New Zealand lightning map
New Zealand's thunderstorms are infrequent and run against the usual pattern — in Auckland and Waikato they peak in winter, when cold, unstable air crosses the North Island.
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Detected from NOAA GOES-GLM satellite data. Aggregate count for New Zealand — your exact location and alerts live in the app.
About lightning in New Zealand
Thunder is relatively uncommon in New Zealand: NIWA's station records show most towns hearing it on fewer than 12 days a year, and Christchurch on about 3. It is most frequent in the west and north — around 15 days a year at New Plymouth, 14 at Greymouth and 22 at Milford Sound. Around Auckland and Waikato storms peak in winter, as cold, unstable air crosses the region, while the Bay of Plenty sees most of its thunder in summer. Because these storms are short-lived and often embedded in showery westerlies, the live distance to the nearest flash and whether it is closing in are a better guide than the season.
- Peak season
- June–August
- Region
- Oceania
Cities in New Zealand
Lightning safety in New Zealand
When storms build across New Zealand, the distance to the nearest strike matters more than a country-wide count. Follow the 30-30 rule: if thunder follows lightning by 30 seconds or less, get indoors, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before heading back out. StrikeCast surfaces the live distance and trend so you can act before the storm reaches you.
StrikeCast app
Distance, trend & alerts — in your pocket.
GPS-precise distance to the nearest strike, live approaching/moving-away trend, and push alerts for every place that matters across New Zealand — home, work, the kids' school.
Your exact location stays on your device. Never shared. Never tracked.
Frequently asked
How does StrikeCast track lightning in New Zealand?
StrikeCast reads NOAA GOES-GLM satellite data, updated continuously, to show how far away the nearest strike is and whether it is approaching or moving away. Save any city in New Zealand in the free app to get a push alert when lightning closes in.
When is thunderstorm season in New Zealand?
Lightning is most frequent June–August in New Zealand.
Is it safe to be outside during a thunderstorm in New Zealand?
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Follow the 30-30 rule: shelter when thunder follows lightning by 30 seconds or less, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder. StrikeCast's live distance and trend help you decide before the storm arrives.