While there are few other astronomical festivals throughout New Zealand, this is the only one she knows of that will be in winter, she said. “In the middle of winter you get to see the core of the Milky Way . it’s better in winter because you get longer darkness hours.” What makes the Southland area special for astronomy is that there is always a chance to view the Aurora Australis without having to travel far. The event will run between June 11 to 13, kicking off at the former Oreti Sands golf course, the society’s headquarters. The first 45 people to register for the event will have the chance to attend a trip to Awarua Satellite Tracking Facility and Radio Communications Museum.