'Perfect' Weather Conditions Allow Southern Lights to Stun Stargazers

Stargazers across New Zealand gathered to watch the Southern Lights over the April 22-23 weekend, with the spectacular light show expected to come out again on Monday night.

Dale Wowk created this time lapse from Coronet Peak overlooking Queenstown. He said it was the first time he has ever seen the Southern Lights in person.

“I have been wanting to see an aurora since move here late last year, but haven’t had much luck,” Wowk said. "This was the first time I had ever seen and photographed an aurora and the whole experience seemed unreal.

“I’d seen so many photos and video… but to watch the beams dance across the sky and see them pop up on the back on the back of my camera was an incredible experience.”

Though the Aurora Australis is not an unusual display in New Zealand, it rarely shows itself on consecutive nights with this intensity. New Zealand media outlet Stuff.co.nz reported that the ""perfect" weather":http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/91832560/southern-lights-delight-kiwis-from-auckland-to-otago-as-aurora-lights-up-night-sky conditions meant the lights were visible from Auckland and Christchurch, where they are less frequently seen. Credit: Dale Wowk via Storyful