Are the Aurora Australis Lights on your travel bucket list? We’ve got some epic news - Klook is bringing to you the opportunity to check that off your list in 2022, with no quarantine required. People usually spend hefty amounts to fly to Norway, Canada or the Arctic Circle to get a shot at catching the Northern Lights, but did you know that you could also see the same magical light phenomena on flights departing from Christchurch?
Hop on an Air New Zealand Dreamliner and witness one of the world’s most magical sights - the Southern Lights (also known as Aurora Australis) from Christchurch. The destination? A once-in-a-lifetime show of the mesmerizing aurora
Book with confidence knowing that should COVID cause the cancellation or delay of your flight, you can choose from either of the following:
1. Transfer to an alternative departure date at no extra cost
2. Receive a full refund, excluding $75 per person administration fee
What happens on the Southern Light Flight?
The adventure begins as you take off from Christchurch at about 7pm and head south over the Southern Ocean towards Antarctica. The total duration of the flight is approximately 10 hours, and the Aurora can typically be seen after about two and a half hours flying.
The pilot will aim for latitudes of 62 degrees south where the Aurora Australis is brightest, far from any light pollution above the clouds for the best view of the Southern Lights. The timing of this aurora flight is no coincidence! It coincides perfectly with the Spring equinox which helps to maximise the chance the aurora will be bright.
Views from the window
This is an experience truly like no other - there will be expert astronomers onboard to shed light on how auroras are created, as well as point out their favourite night sky objects. You’ll also get assistance on how best to photograph the aurora from professional photographers so you can show off to all your friends and family. Once in the Aurora zone, the cabin lights will also be turned off to enable the best viewing.
Did you know you can see the Southern Lights right up close from a plane?
The best bit? You’ll get the full-service flight experience as you would on a regular flight. Enjoy the best of inflight catering with Air New Zealand service on all seating classes - including two delicious in-flight meals plus snacks, a full bar service onboard with champagne wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, as well as access to a range of inflight entertainment (though we strongly advise checking out the view outside your window)!
What seat should I pick on the Southern Light Flight?
Everyone will get a chance at the window seat with the seat swap process!
These economy seats have unobstructed views from the windows!
To ensure that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the views, there will be a seat swap process during the flight to give everyone the opportunity to get better views through the large windows. Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20 minute swap to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora. After that, the remaining time in the Aurora zone will be halved at regular intervals.
The Cabin Crew will advise when this commences, and will be organised by row number. All you have to do is tidy your own seat area and refer to your second boarding pass for the location of your next seat. The crew will move through the cabin to collect rubbish once the seat swap has been completed. Wipes will be provided by crew during the flight.
Seat Swap Info ✨
Everyone will get a chance at the window seat!
- If you are travelling alone, you will be allocated seat A/D/F/K
- If you are travelling in a pair, you will be seated together in seats A & B/ C & D/ F & H/ J & K
These economy seats are over the wing, and this does obstruct views of the night sky. Plus, you can get the chance to capture that epic wing shot!
To ensure that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the views, there will be a seat swap process during the flight to give everyone the opportunity to get better views through the large windows. Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20 minute swap to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora. After that, the remaining time in the Aurora zone will be halved at regular intervals.
The Cabin Crew will advise when this commences, and will be organised by row number. All you have to do is tidy your own seat area and refer to your second boarding pass for the location of your next seat. The crew will move through the cabin to collect rubbish once the seat swap has been completed. Wipes will be provided by crew during the flight.
Seat Swap Info ✨
Everyone will get a chance at the window seat!
- If you are travelling alone, you will be allocated seat A/D/F/K
- If you are travelling in a pair, you will be seated together in seats A & B/ C & D/ F & H/ J & K
Limited View seats do not have direct access to a window. These passengers are given priority access to stand in the common areas to enjoy the view. Passengers will enjoy Air New Zealand's International service. All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner & breakfast as well as inflight entertainment.
These seats do not rotate.
Book with confidence knowing that should COVID cause the cancellation or delay of your flight, you can choose from either of the following:
1. Transfer to an alternative departure date at no extra cost
2. Receive a full refund, excluding $75 per person administration fee
What are the COVID safe measures like on the flight?
The health and safety of passengers and crew will be of utmost priority. As such there will be these additional COVID safety measures during your Aurora flight, in partnership with Air New Zealand and airport authorities:
- In the days prior to departure and for the peace of mind of all passengers, everyone boarding the flight will be required to complete a Health and Safety declaration form
- A contactless temperature test will be conducted on all passengers prior to embarkation (depending on transmission rates in the state of departure at the time). Those people with a fever (38°C or higher) will be denied boarding, but, will receive a credit for a future Southern Light Flight
- To reduce congestion on board, not all seats in Economy Class will be utilised. This will allow more space for passengers
- Each passenger will receive a personal Air New Zealand pack for the flight including disposable mask, sanitiser and disinfectant wipes
- There is enhanced cleaning of the aircraft with a disinfectant effective against coronaviruses including during the seat swap process. The aircraft’s air conditioning system is fitted with hospital-grade HEPA filters, which remove 99.9% of all particles, including viruses. Air inside the cabin is refreshed every few minutes, ensuring high air quality
- Additional sanitisers will be available on board throughout the duration of the flight
- Depending on transition rates in your state at the date of departure and the latest medical advice at the time, there may be additional measures implemented closer to departure
Still have questions?
- What is the probability of seeing an Aurora?
As we are in Nature’s hands we cannot guarantee a sighting, but there is an over 95% chance of encountering the stunning beauty of the Southern Lights in a magnificent, unforgettable display
- How long will we see the Aurora for?
As you will appreciate, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, so this can never be guaranteed. However, on previous two charter flights, passengers enjoyed 4 and 6 hours of viewing
- How are the Aurora colours going to look like?
The Aurora Australis photographs in this brochure have been taken during previous flights from New Zealand. The naked eye will see them clearly; although modern digital cameras have greater sensitivity and can capture more colours and greater contrast
- Where will we fly?
Departing from Christchurch, we will head south towards Antarctica, aiming for latitudes of 62 degrees south, our ultimate flight path will depend on where we find the Aurora
- How does the seat swap work?
Once we start to view the aurora, you will have 20 minutes viewing from the seat you are in, then you will swap with your designated seat swap companion for a further 20 minutes (please see the seating map for more details). Then we will continue swapping in this manner for intervals of 40 minutes
- What if it is bad weather?
As we fly above the clouds and the weather systems and due to the great navigational ability of the Dreamliner sightings of the Aurora should not be affected by weather
- Do I get Airpoints and Air New Zealand Koru Lounges?
Unfortunately, this flight will not earn Air New Zealand Airpoints. Air New Zealand Koru members will be permitted to use the domestic lounge prior to the flight
- Can I bring luggage with me?
Standard carry-on luggage allowances will be permitted. For the purpose of this flight this should be limited to a small cabin bag plus a handbag or camera. Cabin bag not to exceed 23 cm x 34 cm x 48cm. Total cabin luggage weight is not to exceed 7kg. Check in luggage can be checked in and will be stored at the airport until your return
- Will there be In-Flight entertainment?
You will be able to access inflight entertainment at the beginning and the end of your flight, and during meal services. While in the Aurora zone it is important that we minimise light as such you will not be able to access the inflight entertainment during this period. But never fear ... Everybody joining us on this flight will receive a copy of the photographs and video taken by our photographers and astronomers onboard. This is free of charge and you should receive this within 14 days of your flight. So, you don’t need to worry about taking the perfect pictures and can just sit back and enjoy the view
- Do I get meals and refreshments onboard?
You will receive full standard Air New Zealand international service appropriate to your class of travel. Complimentary bar service and snacks will be available during the flight. There will be two meals served during the flight. Dinner will be served shortly after take-off and breakfast shortly before arrival. Please note that special meal requests will be limited and must be submitted to Viva Expeditions in writing at least one week prior to departure
- Are there Carbon Offsets?
As a responsible tour operator, Viva Expeditions carbon offsets all emissions related to the flight
💫 Witness one of the world's most magical natural phenomena, the Aurora Australis, in front of your eyes from your comfortable seat on an Air New Zealand 787-9 Boeing Dreamliner
💫 An expert astronomer providing commentary and astrophotographers on board to help you make the most out of this unique experience
💫 Two full service in-flight meals catered by Air New Zealand and an in-flight bar
💫 Window seat guaranteed for Economy No Wing & Economy Wing with the seat swap process
💫 Complementary professional photographs will be shared with you post-flight so you can sit back and enjoy the views’
💫 Book with confidence - should the flight not be able to depart due to restrictions, you can choose to reschedule at no extra cost or receive a full refund excluding admin fees
Book with confidence knowing that should COVID cause the cancellation or delay of your flight, you can choose from either of the following:
1. Transfer to an alternative departure date at no extra cost
2. Receive a full refund, excluding $75 per person administration fee
What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel activities and services booking platform, covering over 400 destinations and over 100,000 travel services! Klook’s mission is to empower travellers around the world to discover, book and experience the best things to do anywhere, anytime - including attractions, activities, car rental, tours, local transfers, wifi and SIM cards.
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