New Zealand under the Aurora.
Traveling to New Zealand under the Aurora is a dreamy and unique experience. The following are relevant introductions and suggestions:
1. Best viewing time:
- April to September every year is the best time to watch the Southern Lights in New Zealand. During this period, New Zealand is in the autumn and winter seasons. The nights are longer and the probability of clear skies is higher, which is more conducive to the appearance and viewing of the Aurora. However, the appearance of the aurora is uncertain and requires some luck even during the best viewing period.
2. Best viewing location:
- Southern South Island:
- Tekapo: This is a famous starry sky town. It is located within the World Dark Sky Reserve. It has little artificial light, high terrain, dry climate and high air transparency. It is an excellent place to watch aurora and starry sky. During the day, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and lakes.
- Wanaka (Wanaka): The scenery here is beautiful, and you can take a photo easily. The best place to watch the aurora is Eely Point, which is within walking distance from the center of Wanaka. You can enjoy the beautiful starry sky at night. This is also a paradise for ski enthusiasts, and there are a wealth of outdoor activities to participate in during the non-Aurora viewing season.
- Aoraki/Mt Cook: Mount Cook National Park is a dark sky reserve with no light pollution, and you can see the beautiful starry sky and aurora. However, the terrain here is rugged and you need to pay special attention to safety when walking at night.
- The Catlins: Located on the southeastern coast of the South Island, it is an excellent destination for encountering the Aurora. There are also many wild animals, as well as natural and natural beauty such as waterfalls, coastal heritage roads, forest petrified remains, and cathedral coast cliff caves. Historic landscape.
- Stewart Island: New Zealand's third largest island, located 30 kilometers south of the South Island. It is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. More than 85% of the area is a national park. The ecological environment is pristine and pure. It is a good place to increase the chance of encountering the Aurora. You can also experience hiking and bird watching.
- The southern tip of the North Island: Breaker Bay in Wellington, the southernmost city of the North Island, also has the opportunity to see the aurora. It has beautiful white sand beaches and clear water. While admiring the aurora, you can also feel the vitality and multiculturalism of the city.
3. Travel preparation:
- Warm equipment: Aurora viewing is usually at night, and temperatures are low in New Zealand’s autumn and winter. You need to prepare enough warm clothing, such as down jackets, thermal underwear, hats, scarves, gloves, etc.
- Photography equipment: If you want to photograph the aurora, you need to bring a professional camera, a tripod and a lens suitable for long exposure. Setting a long exposure can make the colors of the aurora more vivid, and it is recommended to carry spare batteries and memory cards.
- Transportation: Some aurora viewing areas are relatively remote. Self-driving is a more convenient mode of transportation. You can freely arrange your itinerary and stay time. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can also choose to join a local Aurora viewing group.
- Accommodation arrangements: Book accommodation close to the aurora viewing area in advance so that you can go to watch the aurora in time when it appears. Some hotels or B&Bs that provide aurora viewing services are also good choices. They may provide relevant information and reminders.
4. Matching with other activities:
- Daytime travel activities: While waiting for the Aurora to appear during the day, you can participate in New Zealand's rich outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, visiting vineyards and tasting wine, etc. New Zealand has magnificent natural scenery, such as fjords, snow-capped mountains, lakes, etc., which are worth spending time exploring.
- Food experience: Taste New Zealand's specialties, such as seafood, mutton, dairy products, etc. You can also try local coffee and wine to add more fun to the trip.
In short, traveling to New Zealand under the aurora requires planning and preparation in advance, while maintaining patience and flexibility in order to encounter the beautiful aurora at the right time and place.