Southern Lights by Flight - The Southern Lights Aurora Australis Witness the world's most remarkable natural lightshow - Viva Expeditions
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Southern Lights
by Flight
Witness the world’s most remarkable natural lightshow
The Southern Lights…Aurora Australis
TIMING
Date:
Witness the world’s most remarkable natural lightshow 20 March 2021 SOLD OUT
21 March 2021 SOLD OUT
The Southern Lights... 15th May 2021*
7th August 2021*
Aurora Australis
Departs from Christchurch
* This is a tentative date subject to final confirma-
tion from the airline. We have been advised we can
expect final confirmation up to 6-8 weeks prior
to departure at the latest. You can guarantee your
Join Viva Expeditions and Aurora hunter and space by paying your deposit which is fully refund-
astrophysicist Dr Ian Griffin & a team of expert able if, in the unlikely chance, the airline is unable to
astronomers and fly into the night, to witness of the confirm the 15 of May 2021 or 7 August 2021 flight
world’s most magical natural phenomena. date. Please see Ts & Cs for more info.
Take off onboard an Air New Zealand Dreamliner, you
will head south over the Southern Ocean towards The timing of this Aurora flight is no coincidence!
Antarctica, aiming for latitudes of 62 degrees south One factor that needs to be considered when plan-
where the Aurora Australis is brightest. ning a flight to the southern auroral oval is the phase
of the moon. Because bright moonlight would inter-
We will take you far away from light pollution, high fere with auroral visibility, we always time the flights
above the clouds and weather systems to see a close to new moon when the sky is dark.
magical and unforgettable display with uninterrupted This natural phenomenon lights up the sky with rib-
view of the southern lights. Along the way you will see bons of pink, red and green light. This is due to solar
constellations, stars, and planets as you have never wind passing through the atmosphere, which is then
witnessed them before. captured by the Earth’s magnetic field. During the
winter months long nights provide an ideal environ-
Throughout the flights you will receive a full inflight
catering service in both business and economy
classes. Expert astronomers will provide information
on route about how an aurora is created, as well as
pointing out their favourite night sky objects. They
will instruct you on how to photograph an Aurora and
we will have a photographer onboard to assist on how
best to use your cameras.
Book with confidence knowing that should COVID
cause the cancellation or delay of your flight your
money will be refunded*
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Should your 2021 season flight not be able to depart
due to government restrictions with coronavirus,
you can choose from either of the following:
This is a unique opportunity, not to be missed! 1.Transfer to an alternative departure date at no extra cost.
2.Receive a full refund, excluding $75 per person
administration fee.
3.A 100% travel credit to use when booking another
Viva New Zealand product.
THE DREAMLINER
Air New Zealand’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a revolu-
tionary aircraft with a focus on cabin comfort.
The Dreamliner is the perfect plane for this journey into
the stars as it has windows which are 30% larger than any
other Boeing wide bodied aircraft and 20% larger than
the new Airbus aircraft. Also, the Dreamliner emits 20%
less emissions than its nearest comparable aircraft in the
same class, has the latest HEPA microbial air filters and a
seat pitch of 33” in economy.
WHAT TO EXPECT ONBOARD
Aboard our privately chartered state-of-the-art 787 Dream-
ABOUT IAN liner, you will experience unparalleled viewing of the magical TOUR INCLUSIONS
Aurora Australis. Enjoy Full Air New Zealand service – includ-
“I’m really excited about this charter flight. Flying into the Dr Ian Griffin is an astronomer who has been Director of the ing premium drinks, delicious meals, and access to full inflight Choose your seating options from Business
southern auroral zone is a wonderful experience, and you Otago Museum since 2013. Originally from the UK, after falling entertainment when outside the Aurora zone. Premier Plus, Business Premier, Premium
in love with the clear dark skies of the Otago Peninsula he Economy, SkyCouch, Economy No Wing,
never know quite what you are going to see. became a NZ citizen in 2018. A self-described aurora The duration of the flight is approximately 10 hours, and the Economy Wing and Economy Limited View.
As I said on my return from the first flight; fanatic, Ian has led two successful Air NZ charter flights into the Aurora can typically be seen after about two and a half hours
southern auroral zone. The first in March 2017 was an 8-hour flying – it’s an experience like no other. All seating classes will experience and an
we’ve travelled two thirds of the way to the south pole, seen flight on a Boeing 767 out of Dunedin, whilst the second flew on unforgettable round-trip including:
an incredible display of the southern lights, got lovely pictures, a Dreamliner from Christchurch in March 2018. On both flights’ Viewing of the Aurora is an exciting experience, but it is im-
passengers enjoyed more than three hours of Auroral displays portant to note that there is a difference between viewing the • Two full-service Air New Zealand meals
and we are home in time for breakfast” as the aircraft flew thousands of kilometres south of New Aurora with the naked eye versus what the camera captures. plus in-flight snacks.
Dr. Ian Griffin Zealand. Ian has also photographed the southern lights during Striking images and videos of the Aurora that you may have
• Celebrate your adventure with champagne,
five flights on NASA’s SOFIA Observatory. seen are captured thanks to the extreme sensitivity of modern wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks as you
digital cameras. To help guests we will have a professional enjoy a full bar service onboard.
photographer onboard who can assist you in getting the best
possible results. • Choose your viewing on the state-of-the-
If you are an avid photographer or astronomer, we highly art entertainment system when outside of
recommend you choose a premium seat or book a full row in the Aurora Zone.
economy to guarantee window access throughout the duration
of the flight. • Learn about the Aurora, how it is formed
and how best to capture it on your cameras
Guests should be aware that once in the Aurora zone the cabin with an expert team of Astronomers &
lights will be turned off to enable best viewing. Photographers onboard.
SEATING PLAN
Reserved Empty seat
K K K
K J J
J
H H
F F F
J E E E
D D D
C C
B B B
A A A A
BUSINESS BUSINESS PREMIUM ECONOMY ECONOMY CLASS ECONOMY CLASS ECONOMY CLASS
PREMIER PLUS CLASS PREMIER CLASS ECONOMY CLASS SKYCOUCH NO WING WING LIMITED VIEW
Price per seat: Price per seat: Price per seat: Price per 2 person SkyCouch: Price per seat: Price per seat: Price per seat:
NZD$7,495 NZD$6,495 NZD$4,395 NZD$7,390 (NZD$3695 pp) NZD$2,395 NZD$1,995 NZD$1,295
Admire wide views of the Aurora Enjoy the same wonderful seating Make yourself at home in a luxuriously These are a row of three These economy seats have These economy seats are Limited View seats do not have
Australis in utmost comfort in and service as Business Premier Plus soft and roomy leather armchair with Economy seats that can unobstructed views from over the wing. This does direct access to a window,
Business Premier Plus seats with full customers. The difference is the generous armrests, a leg rest and change into a couch after the windows. All economy obstruct views of the night sky or have only partial window
international business class service. All seats are either a window or aisle extendable foot support. Relax and take-off. Each row is customers will enjoy a full however many photographers access.
seats are window seats which means seat. enjoy Air New Zealand’s famous Kiwi shared between two people. meal service for dinner and like the wing as it gives great Passengers are free to stand
everyone will have unobstructed views Seats will be exchanged during the cuisine, while you enjoy magnificent The seats are the same as breakfast. perspective in images and in the aisles and common
of the Aurora Australis. journey. Firstly, once we enter the views of the Aurora through large Economy, except you have a video. All economy customers areas to enjoy the views of
The window and the adjacent
In Business Premier Plus, you will Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20 windows. special footrest on each seat. will enjoy a full meal service for Aurora Australis. Passengers
aisle seats will be exchanged
enjoy a super soft leather seat that minute swap to allow everyone their The window and the adjacent aisle seats You can lift them halfway dinner and breakfast. will enjoy Air New Zealand’s
during the journey. Firstly,
transforms into a luxurious lie-flat bed, first exciting views of the Aurora. will be exchanged during the journey. up to make a footrest, or all once we enter the Aurora The window and the adjacent International service. All
with a memory foam mattress, two After that, the remaining time in the Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, the way up to create a large Zone, there will be a quick 20 aisle seats will be exchanged economy customers will enjoy
full-size pillows and a cosy duvet. There Aurora zone will be halved meaning there will be a quick 20 minute swap couch space. Enjoy wonderful minute swap to allow everyone during the journey. Firstly, a full meal service for dinner
is also an ottoman footrest that doubles each passenger will have a window to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora and as their first exciting views of once we enter the Aurora and breakfast.
as guest seating. And all lie-flat beds seat or an aisle seat for the entire views of the Aurora. After that, the well as the benefit of being the Aurora. After that, the Zone, there will be a quick
have direct aisle access. flight. remaining time in the Aurora zone will able to spread out and relax remaining time in the Aurora 20-minute swap to allow No seat swap in this class.
Alternatively the seats can be purchased be halved meaning each passenger will throughout your journey everyone their first exciting
zone will be halved meaning
in pairs and passengers can swap seats have a window seat or the seat next to a as well as a full economy views of the Aurora. After
No seat swap in this class. each passenger will have a
as they wish throughout the journey. window seat for half of the flight and an meal service for dinner and that, the remaining time in
window seat or the seat next
aisle seat or adjacent for the other half breakfast. the Aurora zone will be halved
to a window seat for half of
of the flight. meaning each passenger will
the flight and an aisle seat or
Seat swap: No seat swap in this class. have a window seat or the seat
Note: Seat “J” does not swap. adjacent for the other half of
next to a window seat for half
the flight.
of the flight and an aisle seat
J K
Row of 3 seats: NZD$13,815
or adjacent for the other half
Row of 4 seats: NZD$17,580 Row of 4 seats: NZD$9,580 of the flight.
Handy Hint:
If you do not want to seat swap, thus share the window or seat adjacent to the window with others in your row Seat swap:
via our seat swap system, then we suggest the following options: A B D E F J K
Row of 4 seats special offer:
A B C D F H J K
1. Book a full row of 4 seats in Economy Class Wing – Special Offer! Book 4, Pay 3! NZD$5,985
2. Book a full row of 4 seats in Economy Class No-Wing.
3. Book 2 seats in Economy Class Sky Couch
4. Book a row of 3 or 4 seats in Premium Economy Class
A B C D F H J K
5. Book a seat in Business Premier Plus Class
Then the row is all yours! You can enjoy the window seat for the whole flight or if travelling with others you
control the sharing of the window seats.
FAQs
What is the probability of seeing an How are the Aurora colours going to Do I get meals and refreshments
Aurora? look like? onboard?
As we are in Nature’s hands we cannot
guarantee a sighting, but there is a very
The Aurora Australis photographs in
this brochure have been taken during
You will receive full standard Air New
Zealand international service appro- Pre and Post Flight Travel Options
high chance of encountering the stun- previous flights from New Zealand. priate to your class of travel. Compli-
ning beauty of the Southern Lights in a The naked eye will see them clearly; mentary bar service and snacks will be
magnificent, unforgettable display. although modern digital cameras have available during the flight. There will be
greater sensitivity and can capture two meals served during the flight. A
How long will we see the Aurora for? more colours and greater contrast. dinner will be served shortly after take-
As you will appreciate, the Aurora is a off and a breakfast shortly before arrival.
natural phenomenon, so this can never Do I get Airpoints and Air New Zealand Please note that special meal requests
be guaranteed. However, on previous Koru Lounges? will be limited and must be submitted to
two charter flights, passengers enjoyed Unfortunately, this flight will not earn Air Viva Expeditions in writing at least one
between 4 and 6 hours of viewing. New Zealand Airpoints. Air New Zealand week prior to departure.
Koru members will be permitted to use
How does the seat swap work? the domestic lounge prior to the flight. Photography Onboard?
Once we start to view the aurora, you Also, those booked in business class Viewing of the Aurora is an exciting ex-
will have 20 minutes viewing from the will also have lounge access. perience, but it is important to note that
seat you are in, then you will swap with there is a difference between viewing
your designated seat swap companion Can I bring luggage with me? the Aurora with the naked eye versus
for a further 20 minutes (please see the Standard carry-on luggage allowances what the camera captures. Striking
seating map for more details). Then we will be permitted. For the purpose of images and videos of the Aurora that
will continue swapping in this manner this flight this should be limited to a you may have seen are captured thanks
for intervals of 40 minutes. Note if you small cabin bag plus a handbag or cam- to the extreme sensitivity of modern
are seated in Business Premier Plus, era. Cabin bag not to exceed 23 cm x 34 digital cameras. To help guests we will
Add a pre or post tour.
or have purchased a block of 4 seats cm x 48cm. Total cabin luggage weight have a professional photographer on-
in economy, then you do not need to is not to exceed 7kg. Check in luggage board who can assist you in getting the
swap. All passengers must return to can be checked in and will be stored at best possible results. If you are an avid
their allocated seat as per their board- the airport until your return. photographer or astronomer, we highly
ing pass prior to landing. recommend you choose a premium
Will there be In-Flight entertainment? seat or book a full row in economy to Mission to the Aurora Australis Pre-Flight Pro-
What if there is bad weather?
Dark Sky Experience: Tekapo and Mt John
You will be able to access inflight enter- guarantee window access throughout
As we fly above the clouds and the tainment at the beginning and the end the duration of the flight. Please note gramme
weather systems and due to the great of your flight, and during meal services. that if you are in a seat swap, you will not
navigational ability of the Dreamliner While in the Aurora zone it is important be able to affix covering to the windows This is a must do for those that want to learn more Nā te pō, ko te ao, ko te ao mārama.
sightings of the Aurora should not be that we minimise light as such you will in order to enhance photography. Please about the night skies before taking off on the South- From the darkest depths of the night we become
affected by weather. not be able to access the inflight enter- be considerate of other passengers to ern Lights by Flight. enlightened
tainment during this period. ensure everyone onboard has a great
Where will we fly? experience.
Departing from Christchurch, we will Guests should be aware that once in Join us for this one-of-a-kind pre-flight programme Join us as we travel from Christchurch to the shores
head south towards Antarctica, aim- the Aurora zone the cabin lights will be But never fear … Everybody joining hosted by the international Antarctic Centre. You will of Lake Tekapo(Takapo) on a 3 day, 2 night Dark Sky
ing for latitudes of 62 degrees south, turned off to enable better viewing. us on this flight will receive a copy of learn from a NASA trained aerospace educator about Experience with the Dark Sky Project. Our world
our ultimate flight path will depend on the photographs and video taken by astronomy and in particular the Aurora Australis. class astronomy guides will take you on a bespoke
where we find the Aurora. Check out this our photographers and astronomers
previous flight path: onboard. This is free of charge and you Learn how the Southern Lights are formed and how two hour star gazing, astronomy and astro-photog-
should receive this within 14 days of your this relates to astronomy in Antarctica followed by a raphy tour atop the University of Mount John Obser-
flight. So, you don’t need to worry about guided tour of the Antarctic Centre. Enjoy refresh- vatory in the International Dark Sky Reserve, as well
taking the perfect pictures and can just ments while you chat with Aerospace educators and as a Dark Sky Experience tour, 2 group dinners and
sit back and enjoy the view. astronomers and receive your Mission patch and plenty of time to enjoy the local area.
Carbon Offsets Mission photograph before taking to the air on your
As a responsible tour operator, Viva Flight to the Southern Lights!
Expeditions carbon offsets all emissions
related to the flight. Date: 15 May and 7 August 2021 Dates 13-15 May, 16-18 May, 5-7 August, 8-10 August
Time: 3pm – 5pm Price: POA
How can I book?
Please contact your preferred travel Price: $95.00 per person
agent or Viva Expeditions. For more ingotmation see:
www.vivaexpedtions.com https://vivaexpeditions.com/styles/southern-lights
Southern Lights by Flight Merchandise Aurora Jewellery by Evolve
To go with your flight, we have the stuff you can
We have partnered with Elvolve inspired Jewellery
keep and share that will remind you of this epic jour-
New Zealand to offer our guest something truly
ney through the Aurora Australis. Show those around
special. Check out Aurora themed charms, pendants,
you that you witnessed the Southern Lights by flight
earrings and more. Below are some option available.
in 2021 or wear your memorabilia onboard with your
To purchase and see our full range of Aurora jewellery
fellow adventurers.
click here or using your smartphone camera scan the
QR code which will take you straight to our dedicated
The demand for our Aurora Australis flights has been
page.
incredible and Viva look forward to hosting you. So,
gear up with one our many Southern Light by flight
Scan the QR code to start shopping or visit:
options ranging from t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies,
https://evolve-jewellery.co.nz/collections/south-
caps, beanies.
ern-lights
Scan the QR code to start shopping or visit:
https://vivaexpeditions.com/travel/merchandise
AURORA AUSTRALIS FLIGHTS - TERMS AND 2.Between final payment and 28 days prior to de- has been satisfied as to the adequacy of that
CONDITIONS parture – 50% of total price cancellation fee. quality, it cannot be responsible for any acts or
Please carefully read these booking conditions. 3.Between 28 days and departure date – no refund omissions on their parts.
By making a booking you acknowledge that you Travel insurance is strongly recommended. 2.The client acknowledges that it is the client’s re-
have read, understand and you agree to be bound Minimum numbers sponsibility to check-in on time for his or her flight
by these conditions which form an agreement be- Flight departures require minimum numbers to at any airport. The company will not be responsible
tween Viva Expeditions Ltd (NZBN 9429030377127) operate. If flights are cancelled due to insufficient for any flights that are not taken by the client due to
and yourself. If you make a booking on behalf of numbers, then passengers will be refunded in full. the client’s late arrival at any airport.
other participants, you guarantee that you have the Amendment/transfer The passenger will not be entitled to any refund if
authority to accept and do accept these Terms on Your ticket can be transferred to another person the passenger fails to follow the instruction of Viva
behalf of the other participants in your party. up to 48 hours prior to departure if you are unable Expeditions Ltd. or its representatives.
Deposit and final payments to fly due to having COVID-19 or are displaying any We reserve the right to alter or cancel any services
A non‑refundable deposit per passenger is due at symptoms that would prevent them from being al- you have purchased and inclusions may vary de-
the time of booking equivalent to: lowed to board the flight. An NZ$150 name change pending on weather, or other uncertainties, and are
1.Economy class seats – NZD$500.00 per person service fee per change will apply. This same service subject to change.
2.Premium Economy and Sky Couch – NZD$750.00 fee will apply for change of class. The photographs appearing in this brochure are
per person Travel documents representational only and are not a guarantee that
3.Business class seats - NZD$1000.00 per person Trip information and travel documents will be for- everything will be exactly as depicted at the location
Final payment of your booking balance is required warded to you approximately 10 days prior to travel, upon arrival. It is important to note that photog-
eight weeks prior to your departure date. providing full payment has been received. raphy and video content used is typically modern
Fares: Seat numbers digital equipment and differs from what is seen with
All fares and charges are per person in New Zealand Will not be confirmed in advance of the flight. They the naked eye.
dollars, including GST will be issued on your boarding pass at the depar- Whilst every endeavour will be made to adhere to
Credit card administration fee ture airport. the proposed route, weather conditions may de-
The client acknowledges that payment by the client Passport identification is required upon check-in. termine the actual route, according to the absolute
by credit card will attract an administration fee and As this is a charter flight, a valid passport is required discretion of the Captain of the aircraft. No guaran-
which the client agrees to pay to the company. Cur- for check in (a driver’s licence will not suffice). tee can be given of clear viewing conditions and no
rently, the administration fee is 2% for any amount Disclaimer of liability refund or part refund will be made if the views are
debited by Visa or Mastercard. American Express The company will use its best endeavours to ensure fully or partially obscured. Alternative routes will
cards are not accepted. The administration fee will that its obligations pursuant to the contract with be selected to give the best viewing if the planned
be debited to the client’s credit card at the time of the client are satisfied. However, despite those best route has unfavourable weather conditions.
payment. endeavours, it is not always possible for those ob- Limitation of Liability in the Event of Force Majeure
Cancellation fees ligations to be satisfied. Unless otherwise excluded In the event of a Force Majeure event making it
If we are unable to confirm the 10th May 2021 and or modified by law, the company hereby disclaims impossible or unsafe for Viva Expeditions to deliver
7th August 2021 flight date any payments made are liability for any loss of or damage to the client, all or part of the holiday package, Viva Expeditions
fully refundable. Should your 2021 season flight not including loss of life or injury, and loss of or damage will refund the customer for the unperformed part
be able to depart due to government travel restric- to any of the client’s property; also delay; inconve- of the holiday package less any reasonable losses
tions, you can choose from either of the following: nience; upset; disappointment; stress; frustration; incurred before cancellation. Losses may amount
1.Transfer to an alternative departure date, if avail- or loss of employment or loss of holiday time; how- to a substantial proportion of the booking price.
able, at no extra cost. ever such loss or damage may be caused. Unless Viva Expeditions will use reasonable endeavours to
2.Receive a full refund, excluding $75 per person such disclaimer shall be excluded or modified by minimise losses incurred by our guests. Customers
administration fee. law, the client warrants that he or she will not make must take out travel insurance to protect them-
3.A 100% travel credit to use when booking another or pursue any claim against the company in respect selves against loss in these circumstances.
Viva New Zealand tour. of any such loss or damage, however caused. Aircraft
Please note: If you are residing outside of New The client acknowledges that the provisions of An Air New Zealand 787 aircraft will operate all
Zealand and book onto this flight, Viva Expeditions above are reasonable and necessary for the busi- flights; however, other Air New Zealand aircraft may
will not be responsible for any delay or disruption ness of the company having regard to a range of be substituted without notice. Frequent flyer points
caused by COVID restrictions preventing you enter- matters including but not limited to the following: do not apply.
ing New Zealand or any delay or disruption caused Depending on prevailing weather conditions the
by COVID restrictions within any country outside of 1.The tours or parts of them are supplied or under- quality and brightness of the Aurora viewed may
New Zealand. taken by third party operators. Whilst the company vary. Alternative flight paths may enable viewing
If you cancel, the following fees will apply; has undertaken due diligence on the quality of the of the Aurora Australis but clear views cannot be
1.Between confirmation and final payment: loss of services offered by such third party operators, and guaranteed.
Photos/videos
Photographs or videos of the flight may be used
for promotional purposes. Agreeing to these terms
online and acceptance of the documents indicates
your acceptance and release for this material to be
used for promotional and/or resale purposes.
Airline levy
Airline fuel and/or security levies may apply.
These terms and conditions are in addition to the
regular Viva Expeditions terms and conditions but
where there is a conflict the flight specific terms
and conditions take precedence.
Contact Details:
Address: 235B Dairy Flat Highway, Albany This exciting adventure is brought to you by
Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
Phone: 09 950 5918 Viva Expeditions in partnership with Air New Zealand
Email: info@vivaexpeditions.com
Reservations: 0800 131 900
and Otago Museum.
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