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Overview
This example itinerary showcases how a winter journey through New Zealand’s South Island can be designed to maximise opportunities to view the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), while still enjoying the country’s most iconic alpine and coastal landscapes.
The itinerary focuses on the southernmost and darkest regions of the South Island, where light pollution is minimal and winter nights are long. June and July offer the strongest overall conditions for aurora viewing, while sightings can also occur from May through September during periods of heightened solar activity.
As with all of our suggested itineraries, this journey is fully customisable and can be adapted to suit your travel dates, interests, pace, and preferred accommodation style.
Southern Lights 10-Day Itinerary
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
ITINERARY DESCRIPTION
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Christchurch – Lake Tekapo
Arrive into Christchurch and collect your rental car. Travel south across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
In the evening, you may wish to experience a guided stargazing tour with the Dark Sky Project, offering expert astronomy interpretation and telescope viewing in one of the world’s most celebrated dark sky locations.
Overnight: Lake Tekapo
Day 2 | Lake Tekapo
A full day to enjoy the Lake Tekapo region. Options include gentle lakeside walks, Tekapo Springs, or a scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
After dinner, spend time under the stars in one of the world’s premier dark sky regions, ideal for stargazing and Southern Lights viewing when conditions align.
Overnight: Lake Tekapo
Day 3 | Lake Tekapo – Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
A short scenic drive brings you to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peaks.
Enjoy easy walking tracks such as the Hooker Valley Track or simply take in the dramatic alpine scenery. Winter nights here offer excellent night sky conditions due to minimal light pollution.
Overnight: Mount Cook Village
Day 4 | Aoraki Mount Cook – Queenstown
Travel south past the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and through the Lindis Pass to Queenstown.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. On evenings with favourable conditions, travelling a short distance away from town lights can provide opportunities for night sky viewing.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 5 | Queenstown
A relaxed day to explore Queenstown and the surrounding region. Options include visiting Arrowtown, enjoying a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or taking the Skyline Gondola.
Queenstown provides a comfortable base between darker sky regions, with excellent dining and accommodation options.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 6 | Queenstown – The Catlins
Travel south into the remote The Catlins, one of New Zealand’s least populated regions.
With very low light pollution and expansive southern ocean horizons, The Catlins offers some of the best mainland conditions in New Zealand for Southern Lights viewing.
Overnight: The Catlins
Day 7 | The Catlins
Spend the day exploring waterfalls, rugged coastline, and native wildlife. The evening is ideal for watching the southern skies from coastal viewpoints or your accommodation.
Overnight: The Catlins
Day 8 | The Catlins – Invercargill – Stewart Island
Drive to Invercargill and transfer by flight or ferry to Stewart Island. Continue to the township of Oban.
Stewart Island is widely regarded as the most reliable location in New Zealand for Southern Lights viewing due to its southern latitude, uninterrupted horizons, and extremely low light pollution.
Overnight: Stewart Island
Day 9 | Stewart Island
A full day to explore Stewart Island at a relaxed pace. Optional activities include short coastal walks, birdlife encounters, and time at leisure.
In the evening, enjoy outstanding night sky conditions with a strong focus on Southern Lights viewing.
Overnight: Stewart Island
Day 10 | Stewart Island – Depart
Return to Invercargill by flight or ferry for onward travel, or extend your journey with additional South Island destinations.
Optional Extension | Kaikōura (2–3 Days)
If time allows, this itinerary can be extended to include Kaikōura.
Travellers would fly into Christchurch and then drive north along the coast.
Kaikōura offers dramatic mountains-to-sea scenery, excellent wildlife experiences, and clear winter skies with low light pollution outside the township. While not as reliable as Stewart Island or The Catlins for aurora viewing, it provides an outstanding daytime complement to a winter South Island journey.
Best Time to Travel
• June and July offer the strongest conditions for Southern Lights viewing due to long winter nights
• May to September can also produce sightings during periods of increased solar activity
• Southern regions such as Stewart Island, The Catlins, and the Mackenzie Basin provide the highest viewing potential
Important Information
The Southern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed. This itinerary has been designed to maximise opportunities by incorporating multiple nights in the most suitable locations during the optimal season.
Customise This Itinerary
This itinerary is provided as an example only. All of our journeys are fully personalised, with accommodation, transport, and experiences tailored to your preferences.
If you would like us to design a Southern Lights itinerary specifically for you, please get in touch to discuss your plans.
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