A two-hour drive south of Hobart, Cockle Creek is best for travelers with a rental car and commitment to try and see the aurora firsthand. If the air feels fresh and fantastic, it's no trick of the … New Zealand and Tasmania. Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. On their website, they offer a 50% refund if the Tasmanian southern lights don’t show up based on their predictions. Tip: While you’re at it, why not take a time lapse, too? One of the most isolated light stations, the island is now part of the Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman was born around 1603 in Lutjegast, a small village in the province of Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands.The oldest available source mentioning him is dated 27 December 1631 when, as a seafarer living in Amsterdam, the 28-year-old became engaged to marry 21-year-old Jannetje Tjaers, of Palmstraat in the Jordaan district of the city. We recommend making a pit-stop here and enjoying a steaming cup of coffee while taking in the breathtaking beauty of Banks Peninsula. The first landmass this air meets is the Southern Alps. 1. Furthermore, the Southern Lights is mostly best viewed from March to September, which coincides with the off-peak travelling season. Explore the spectacular coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck, from rugged sea cliffs to waterfalls, rock formations, archways, and deep-sea caves. There are two great Facebook groups that can help you understand the aurora prospects and when to head out and see them: Following these three should give you a very good sense of when you might see the aurora; in the event they’re slightly off in predictions, give yourself more than one night to try. Both face south, which is crucial when it comes to aurora-hunting. While you’re at it, why not take a time lapse, too? Moreover, adventurous souls can rise to the challenge of tackling the epic Overland Track, Australia’s scenic alpine walk. Why not stay for a night or two at the park’s nature retreats —. Stewart Island, the South Island’s Mount Cook National Park and the Catlins coastal region (also on the South Island) are all great places from which to see the Southern Lights. Reviews. However, the highlight is definitely watching this aurora viewing paradise come alive from March to September. As they return to their resting state they emit light, and voilà! You are bound to be enthralled by its soothing lavender blooms, which stretch on for miles and miles. If you are lucky and weather permits, you might even be able to see the. Cockle Creek. From March to September, dusk transfigures this widely photographed lighthouse into an aurora wonderland, with a clear view south. In the south, the auroras can be seen from places like southern Australia’s Tasmania, New Zealand and Chile. Yes southern lights, or aurora australis, like its legendary sister, is a natural electric phenomenon that creates bright and colourful light displays in the sky. Share this to help others enjoy the night sky! Fun fact: The aurora hangs relatively low on the horizon in the southern sky. If I were to illustrate their relationship, the Southern Lights is akin to the less glamorous sibling who is often overshadowed by her popular sister. 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. in particular attracts the adulation of many. Disappointment Cove, Port Pegasus Stewart Island, New Zealand March 14, 2021 Upon leaving the Tasman Sea and entering the Southern Ocean we were wearing light clothes and flying the spinnaker until the wind died completely and we had to finally turn on the engine to propel us through the night. Your email address will not be published. Even if the night does not favour the appearance of this fleeting wonder, New Zealand is home to one of the least polluted night skies in the world. A time lapse can preserve the ever-changing colours of this technicolour light show. As such, Tasmania is a great aurora destination because you have a chance to see it throughout the year. to spot sea lions sunbathing in the day. Otherwise, travel to. Not everyone might be able to bear the rugged and challenging expedition to this freezing cold land, but we promise this is well worth the chase. Canterbury’s largest and New Zealand’s fifth largest lake, Lake Ellesmere is a hotspot for birdwatching. The gradients of colours are astounding, to say the least. Blessed with regular sightings of the Southern Lights, this speaks volumes about its moniker Rakiura, which translates to “land of the glowing skies” in New Zealand’s indigenous language Maori. Unlike the Northern hemisphere, which is subject to extreme seasonal light changes, the Southern Lights can be viewed from Tasmania all year round. "The Best Time to Visit Sydney" Visit Current to learn about Sydney, Australia. Seeing the pinkish-green wisps hanging on the horizon is bound to be a surreal moment. Be bedazzled by its sunrises, and its sunset skies bursting into a kaleidoscope of colours. Light pollution is close to zero in New Zealand’s Lake Tekapo area, and the summit of Mount John is possibly the best place to view the sky on a clear, dark night. Can’t get enough of its vast wilderness? While you can see the southern lights throughout Tasmania, most travelers fly in and out of the largest city, Hobart. The sea was named after the Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, who was the first recorded European to encounter New Zealand and Tasmania. Avid aurora hunters, be sure to head down from March to September during aurora peak season. Both face south, which is crucial when it comes to aurora-hunting. True-blue hikers are welcomed to take their pick from its walking tracks, which stretch over 280km. The ‘Southern Lights’. southern lights, aurora australis with milky way above the sea, sand dunes, sandfly bay, dunedin, otago, otago peninsula, southland, new zealand - southern lights stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Admittedly, you’ll need to find a dark part of the city to reduce light pollution, but if your trip to Tasmania is limited to Hobart or other cities, you can still try and spot the aurora. The tranquility at the South Island is almost unrivalled. The Aurora Australis, otherwise known as the Southern Lights, is the lesser known counterpart to its famous alternative, the Northern Lights. It is worth noting (and to some a tad obvious) that the lights can only really be seen at night time, therefore winter is ideal, given daylight savings in Tasmania can stretch the light until 10pm. If you have ticked all the above off your travel wishlist, why not venture further to Antarctica for an adventure of a lifetime? The developing easterly flow – and resulting surf – is the result of a burgeoning subtropical ridge, extending from a strong high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea. . The good news is, you can witness Mother Nature’s masterpiece without having to make the pilgrimage to far-flung places such as Norway or Iceland. What’s more, night brings along with it an exceptional visitor. This makes it one of the best vantage points to behold the Southern Lights. Are there organised tour groups to see the southern lights? British explorer Lieutenant James Cook later extensively navigated the Tasman Sea in the 1770s as part of his first voyage of exploration. Nestled in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is Aotearoa’s best-kept secret. Wählen Sie aus erstklassigen Inhalten zum Thema Southern Lights in höchster Qualität. To avoid looking flaccid in the face of this Chinese aggression we will conduct our exercises with the Sierra Republic in the Tasman sea near Sydney. Throughout the mountains there are many glacial valleys, many of which filled with glacial lakes. Leave the hustle and bustle of Christchurch behind by heading to Little River, which is a quaint little town sitting along the road from Christchurch to Akaroa. "The Best Time to Visit Sydney" Visit Current to learn about Sydney, Australia. Its calm waters reflect the aurora-streaked skies, so it’s an even more spectacular sight. You can book with confidence that you’ll either see the lights or save a bit on your trip. The Northern Lights have been described as a 'celestial ballet of light dancing across the night sky.' Taking in the otherworldly sight of electrifying streaks of green against the backdrop of a snowy wilderness is purely magical. Mark your calendars, as the aurora season in. | Image credit: Ben. This just might increase your chances of catching the Southern Lights, too. 1. It’s no surprise really, as the park’s flat, mirrored lakes with nary a high-rise building in sight provide an unobstructed view of this fairytale-like spectacle. The nearest accommodation is in nearby Ida Bay; you can find cottage, inn, and bed & breakfast options from reasonable prices if you want to spend a night or two nearer the ideal viewing spot. A Travel Blog from Seabourn Read the latest Australia & New Zealand articles on Seabourn’s digital magazine, Current – the newest way to find out about some of the most unique Seabourn destinations. The gradients of colours are astounding, to say the least. This is the sweet spot for studying stunning constellations. This picturesque coastal stretch boasts of cascading waterfalls, lush greenery fringed by jagged cliffs, and rich wildlife. Where in Tasmania is the best place to see the southern lights? However, the highlight is definitely watching this aurora viewing paradise come alive from March to September. Though you can potentially see the southern lights in Tasmania year-round, there are a surprisingly low number of tour operators who offer aurora-specific tours. The predominant weather system comes from the west. (TWWHA), this is regarded as one of Australia’s most beautiful parks. Answer 1 of 9: We are going to Tasmania in July and hope to see the Southern Lights. This allows you to play around with your photographs, framing it over mountains, or capturing it as reflections in lakes. Can’t get enough of its vast wilderness? ... 20 kilometers long, located in the Tasman Sea, rugged mountains and oozing with convict history. However, the stronger the aurora the further north you can see it. You’ll find that its wide and still bays provide a sweeping view of hues emanating all around the horizon. That said, there remains plenty to do, even if you are thwarted by nature’s fickle light show. Thank your lucky stars if you happen to see such incredible colours flash across the sky. Answer 1 of 9: We are going to Tasmania in July and hope to see the Southern Lights. A quick walk will take you to the amazing Tessellated Pavement, fantastic to see anytime, magnificent at sunrise and alluring under the Southern Lights. Moreover, many adrenaline junkies travel to the area to partake in a variety of recreational water sports, from sailing to jet skiing. No matter when you visit, you’ll need to wait for a dark, clear night to try and see the southern lights in Tasmania; in summer, you might need to stay up a bit later too. The highest and tallest lights in Australia can both be found in Tasmania. 1. This is the perfect spot to contemplate nature’s wonders. Tinderbox Bay, on the southern-most part of the peninsula is an ideal spot to set up and shoot aurora photos if that’s on your list.