Lower South Island
5 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF
Lower South Island SOME SERIOUS BRAGGING RIGHTS COME WITH THESE TOP FIVE ACTIVITIES
DISCOVER THE SOUTHERN LIGHTS While the Northern Lights frequent the main stage, the Southern Lights (or Aurora Australis) rarely get a look in. And yet the southern hemisphere’s naturemade disco is just as mesmerising. Notoriously unpredictable, midnight hours throughout winter offer the greatest chance of a show. You’ll need optimum conditions such as a clear dark sky, no cloud cover and little moonlight. The Catlins and Stewart Island are ideal locations due to their southerly status. Check various websites for Aurora forecasts and then send a prayer to the weather gods.
MEET THE PENGUINS After a hard day fishing at sea, blue penguins arrive home just after sunset. As the world’s smallest penguin, the little blue penguins are just 30cm tall, but it’s 30cm of pure loveliness. Waddling up the beach to their nesting boxes, this grand return can be witnessed at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony. For pre-show meals or respite after what can be a cold experience, the Portside Restaurant is conveniently next door. Teetering on the waterfront, it’s particularly atmospheric when the tide is high and the Pacific Ocean is thrashing about moodily. Order North Otago lamb for the ultimate comfort food dish.
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