Southern lights sky-high over Dunedin in NZ

FIRST New Zealand got Lord of the Rings, now they have this. These spectacular shots were taken on an Air NZ flight from Dunedin ... best plane view ever?

There would be no question over window versus aisle on this Air New Zealand flight. Picture: YouTube

A CHARTERED tour from New Zealand called “Flight to the Lights” has taken passengers to see the aurora australis with spectacular results.

Photographers on board published a series of images and videos showing the vibrant green hues dancing on the horizon over Dunedin.

Woah! Nice trip through the southern auroral zone tonight on #flighttothelights Naked eye auroras were spectacular photographically! pic.twitter.com/QSaz0JHeeK

— Ian Griffin (@iangriffin) March 23, 2017

Ever wondered what an aurora australis looks like from 60 South from a Boeing 767? Wonder no more… #flighttothelights pic.twitter.com/d6BamHWgdi

— Ian Griffin (@iangriffin) March 23, 2017

The Otago Daily Times reports the seven-hour flight took advantage of the equinox aurora effect, when there would be 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

The flight left Dunedin Airport about 9pm, heading as far south as 62 degrees, which graces Antarctica, before returning early this morning.

According to organiser Ian Griffin, the flight path zigzagged across the international date line four times, so people on both sides of the aircraft could get a good view.

More cool things from last night’s #flighttothelights include the flight plan pic.twitter.com/5M09TYP9hD

— Ian Griffin (@iangriffin) March 24, 2017

Huge congrats to @iangriffin & crew for making #flighttothelights a reality. @FlyAirNZ is this the most impressive wing shot ever? #Nextyear pic.twitter.com/ZZQdrBn0t8

— Dave Swift (@DSwiftnz) March 23, 2017