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)
Highlights
Wild Kiwi Bird spotting – over 20,000 and diurnal (active and visible during the day)
Ulva Island guided walk – abundant birdlife
Stargazing in the southern-most Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world
Paterson Inlet and “The Neck” cruise – wildlife spotting opportunities
Multiple nights to increase Aurora sightings chances
Local village tours
Short walk bush and forest excursions
Visit a historic Norwegian Whalers base
Explore local salmon, mussel and oyster farms
Theme: Welcome to Rakiura – Land of Glowing Skies
Ferry or flight arrival into Oban, Stewart Island.
Village Orientation Tour – Meet your local guide and explore this quaint, close-knit community steeped in maritime history.
Short Bush Walk – Ease into island life with a gentle guided walk through the lush native forest surrounding Halfmoon Bay.
Evening: Night Sky Introduction
Gather for a celestial primer under the pristine southern skies.
Learn to locate the Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds, and track aurora forecasts.
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 1 – Your first chance to see the Southern Lights!
Theme: Sounds of the Forest – A Sanctuary of Songbirds
Ulva Island Guided Walk – Cross the inlet to a predator-free sanctuary teeming with endemic birds: kākāriki, kākā, tīeke, and more. Hear the forest sing.
Time for solitude or sketching among mossy trails, ancient rimu, and golden beaches.
Optional: Swim or snorkel in the island’s clear waters (weather dependent).
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 2 – Head to a local lookout or remote beach, wrapped in blankets and wonder.
Theme: Wildlife by Water & Whaling Past
Paterson Inlet Cruise & “The Neck” – Embark on a wildlife cruise. Watch for penguins, albatross, and playful seals.
Historic Norwegian Whalers Base – Visit relics of a 1920s whaling station and hear tales of a bygone era.
Visit local aquaculture farms – Learn about and taste fresh salmon, oysters, and mussels straight from the source.
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 3 – Possibly your best shot—clear skies and cold air make for prime viewing.
Theme: Feathered Icons – In Search of the Wild Kiwi
Diurnal Kiwi Bird Spotting Tour – With over 20,000 kiwi roaming freely, Stewart Island is one of the only places on Earth where you can see them during the day!
Leisure time – Optional kayak trip, scenic hike, or explore more local stories at Rakiura Museum.
Forest Walk at Dusk – As the birds settle, enjoy the serene hush of the evening bush.
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 4 – Try a different location, maybe the beach, for a varied perspective.
Theme: Reflections & Final Glimpses
Morning walk or revisit favourite spot – Return to Ulva, hike the Rakiura Track, or relax with coffee and seabird views.
Pack up and transfer – Departure via ferry or flight (depending on weather).
Optional final stop at Observation Rock or Moturau Moana Gardens before leaving.
🌌 Aurora Watch Night 5 (if staying a 5th night or late ferry) – A final look to the skies in gratitude and wonder.
How to get to Invercargill:
Click to fly with AIR NEW ZEALAND
How to get to Bluff: SNM will have you driven
Inclusions and Exclusions
Gear List
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
Transport
Ferry / Plane to Oban
Flights
Accommodation
All (while on tour)
Difficulty rating (1 easy, 5 hard)
1
Restrictions
Heights: n/a
Weights: n/a
Ages: n/a
Hazards
…
Risks
…
Exposure rating
…
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.