Options
3 days Tuesday-Thursday (short break, mid-week, avoid weekend crowds)
4 days Friday-Monday (extended weekend, more chances)
5 days Monday-Friday (mid-week, avoid weekend crowds, longer immersion, higher chances)
How to get to Invercargill:
Click to fly with AIR NEW ZEALAND
How to get to Bluff: SNM will have you driven
Highlights
Ulva Island Guided Walk – Encounter rare, native birds in a predator-free sanctuary.
Wild Kiwi Spotting (Diurnal) – See kiwi birds in daylight—unique to Stewart Island.
Paterson Inlet & The Neck Cruise – Spot seabirds, seals, and marine wildlife from the water.
Aurora Australis Viewing – Nightly stargazing in the world’s southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Rakiura Village Tour & Local Life – Explore Oban, visit Ackers Cottage, and meet local artisans.
Moturau Moana Native Gardens – Discover the southernmost public gardens in New Zealand.
Historic Whalers Base Visit – Learn about the island’s Norwegian whaling history.
Penguin & Seabird Photography – Capture images of wild Hoiho and tītī in their natural habitat.
Jade Carving & Cultural Workshops – Create with local pounamu and explore island heritage.
Wet Weather Options – Rakiura Museum, Bunkhouse Theatre, and carving studio ensure a rich experience rain or shine.
Theme: Welcome to Rakiura – Land of Glowing Skies
Arrival in Oban, Stewart Island by ferry or flight. Meet your guide and settle into island rhythms.
Village Orientation Tour – Discover Oban’s maritime charm, key sites, and insider tips for aurora spotting.
Optional Bush Walk – A short nature loop through coastal podocarp forest (weather permitting).
🌀 Wet Weather Option:
Rakiura Museum – Discover stories of early Māori, European settlers, muttonbirders, and whalers.
Moturau Moana Native Gardens – New Zealand’s southernmost public gardens, with native species and shelter from light rain.
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 1 – Night sky orientation and aurora tips at Observation Rock or local beach (clouds permitting).
Theme: Sounds of the Forest – Sanctuary of Songbirds
Ulva Island Guided Walk – A predator-free sanctuary bursting with birdlife. Spot tīeke, pīwakawaka, kākā, and curious weka.
Penguin & Seabird Photography – Bring your camera! Capture NZ fur seals, tītī (sooty shearwater), and yellow-eyed penguins (Hoiho) if you’re lucky.
Optional swim or snorkel in clear waters (weather & tide dependent).
🌀 Wet Weather Option:
Bunkhouse Theatre – Cosy up for a 40-minute local doco “A Local’s Tail” about Stewart Island life, narrated by a dog!
Jade Carving Workshop – Join a local artisan to shape your own piece of Rakiura greenstone (Pounamu).
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 2 – Head out to a new dark site for fresh skies.
Theme: Wildlife by Water & Whaling Past
Paterson Inlet Cruise & “The Neck” – A scenic wildlife voyage past hidden coves and bird-filled shores. Watch for albatross, little blue penguins, and marine mammals.
Historic Whalers Base Visit – Explore the haunting remains of the Norwegian whaling station, guided by tales of the past.
Visit Local Seafood Farms – Tour salmon, mussel, and oyster operations with a chance to sample the freshest island kai.
🌀 Wet Weather Option:
Combine museum & jade workshop with local storytelling or indoor tastings with island residents.
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 3 – Cosy up with hot drinks and warm layers—potentially the best chance with clearer southern skies.
Theme: Feathered Icons & Hidden Gems
Daytime Kiwi Bird Spotting Tour – A rare opportunity to see Stewart Island’s famous diurnal kiwi in the wild.
Acker’s Cottage Visit – Step into one of NZ’s oldest stone buildings, built in 1835, with scenic bay views.
Optional Activity:
Moturau Moana Native Gardens (if not yet visited)
Or an additional forest/bush walk to absorb Rakiura’s untamed beauty.
🌀 Wet Weather Option:
Return to any previously missed indoor activities (theatre, carving, museum).
Enjoy downtime with local fare at the South Sea Hotel or Kai Kart, sharing stories with fellow travellers.
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 4 – Perhaps a secluded beachfront or private balcony stargaze with the aurora forecast in hand.
Theme: Final Moments in the South
Sunrise Walk or Final Birdwatch – Early risers may catch light playing over the inlet, or seabirds feeding at dawn.
Wrap-up, pack, and transfer – Depart by ferry or flight, with aurora dreams and new connections carried home.
Optional final stop at Moturau Moana or Ackers Point Track (short walk with sweeping views).
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 5 (if staying extra night) – A final hope for the southern lights to dance you into departure.
Wind and Waterproof Jacket
Thin merino shirt / thermal (polypropylene) shirt x 2
Fleece jumper x2
Alternative insulation jumper x1 (wool, down, synthetic) (add this if Winter)
Thermal bottom leggings (polypropylene),
Shorts
Pants
Swimwear
Socks
Sunhat
Warm beanie
Neck warmer / scarf
Warm gloves
Comfort footwear (jandals / crocs)
Closed-toe footwear (trail runners / boots)
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Personal medication
Water bottle (1L+)
Watch (not critical)
Walking poles (not critical)
Day pack / mission bag
Waterproof pack liner (can be a large black rubbish bag)
Pack rain cover (not critical)
Backpack / Duffel (50-75L) to put all of the above in
Food / Drink
All food ✓
Most drinks ✓
Accommodation
All (while on tour) ✓
Transport
Ferry / Plane to Oban ✓
Flights x
Difficulty rating (1 easy, 5 hard)
1
Restrictions
Heights: n/a
Weights: n/a
Ages: n/a
15kg check in luggage allowance
Hazards
Wildlife
Transport
Weather
Risks
Injury
Illness
Exposure rating
2
FAQ’s
…
The Aurora Australis Southern Lights, is a mesmerizing natural flux light display that graces the southern hemisphere with its ethereal beauty. This celestial phenomenon, mirroring the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), occurs in the high-latitude regions surrounding the Antarctic Circle. This captivating solar cycle spectacle is primarily visible in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and parts of South America.
The Aurora Australis is a celestial dance of light caused by the interaction of charged particles from the solar wind with interplanetary magnetic fields and atmosphere. These charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, producing vibrant hues of green, pink, purple, and red that paint the night sky.
The sunspot cycle, occurring roughly every 11 years, influences solar activity and creates sunspots. These sunspots lead to increased solar wind, resulting in the captivating aurora, such as the Aurora Australis Southern Lights
The last solar cycle peak occurred in 2013, and the next peak is expected between 2023-2025. This is exciting for aurora enthusiasts, as the intensity of the southern lights aligns with the 11-year solar cycle.
NASA predicts peak solar activity in 2023-2025, making it an ideal time to plan a trip to witness the aurora australis.
The sunspot cycle is linked to magnetic pole reversals every 11 years, completing a 22-year solar cycle. Despite pole changes, the sun’s behavior remains consistent within each 11-year cycle, adding to the allure of this captivating solar dance.
To witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon, one must venture to regions with high latitudes, ideally close to the magnetic pole. The best times to catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights are during the winter months when the nights are longest. We start and finish our seasonal tours according to the Russel McPherron effect; within the Equniox and Solstices or what Scientists call the “equinoctial effect”. Remote locations, away from light pollution, enhance the visibility of the auroras, providing an unobstructed view of the celestial spectacle. PLEASE NOTE: there is no guarantee we will see the Aurora Australis Southern Lights.
There are some websites that provide alerts, forecasting, predictions, probabilities, indices and current “nowcasting”:
Spectacular Visual Delight: The Southern Lights offer a breathtaking visual feast, with vibrant colors swirling and dancing across the night sky, creating an awe-inspiring display of natural beauty.
Connection with Nature: Witnessing the Aurora Australis provides a profound connection with nature, as you become a spectator to the cosmic interplay between solar winds and the Earth’s magnetic field.
Unique Photographic Opportunities: Capture stunning photographs of the auroras to preserve the memory of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The vivid colors and dynamic patterns make for compelling and unique photographic subjects.
Cultural and Social Experiences: Many locations where the Southern Lights are visible offer rich cultural experiences. Engage with local communities, explore indigenous traditions, and immerse yourself in the unique lifestyle of these regions.
Memorable Adventure: Planning a trip to witness the Southern Lights involves embarking on an adventurous journey to remote and pristine landscapes. Whether it’s camping in the wilderness or sailing across icy waters, the entire experience becomes a memorable adventure.
The Aurora Australis isn’t just a visual spectacle; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world, creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper appreciation for the wonders of our planet. In a world often dominated by technology and urban living, this celestial display serves as a reminder of the Earth’s majesty and the importance of preserving its beauty for future generations.
Best places to see the Southern Lights Explore ideal locations like Tasmania, New Zealand’s South Island, and Antarctica for the best Southern Lights viewing experiences.
Southern Lights tours and packages Discover guided tours and packages that offer a curated experience, providing expert insights and ensuring the best chances of witnessing the auroras.
Photography tips for capturing the Aurora Australis Learn techniques and tips for capturing stunning photographs of the Southern Lights, including camera settings and composition ideas.
Cultural experiences in Southern Lights destinations Delve into the diverse cultures and traditions of regions where the Southern Lights are visible, enhancing your overall travel experience.
Embarking on a journey to witness the Aurora Australis Southern Lights is not just a trip; it’s a transformative experience that combines the thrill of adventure with the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. It’s an opportunity to step away from the ordinary, immerse yourself in the wonders of the world, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The Southern Lights offer a unique blend of visual splendor, cultural richness, and a profound connection with the Earth’s celestial dance – an experience that transcends the ordinary and enriches the soul.
The Southern Lights beckon as a natural masterpiece, inviting you to explore the untouched corners of our planet, reconnect with nature, and indulge in an immersive adventure that transcends the ordinary. Witnessing the Aurora Australis Southern Lights is not just a journey; it’s a celebration of the Earth’s beauty, a testament to the wonders of the cosmos, and a profound reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.