Ever elusive, the northern lights, or the aurora borealis, are a spectacle that many dream to see but seldom get to. Planning your holidays around catching the lights is a risky bet and many shiver for hours in Tromsø, Lapland or Reykjavík only to be disappointed.
What few realise is that there’s a southern hemisphere alternative, the aurora australis. While these are trickier to see due to fewer viewing points, with proper planning they’re a great option for those looking for more temperate weather for chasing the lights. Better still, solar maximum is expected to occur in July this year, which means higher levels of auroral activity boosting the chances of seeing them.
Elaine Learmonth, Product Lead at Flight Centre UK, says: “If you’re looking for a unique and less crowded alternative to the well known northern lights, Tasmania and the southernmost tip of New Zealand are two of the best places to see the southern lights, but there are opportunities in the Patagonia region of South America, too. Or, why not turn it into an even bigger adventure? Set sail on an Antarctic expedition cruise, where you’ll have plenty of time and the perfect vantage point near the southern hemisphere’s auroral oval to catch the magic of the lights.
“The best time to go is between June and September, generally considered wintertime in the southern hemisphere. While it’ll be far from scorching, you can expect much milder temperatures in Australia and New Zealand than in the Arctic Circle.”
See below for Flight Centre UK’s top spots to see the southern lights:
New Zealand (Queenstown and Stewart Island)
With astrotourism on the rise, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve on the southern tip of Lake Tekapo on New Zealand’s south island is a top option for light chasers.
Designated an international dark sky reserve in 2012, travellers can try and spot the lights as well as 50 million stars, planets, and the Milky Way from six telescopes at the Mount John observatory.
Tasmania
Bruny or Satellite Islands on Tasmania are great islets from which to spot the southern lights, Bruny Island especially for its lack of light pollution. Climbing the stairs at Bruny Island Neck is your best chance to see them, but in any case the island offers a lot to tourists in the way of wildlife and foodie experiences.
Some tourism providers operate special flights for groups to see the southern lights which depart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, allowing the chance to see mainland Australia as well. These are usually organised in line with optimum auroral activity to ensure guests have the best possible chance of seeing the lights.
South Africa
In October 2024, the southern lights were spotted from Robertson for the second time that year after not appearing for over three decades.
One Facebook user, Rachael Dangarembizi, captured some brilliant shots of the southern lights and blue bioluminescence at the same time at Gordon’s Bay.
South Africa can expect to see far more occurrences of this spectacle of light as we continue at our solar maximum. For those considering it, Flight Centre UK’s Head of Aviation, Dan Murphy, says: “South Africa continues to be a desirable yet great value destination, It’s helped by a stronger than usual exchange rate meaning the British pound takes you further once you’re there.”
Patagonia
The southerly mountainous region encompassing Argentina and Chile gives travellers a prime viewing spot to witness the dazzling display.
Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and a typical departure port for Antarctic expedition cruises, is sometimes blessed by the lights’ emergence. Not only that, it’s home to an incredible birdlife – the highlight being its large colony of King Penguins.
For the winter sports-enthused, ski resorts in the Lake District of Ushuaia offer good viewing opportunities too.
Expedition cruises
Flight Centre’s travel experts are able to package up many of Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises to offer travellers the best possible deals on flights, cruises, hotels and transfers.
An expedition near the Antarctic Circle can create some magnificent opportunities to spot the southern lights, as travellers are able to access remote locations closer to the auroral oval, escape light pollution from the mainland, and receive insight from the experienced guides and scientists usually stationed onboard.
