October 07, 2020 at 2:27 PM

Join Aurora hunter and astrophysicist Dr Ian Griffin & a team of expert astronomers and fly into the night, to witness of the world’s most magical natural phenomena. Take off onboard an Air New Zealand Dreamliner, you will head south over the Southern Ocean towards Antarctica, aiming for latitudes of 62 degrees south where the Aurora Australis is brightest.  Find out more.

New Zealand may not have “flights to nowhere”, but it arguably has something even better (and certainly less directionless): A scenic flight to see the Southern Lights.

One of our suppliers Viva Expeditions has teamed up with Air New Zealand and Otago Museum director and astronomer Dr Ian Griffin to offer the third inception of the Aurora Australis chartered flight from Christchurch. Like its predecessors in 2017 and 2018, the March 20, 2021 flight will head to an area above the Southern Ocean where the lights tend to shine the brightest.

Timed to coincide with the autumn equinox, the 10-hour return flight aboard a 787 Dreamliner will head towards Antarctica, aiming for latitudes of 62 degrees south to ensure passengers have the best view of the famous natural show.

High above the clouds and weather systems, passengers can also expect a clear view of constellations and planets en route.

Onboard astronomers, including Griffin, will point out their favourite objects in the night sky and explain how an aurora is created, while they and the onboard photographer will up your chances of getting some truly stellar shots.

Ranging from $1195 per person for an economy class seat with a limited view to $6995 for a window seat in Business Premier Plus, the flights also include two meals, snacks and full bar service.

Griffin, a self-described “aurora fanatic”, said “you never know quite what you are going to see” on a flight into the southern auroral zone.

Throughout the flights you will receive a full inflight catering service in both business and economy class.  Expert Astronomers will provide information on route about how an aurora is created, as well as pointing out their favourite night sky objects.  They will instruct you on how to photograph an Aurora and we will have a photographer onboard to assist on how best to use your cameras.

These seats just won't last so register your interest with us today.

Click here to view the full brochure

Ph:  09 477-0213  or email Michelle