route notes which your guides will handout when on tour. Tonight’s unique camp is at the Shearer’s Headquarters (an actual operating farm) located at the foothills of the Southern Alps. While it’s an alpine environment, the park is easily accessible via State Highway 80, which leads to Aoraki/Mt. on 03/01/2020. If you have a certain dietary requirement just let our team know, we can cater for most dietary needs. If you lack the time to do the complete Summer Blast trip, the Southern Light South Island Adventure Tour is a fantastic alternative to take in and experience some of the most magnificent and varied scenery on the planet. Routeburn Track walkers re-join the group here with time to try the many exciting activities this vibrant city has to offer. Your email address will not be published. Enjoy your meal while soaking up the atmosphere of our perfectly located seaside camp. The South Island of New Zealand is a visual paradise filled with jaw dropping scenery hosting adventurous activities. While further north than the other locations, Great Barrier Island off the north-east coast of Auckland was designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2017. Bring a friend along to share this tour of discovery, or make new mates amongst your fellow Flying Kiwi travellers and create lasting memories and lifetime friendships! Seriously, if you aren’t sold on New Zealand yet, what’s stopping you? Here's Everything You Need to know. These … on 23/10/2019. So fortunate last night that the clouds disappeared for a short while and the starts came out. And these are the best viewing spots around the country for the Aurora Australis from March to September. Aurora Australis Featured in. New Zealand is known for a lot of natural wonders, and Aurora Australis (The Southern Lights) has to be one of the most wonderful of all. While the Northern Lights are well known throughout the world and are often on people’s bucket lists, its Southern counterpart the Aurora Australis is no less spectacular. For those that are keen there is the chance to rise early for a wonderful sunrise and then enjoy one of our most highly rated optional activities – dolphin swimming. Route. If you’re visiting the South Island of New Zealand by yourself, a tour is likely to be the best way to see the country. We get a lot of readers asking whether it is possible to book a Tasmania Southern Lights tour. Chelsea M'Govern from US It also provides a paid subscription-based SMS alert service. However, if you'd like to avoid the crowds, Alaska is a great option. Tonight you get the opportunity to dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a true kiwi feast (own cost). What I didn't expect to see was the Aurora Australis or the southern lights. | Image credit: … oceania New Zealand. Image credit: ... That’s why we turn to Jetabout Holidays for their reliable New Zealand tour packages. Say farewell to your friends leaving and hello to new Flying Kiwis because at 2:30pm we head out towards the Southern Alps with fantastic views across the Canterbury plains - real Lord of the Rings country! This small group luxury tour combines rail, coach & an exclusive overnight cruise.Perfect for those who wish to enjoy the best of New Zealand at a relaxed pace. Camp, hike, bike your way around NZ staying in stunning locations beside lakes, oceans, mountains and rivers. New Zealand is one of the best places to witness the Southern Lights. You will be met at the airport by one of our friendly guides who will transfer you … Enjoy the unique mix of adventure activities with optional hikes and bike rides. travelled Make planning your New Zealand Self Drive tour easy. Its southerly location combined with the minimal light pollution makes it ideal for an aurora-inspired trip. It is also the location of the Mt. Journey through scenic southern pastures to Te Anau, the hub and jumping-off point for Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Our tours focus on flexibility and adventure - you choose how to spend your day and your expert guides arrange everything for you. Famous aurora australis mesmerizes with its alien-like green colors mixed with pink and yellowish hues poured over the night sky of New Zealand. The Journey. If you want to return home with a great multi-colour image of the Southern Lights, you will need to get out your camera and practice. , Zoe from GB I hope you find resources here to help you do just that. See our detailed itinerary for details of which meals are included on a day-to-day basis. The Aurora Australis, otherwise known as the Southern Lights, is the lesser known counterpart to its famous alternative, the Northern Lights. on 01/02/2019. The Rangitata River flows for over 120 kms from the Southern Alps to the Pacific ocean. Not to mention, there is abundant natural beauty that begs exploring, too! Head 10kms west to Oreti Beach and set up for some phenomenal photos of the aurora. The Aurora Service has current estimated aurora levels and forecasts. To maximise your chances, aim for a clear winter's night sky close to a new moon in either July or August. Little River, New Zealand. Travel. Share this to help others enjoy the night sky! If you plan to visit New Zealand during the summer months there (December through February), you may find it harder to see the aurora but it is still technically possible in the very heart of night (12am-4am each night). Set up on the southern-facing ocean shores or pitch a tent on one of the campgrounds and gaze at the sky to look out for aurora. Since the earthquakes, Christchurch and the residents are doing lots of cool things as well as restoring its heritage which is making the city stand out as a place to explore! Check out our Southern Lights tours including best seller the Southern Lights by Flight departing Christchurch, New Zealand. Every year people flock to Iceland and Norway to view the spectacle in the Arctic Circle, but its relatively unknown southern equal can be a surprising delight and well worth the trip to Tasmania, where it can best be viewed. We never compromise on comfort, you travel in style all the way. If you love skiing or outdoor adventure sports, you can plan a trip that combines both.

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