With the new DSLR cameras sensors got so good that ISO settings of 3200 or even 6400 give really good pictures with not too much noise. That led to many more people getting into astro photography and aurora hunting. Recently I have been following the aurora activity on this aurora australis forecast page and on this facebook group for aurora australis alerts. Both pages give you an indication when there is something happening in New Zealand. Find a place where you have a good view of the Southern horizon. The next thing you need then is the right weather. Oh and enough patience. I often seem to leave 10 minutes before the real good activity. Here is one of my pictures from 12 May 2025 from Owhiro Bay in Wellington. The bright white light on the horizon is the Interislander ferry.