Southern Lights
in Queenstown / Southland

Queenstown / Southland, New Zealand — about -49° geomagnetic latitude. Lake/mountain foregrounds.

Can you see the aurora in Queenstown / Southland?

Yes. From a dark site you need about Kp 5 for a faint glow low on the southern horizon, and roughly Kp 7 for bright aurora directly overhead. At -49° geomagnetic latitude this spot sits well outside the oval — it takes a major geomagnetic storm.

When to go

The season runs late March to late September, when the nights are long and dark. You also need clear skies and a low moon — even a strong Kp is useless under cloud. Check tonight's live call above, then plan a night around the dark window, cloud and moon.

Nearby in Oceania

Thresholds are averages from a dark site. Real visibility also needs clear skies, darkness and a cooperative moon — read every number as a chance, not a guarantee. The map is schematic: the auroral oval is drawn at a nominal 66° and the marker is approximate.