On the unforgettable nights of May 11th and 12th, 2024, New Zealanders were treated to a celestial spectacle rarely witnessed in such intensity and widespread reach – the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, danced across the skies in a dazzling display of vibrant colors.
Triggered by a series of coronal mass ejections from the Sun, this geomagnetic storm was classified as G5 – an extreme event that hadn’t impacted our planet in over two decades. The resulting surge of charged particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field pushed the auroral oval significantly further north, allowing even those in Auckland to witness the mesmerising light show. While the South Island typically enjoys more frequent auroral displays due to its proximity to the South Pole, this extraordinary event illuminated the skies across the entire nation. From Stewart Island to Northland, Kiwis gazed in awe as curtains of green, pink, and purple shimmered and danced overhead. Social media erupted with stunning images and videos.
I had made up my mind to stay in Auckland. While the South Island boasts stunning aurora photos regularly, capturing such a spectacle in Auckland is a rarity. I headed to Karioitahi Beach, a familiar spot I’ve frequented over the past decade and one of the few places in Auckland to escape light pollution.
Upon arrival, I was surprised to find around a hundred photographers already there. I quickly moved further south to avoid the crowds. As the sun began to set, I started taking a few test shots and noticed a peculiar pink haze, even though the sun was still shining. Could it be the aurora?
Then, faint yet enormous beams appeared, and I knew I was witnessing something extraordinary. As the sun disappeared, I didn’t even need my camera; I could see the dancing beams with my own eyes. It was unbelievable… in Auckland!
Stunning pink beams captured in Auckland
I continued snapping photos, capturing the initial stunning pink beams that transformed into red, yellow, green, and other hues. Normally, I have to crank up the ISO to capture anything in Auckland, but that night, I had to turn it down as the images were too bright. The wet sand mirrored the colors, creating an amazing reflection. I was alone, but the sheer awe of the moment had me screaming in disbelief.
After hours of shooting, I decided to head home to review my photos. Walking back to the carpark, I was astonished. It seemed like half of Auckland had turned up! I estimated about 5,000 people were there. I had photographed on this beach for years, mostly alone. To see it so crowded was almost overwhelming, but I was glad so many people were out experiencing this rare event. The drive home was slow, with about two hours spent in traffic.
The night of May 11-12, 2024, will forever be a cherished memory and filled me with a sense of wonder and awe that I’ll never forget.