Win two seats to fly to the Southern Lights

With seats starting from $1195 a person, this is a true bucket list experience.

Many travellers dream of chasing the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle. But did you know there is a southern counterpart which is equally spectacular?

Known as the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, the phenomenon is only visible in the southern hemisphere.

When conditions are just right, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them from remote parts of New Zealand – but for front-row views, your best option is to get on a special scenic flight.

In 2017, Otago Museum director and astronomer Dr Ian Griffin organised the first commercial flight to see the Southern Lights, flying to an area over the Southern Ocean where the lights tend to shine the brightest. All 154 seats were snapped up within five days.

The experience was offered again in 2018. Now, after a threeyear hiatus, it is set to take off again next month – and you could be one of the lucky few onboard.

Tour operator Viva Expeditions is offering Stuff Travel readers the chance to win two seats onboard the private charter Air New Zealand Dreamliner, which departs

Christchurch on March 21.

The flight has been timed to coincide with the autumn equinox, which helps maximise the chance of seeing the lights at their brightest.

During the 10-hour flight, expert astronomers – including Griffin – will point out their favourite objects in the night sky and explain how an aurora is created, and a photographer will be on hand to help you get some stellar shots.

With seats starting from $1195 a person, this is a true bucket list experience.

The prize includes:

■ Two economy wing seats on flight NZ1918 departing Christchurch at 7pm on March 21, returning at 5am on March 22

■ Departure cocktail

■ Onboard service including meals and beverage

How to enter:

Go in the draw to win by heading to stuff.co.nz/southernlights.

Entries must be received by 11.59pm on March 10, 2021, and the prize draw will take place on March 11, 2021.

Terms and conditions apply.

The Southern Lights, aka Aurora Australis, are magical when viewed from the Southern Ocean, where they shine brightest.