Sun Pillars

Sun pillars are most commonly seen near sunset or sunrise. Sun pillars form in a similar way to the light pillars, reflecting light off of ice crystals in the air.

However, they are technically part of the 'ice haloes' group, and are caused by the natural light from the sun itself.

The photo below shows a faint example of a sun pillar, extending directly upwards over the setting sun in Otago. 

Photo was taken by Brad Phipps in July 2017.