Plan a night-sky viewing
Set your viewing details.
What this solves
Aotearoa is one of the world's best stargazing locations, with the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve covering 4,300 km² of the South Island interior. But even there, a full moon or cloudy weather can ruin a night. The galactic centre (Milky Way core) is best in NZ winter (June–Aug) when the constellation Sagittarius is high overhead; summer gives longer nights but the core is low on the horizon.
This tool gives you a sky-quality score based on location, moon, weather, and what you want to see.
How to read the result
- Bortle class is a 1–9 scale of light pollution. 1 = pristine, 9 = inner city.
- Moon phase affects how faint stars and the Milky Way look.
- Aurora australis needs a Kp ≥ 6 (and even then only at low latitudes — southern lights visible to all of NZ in strong events).
Limitations
- Weather is a forecast, not a guarantee. Re-check 12 h before.
- Milky Way visibility depends on the galactic centre rising — varies by latitude and date.
FAQ
Q: When can I see the Milky Way?
A: NZ winter (Jun–Aug) is best for the galactic centre. Summer nights are short and the core is low.
A: NZ winter (Jun–Aug) is best for the galactic centre. Summer nights are short and the core is low.
Q: Where is the Aoraki Mackenzie Reserve?
A: South Island, between Tekapo and Mt Cook. Mt John University Observatory offers tours.
A: South Island, between Tekapo and Mt Cook. Mt John University Observatory offers tours.
Q: How do I see the southern lights?
A: Check NOAA / Space Weather Prediction Center Kp index ≥ 6 and head to southern coastlines — Bluff, Invercargill, Stewart Island.
A: Check NOAA / Space Weather Prediction Center Kp index ≥ 6 and head to southern coastlines — Bluff, Invercargill, Stewart Island.
Sources
- DarkSky International — Aoraki Mackenzie Reserve
- NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center — Kp index
- MetService cloud cover forecast