Destination Comparison
Hobart vs Queenstown for Southern Lights
Tasmania's capital versus New Zealand's adventure hub — both are accessible Southern Hemisphere cities in the aurora australis zone. Hobart sits at 43°S and Queenstown at 45°S, putting both within range during strong geomagnetic events.
✦6/10
Aurora Score
✦6/10
✓$130/day
Daily Budget
$140/day
Easy ✈️
Accessibility
Easy ✈️
Jun, Jul, Aug
Best Months
Jun, Jul, Aug
✓14h
Dark Hours (Winter)
14h
Antarctic
Region
Antarctic
11 types
Activities
✓12 types
Our Verdict
Both see aurora australis during strong events; Hobart wins on city amenities and the exceptional Tasmanian food and arts scene; Queenstown wins on adventure activities and a more established aurora touring scene.
Choose Hobart if:
MONA gallery, Tasmania's world-class food scene, Cradle Mountain access, easier to combine with mainland Australia trips
Choose Queenstown if:
Bungee jumping and skiing, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound day trips, more established southern lights tour operators
Australia
Hobart
Australian travellers wanting Southern Lights combined with Tasmania's extraordinary wilderness and culture
New Zealand
Queenstown
Adventure and ski travellers in the Southern Hemisphere who want Southern Lights as a bonus experience