5 ways to make the most of the Lower South Island

SOME SERIOUS BRAGGING RIGHTS COME WITH THESE TOP FIVE ACTIVITIES

1. 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 nature-made 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.

Aurora Australis © Videocopter NZ

2. Meet some 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.

Little blue penguin © Getty Images

3. Swim inside a shark

Adrenalin junkies can’t get enough of Hydro Attack, a semi-submersible watercraft which looks like a shark and is driven by an experienced guide for a 15-minute somersault across Lake Wakatipu. With speeds of 80km, depths of two metres and the ability to fly up to six metres out of the water, this aqua rocket delivers more G-Force than most roller coasters. Weight restrictions apply and children must be six years of age or older.

4. Find the famous Wanaka Tree

Known as the ‘Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka’ the crooked trunk of New Zealand’s most photogenic tree is now more iconic than the lake. Somewhat a reluctant celebrity, this willow doesn’t reveal its whereabouts too easily. From town, face the lake and meander left along the water’s edge – you will eventually reach the leafy idol. Following a flurry of excitement on social media, hordes now flock here with cameras, selfie sticks and drones in tow.

Wanaka Tree © Getty Images

5. Say hello to a sea cucumber

The tables are turned at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. Unlike an aquarium, in this large sunken viewing area, humans are the ones in a glass bowl. Marine life is free to come and go, creating a unique and beautiful environment toadmire. Visitors to the Milford Discovery Centre descend 64 steps into the observatory where viewing windows provide exceptional clarity. From sea cucumbers to fish, black coral and the odd curious dolphin, life in the Piopiotahi Marine Reserve is always enthralling.

Milford Sound Underwater Observatory © Getty Images