Country Guide

Natural Phenomena in New Zealand

The natural spectacles worth witnessing across New Zealand, from aurora and blooms to wildlife and rare optics. Each one tracks live conditions so you know the best time to go.

16 phenomena
Airglow (atmospheric chemiluminescence)
Atmospheric

Airglow (atmospheric chemiluminescence)
Alpha Capricornids
Celestial

Alpha Capricornids
Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)
Atmospheric

Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)
Crepuscular and Anticrepuscular Rays
Atmospheric

Crepuscular and Anticrepuscular Rays
Geothermal Hot-Spring Beaches
Geological

Geothermal Hot-Spring Beaches
Glenorchy Glowworm Grotto
Wildlife

Glenorchy Glowworm Grotto
Lake Tekapo Lupin Bloom
Botanical

Lake Tekapo Lupin Bloom
Milky Way Galactic Core (Sagittarius A*)
Celestial

Milky Way Galactic Core (Sagittarius A*)
Nacreous Clouds (Polar Stratospheric)
Atmospheric

Nacreous Clouds (Polar Stratospheric)
Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) Blowholes
Geological

Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) Blowholes
Southern Taurids Fireball Season
Celestial

Southern Taurids Fireball Season
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Wildlife

Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Tītī (Muttonbird) harvest, Rakiura
Wildlife

Tītī (Muttonbird) harvest, Rakiura
Transient Cloudburst Waterfalls
Geological

Transient Cloudburst Waterfalls
Waipu Glowworm Caves
Wildlife

Waipu Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Biological

Waitomo Glowworm Caves