Northern lights in Wānaka tonight

The willow tree on the eastern lakefront stands alone in the water a few metres from shore, facing south across Lake Wānaka. During strong aurora australis events (Kp 4+) the green arc rises above the dark Otago ranges to the south. Town light from Wānaka creates some glow behind the tree, but facing south this is minimised. The tree is partially submerged and accessible on the shoreline. It has become one of the most photographed aurora foregrounds in New Zealand during active events.

The summit of Roys Peak gives a 360° panorama of Lake Wānaka, Lake Hawea, and the Southern Alps. At 1,578 m the view extends to the horizon in all directions with no settlement visible except Wānaka's faint glow far below. The standard track takes 3-4 hours each way - not suited to a same-night aurora chase but exceptional on a planned clear night. The elevation reduces atmospheric haze. Snow covers the upper section from June to October - crampons needed.

A quiet bay on the western arm of Lake Wānaka accessible by a short road from the Wānaka-Mount Aspiring Highway. No settlement on the far shore. The bay faces southwest across dark water with the Matukituki Valley visible behind. Much less visited than the Wānaka lakefront at night. A good option when the lone willow spot has other photographers. The flat beach gives a simple dark water foreground facing south-southwest.