Southern Lights in New Zealand 2026: Best Places, Dark Sky Regions, and What to Expect
- Jane COUTTS
- Nov 26
- 5 min read
"2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in decades for seeing the Southern Lights in New Zealand.”
New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to see the Southern Lights, and 2026 is predicted to be an exceptional year for aurora viewing. With Solar Cycle 25 reaching its peak, travellers may have more opportunities to witness the Aurora Australis glowing across southern skies. New Zealand’s internationally recognised dark sky regions provide the perfect backdrop, with crystal clear views of the Milky Way, southern constellations, and the possibility of vivid auroras.
From the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve to Stewart Island, Great Barrier Island, Glenorchy, and Kaikoura, the country offers some of the darkest skies on earth. This guide covers the best places to go, why 2026 is so special, and the most memorable things to do in each location.
Why 2026 may be a standout aurora year
Solar Cycle 25 is reaching its peak, increasing the chance of frequent auroras
The Southern Lights season runs from late February to September, when nights are longest and darkest
Early forecasts show strong geomagnetic activity which often produces brighter auroral displays
Even in a strong year, clear skies and low moonlight are essential for a successful sighting.
New Zealand’s top dark sky regions
These regions offer world class conditions for stargazing and aurora viewing, along with unique activities and exceptional places to stay.
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
The largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world and one of the easiest places in New Zealand to see the Aurora Australis.
Things to do:
Guided stargazing at the Dark Sky Project in Tekapo
Night soaking at Tekapo Springs
Aurora viewing at Lake Pukaki
Walks and photography around Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Where to stay for incredible night sky views:
Skyscape, Twizel
A luxury glass roofed hideaway set on a private high country farm. Guests can lie in bed and watch the Milky Way stretch across the sky or enjoy a glowing aurora without leaving their room. One of the best dark sky stays in New Zealand.
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
A beautifully positioned lodge overlooking Lake Pukaki with its own onsite observatory. Perfect for couples wanting luxury, privacy, and clear skies.
Lakestone Lodge, Lake Pukaki
Lakestone Lodge on the shores of Lake Pukaki offers luxurious, off grid accommodation with crystal clear dark skies, making it one of the most beautiful places to stay for aurora viewing in the Aoraki Mackenzie region.
Mt John Observatory
Sitting above Lake Tekapo, Mt John Observatory is one of the most iconic stargazing spots in New Zealand. The hilltop location gives you uninterrupted 360 degree views across the Mackenzie Basin, making it a prime place to look for the Aurora Australis on active nights. Visitors can join guided tours that explain the science behind the night sky, view stars and planets through powerful telescopes and learn why this region was awarded its International Dark Sky Reserve status. Even during the day, the drive up to Mt John delivers sweeping views of the turquoise lake below.
Dark Sky Project (Tekapo / Lake Tekapo Village)
The Dark Sky Project in Tekapo offers immersive astronomy experiences designed to help you connect with the skies in a deeper way. Their evening stargazing tours combine cultural storytelling, science and telescope viewing. The experience is centred around the local environment and the unique clarity of the Mackenzie skies. Visitors can join an indoor multimedia journey, learn about Māori celestial navigation and then step outside to view the stars with expert guides. It is one of the most accessible and informative dark sky activities in New Zealand and perfect for travellers wanting an unforgettable night under the stars.
The Mackenzie Basin offers some of the clearest night skies anywhere on the planet.
Rakiura Stewart Island Dark Sky Sanctuary
Remote, peaceful, and almost completely free of artificial light.
Things to do:
Stargazing from stunning beaches
Guided kiwi spotting at night
Scenic coastal trails ideal for photography
Where to stay:
Stewart Island Lodge
Peaceful setting with open sky views and a short walk into Oban.
Wildlife Encounters B&BCosy, quiet, and close to great night viewing spots.
Tahuna Glenorchy Dark Sky Sanctuary
A dramatic alpine landscape with very little artificial light.
Things to do:
Guided stargazing and Maori sky storytelling
Scenic walks in the Routeburn and Dart valleys
Explore Paradise, one of the most cinematic landscapes in New Zealand
Explore the Mount Aspiring National Park on the Dart River Wilderness Jet Experience
Where to stay:
Blanket Bay Lodge
One of New Zealand’s most luxurious lodges with incredible lake and mountain views that frame the night sky beautifully.
Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat
Eco friendly and designed around sustainability and natural light rhythms.
Kaikoura Dark Sky Area
A rising star in New Zealand’s dark sky scene thanks to its coastal location and protected night environment.
Things to do:
Stargazing on the beach with mountain silhouettes
Astronomy tours with cultural sky stories
Whale watching and dolphin encounters by day
Aurora photography from the coastline
Ziplining by day
Where to stay:
Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses
Tree houses with coastal and mountain views that become magical after dark.
Planning an aurora focused trip in 2026
To give you he best chance of seeing the Southern Lights:
Spend more time in Mackenzie, Glenorchy, Kaikoura, and Stewart Island
Stay two or three nights in each region to allow for weather variation
Travel between March and July for extended darkness
Keep evenings flexible to follow aurora alerts
Add astrophotography workshops or guided stargazing
Choose accommodation with open horizons and minimal light pollution
With solar activity at its peak and New Zealand’s world leading dark sky regions, 2026 has the potential to be an unforgettable year for aurora viewing. Whether your travellers hope to see the Milky Way in perfect clarity or dream of catching a glowing aurora, New Zealand offers some of the most magical night sky experiences on earth.
Ready to plan a dark sky inspired New Zealand itinerary?
Here at Amazing New Zealand Itineraries we create fully customised self drive and chauffeur driven itineraries that showcase New Zealand’s landscapes, lodges, and night sky wonders.
Ready to start planning your New Zealand stargazing adventure? Get in touch and we can design a tailored itinerary that suits your travel style and interests and let us help you create a holiday that’s tranquil, flexible, and full of unforgettable moments.
Jane Coutts
Travel Specialist
Amazing New Zealand Itineraries
We know New Zealand - We live here
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