Country Dashboard
Night Sky Visibility in New Zealand
Showing: ISS visibility
Track upcoming passes of the International Space Station and Tiangong, plus moon phase and meteor activity across cities in New Zealand. Viewing conditions vary by location — choose a city for precise local times.
Tonight / Next 36h Highlights
City Forecasts
Auckland
Christchurch
Wellington
Manukau City
Hamilton
Tauranga
Dunedin
Lower Hutt
Palmerston North
Top city table
| City | Next pass (local date & time) | Visibility | Max elev. | Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whanganui | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Upper Hutt | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Manurewa | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Gisborne | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Papakura | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Rolleston | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Blenheim | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Paraparaumu | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Timaru | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Masterton | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Remuera | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Avondale | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Taupo | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Otara | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| New Lynn | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Mangere | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Pukekohe East | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Ashburton | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Wainuiomata | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 3 |
| Palmerston North | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| New Plymouth | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| Hastings | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| Napier | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| Rotorua | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| Porirua | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| Invercargill | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| Papatoetoe | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| Nelson | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| Whangarei | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 4 |
| Hamilton | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 5 |
| Tauranga | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 5 |
| Dunedin | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 5 |
| Lower Hutt | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 5 |
| Christchurch | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 6 |
| Wellington | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 6 |
| Manukau City | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 6 |
| Auckland | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 0° | 8 |
All Cities in New Zealand
Browse city pages for exact pass times, elevation, and local viewing guidance.
FAQ
When can I see the ISS from New Zealand?
The ISS is visible when it passes overhead after sunset or before sunrise while still lit by the Sun. Check the city grid above — “Night” and “Twilight” are the best viewing categories.
What does “visible pass” mean?
A “visible” pass typically means the spacecraft is above your horizon and illuminated by sunlight while your sky is dark enough. Visibility improves with higher maximum elevation and darker skies (lower Bortle rating).
When can I see Tiangong from New Zealand?
Tiangong visibility works the same way as the ISS: best near dawn or dusk when it’s sunlit and your sky is darker. Switch the view selector to “Tiangong Passes” to see upcoming opportunities by city.
What is the current moon phase in New Zealand?
The current phase is Waning Crescent with approximately 27% illumination. Moonrise and moonset times differ by city.
Are there active meteor showers in New Zealand?
Current status: Active. The next notable shower is Eta-Aquariids (peak May 06). For best results, choose a city with darker skies.
Do I need special equipment to see these events?
No. The ISS and most meteor showers are best viewed with the naked eye. Binoculars can help with Moon details.
How this works
Pass predictions depend on orbital paths and sunlight geometry — a spacecraft is easiest to see when it’s sunlit while your location is in twilight or night. Higher maximum elevation generally means a brighter, longer view. Real-world visibility can still be affected by clouds, haze, and light pollution.