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See the mesmerising lights dance above Lake Tekapo’s Church of the Good Shepherd.
You’re probably already familiar with the Southern Lights by now. Sister to the famed Northern Lights, the Southern Lights are admittedly more elusive, making it possibly even more bucket list-worthy!
Infographic: The Southern Lights at a Glance
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If you’re in Australasia during the winter months of June, July and August and want to try catching the magical lights, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up five accessible places where you don’t have to deviate too far from your route to still have reasonable chances of catching the mesmerising sight!
The mirrored lake creates a beautiful visage. Photo by Scott Cresswell / CC BY 2.0
Southern Lights at Cradle Mountain, Australia
One of the tricks to catching the Southern Lights is to get somewhere with as little obstructions as possible so your view of the phenomenon is not obscured. At Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, your vantage point will give you unparalleled views of the inky black sky. Wait patiently for the Southern Lights – they can appear with little warning – or just let go of all expectations and appreciate the beauty of the blanket of softly twinkling stars overhead.
You can also settle in at Cradle Lake in hopes of glimpsing the dancing lights; the mirrored waters create an even more stunning picture when the lights do appear.
Appreciate the magical sight from a vantage point.
Southern Lights at Mount Wellington, Australia
Still in Tasmania, Mount Wellington also offers unimpeded views of the horizon with its high elevation so you’ll be able to quickly spot the Southern Lights once they make a showing. Already popular amongst visitors for offering panoramic views of the landscape, the spot is just a convenient 30-minute drive away from Hobart.
Grab a yummy dinner in town and relax for a bit back at your lodging while you monitor the Aurora Australis forecast; if things look promising, you can then easily set off for the mountain. To up your chances of encountering the Southern Lights, you can visit both Cradle Mountain and Mount Wellington on a single trip.
Mount Cook is part of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Photo by James Kirkus-Lamont / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Southern Lights at Mount Cook, New Zealand
Located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the only one in the southern hemisphere and the largest in the world, the area around Mount Cook enjoys little to no light pollution. At Mount Cook, you’ll also be able to get up to a high vantage point – these two factors create the recipe for an ideal Southern Lights viewing location.
If you’re an astronomy fan, sign up for stargazing tours with professional guides to learn more about our fascinating night sky. Who knows, you may just see the lights on a stargazing trip and even if you don’t, the beauty of the star-speckled midnight blue sky will still take your breath away.
Lake Tekapo is a popular stargazing spot. Photo by Jose Gallego / CC BY-SA 2.0
Southern Lights at Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Just a short drive away from Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Although you won’t be able to travel to as high a vantage point as compared to Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo is more convenient and has more options for dining and accommodation.
Drive to a nearby spot with less light pollution once night falls, such as the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, or soak in a natural hot pool while looking up at the night skies as star guides point out different constellations for you. You may just be able to spot the lights if the skies are clear and the aurora activity is high!
Nugget Point is one of the highlights of The Caitlins. Photo by Lauri Sten / CC BY-NC 2.0. Cropped to fit.
Southern Lights at The Caitlins, New Zealand
It stands to reason that the further south you venture, the higher your chances of seeing the Southern Lights. Also on New Zealand’s South Island, The Caitlins is one of the places furthest south you can travel to within the mainland and the low light pollution creates a stellar environment for you to view the fantastical phenomenon.
While you’re in the area, pay a visit to Nugget Point; its lighthouse is a well-liked spot to wait for the Southern Lights as the sight of multicoloured rays dancing across the coastline is simply stunning.