Short answer: In New Zealand, the Orionid meteor shower peaks in the early hours of October 22, 2025, with best viewing from around midnight to dawn, weather permitting and under dark skies away from light pollution. The shower can be visible from late October through early November, with the peak coinciding with a new moon for especially dark skies. Details to help you plan
- When to watch
- Peak time: Early Wednesday morning, October 22, 2025, with the highest activity around 12:01 AM to about 6:00 AM local NZ time, looking toward the northeast as Orion climbs. Expect the possibility of about 20 meteors per hour at peak, occasionally higher depending on conditions.
* Visibility window: While the core peak is October 22, Orionids can be visible from roughly October 20 through November 7 in New Zealand, weather and sky conditions permitting.
- Best viewing tips
- Location: Find a dark, open area away from artificial lights. Elevated vantage points (e.g., hills or ridgelines) can help with a clearer view of the northeast sky.
* Timing: Stay up past midnight and into the early pre-dawn hours; the best window tends to be between midnight and first light. A new moon on the peak night helps by providing darker skies.
* Expect slow start: Meteors may appear sporadically at first; be patient for a steady shower of streaks.
- How many to expect
- Typical rates are around 20 meteors per hour at the peak, though higher activity (up to 50–75 per hour) can occur under especially good conditions.
- Practical notes
- Weather: Check local MetService forecasts for North and South Island skies; clear or mostly clear conditions increase visibility potential.
* Dress warm: October mornings can be chilly in NZ; bring blankets, warm clothing, and perhaps a thermos.
If you’d like, I can tailor a viewing plan for your specific NZ location (city or region) and provide a short star-hopping guide to help you spot Orion and the radiant region.
