iPhone users: get aurora visibility, cloud cover, direction, and live KP index—in plain English.
Look for KP 4+ for good aurora activity. Even KP 3 can show aurora in New Zealand!
Clear skies are essential. Our app shows local weather conditions for your area.
Point your phone south using our augmented reality compass for the best viewing direction.
The KP index measures aurora activity from 0-9. Higher numbers mean stronger aurora. For New Zealand, KP 4+ usually means visible aurora, but even KP 3 can show faint displays.
Clouds block your view of the aurora completely. Even with perfect aurora activity, clouds will hide the show. Our app checks local weather so you know if it's worth going out.
Dark, clear locations work best: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Stewart Island, Lake Tekapo, Dunedin Peninsula, and the Catlins. The further south, the better your chances!
Get instant notifications when aurora activity is high in your area. Never miss the Southern Lights again!
See if clouds will block your view. Check weather conditions for your exact location in New Zealand.
Use our AR compass to point your phone south - the perfect direction for viewing the Aurora Australis.
Real-time aurora activity monitoring with 3-hour forecasts to help you plan your viewing sessions.
Smart, plain-English aurora forecasts available during peak viewing hours (9pm-5am).
Track solar wind speed and density to understand the science behind aurora activity.
"Thanks to Aurora Watch NZ, I finally saw the Southern Lights from Dunedin last June. The app told me exactly when to look and which direction to face!"
"As someone new to aurora chasing, this app made it so simple. The plain English explanations helped me understand what to look for."
"The cloud cover feature saved me from many wasted trips. Now I only go out when conditions are actually good!"
The best viewing times are between 9pm and 5am during winter months (May to September). Our app gives you simple summaries during these peak hours so you never miss the action.
KP 4+ means good aurora activity, but even KP 3 can show aurora in New Zealand! The app shows both current and 3-hour forecast KP values in easy-to-understand terms.
Our predictions combine real-time solar wind data, aurora activity, and local weather conditions to give you the most accurate forecasts possible for New Zealand's unique location.
Not at all! We explain everything in plain English. "Aurora visibility" instead of technical jargon, and simple guides for each feature.
I built Aurora Watch NZ to help New Zealanders experience the magic of the Aurora Australis. After countless nights of missing aurora displays due to poor timing and lack of information, I created this comprehensive tracking app that combines real-time data, AI-powered insights, and local weather conditions to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural wonder.
The app brings together cutting-edge technology and local knowledge to provide the most accurate aurora predictions for New Zealand's unique location and viewing conditions.