This Scenic Flight Will Let You See the World's Most Remarkable Natural Light Show

Some explorers head for Norway, Canada and the Arctic Circle to see the polar lights, but you can witness the world's most beautiful natural phenomena from the comfort of an aircraft seat.

For the second time this year, tour operator Viva Expeditions is hosting aurora hunters on flights to see the Southern Lights in full colour. The flights departing from Christchurch on 15 May and 7 August, 2021 will see astrophysicist Dr Ian Griffin and a team of expert astronomers fly into the night to witness the natural light display.

Onboard an Air New Zealand Dreamliner passengers will head over the Southern Ocean towards Antarctica, aiming for the latitude of 62 degrees south where the Aurora Australis is said to be the brightest. The ten-hour journey will take you far away from light pollution, high above the clouds and weather systems to see a magical display with uninterrupted view of the Southern Lights. Viva Expeditions says that along the way you will also see constellations, stars and planets as you have never witnessed them before.

Throughout the flight passengers will receive full inflight catering, including the full bar service, in both business and economy classes. Expert astronomers will provide information on route about how an aurora is created, as well as pointing out night sky objects. There will also be instruction on how to photograph an aurora, too, so don't forget to bring your camera.

Tickets for the Southern Lights by Flight cost $1295 and include two full-service Air New Zealand meals, in-flight snacks and the full bar service. For more information, visit vivaexpeditions.com.

Image: Viva Expeditions.