An unforgettable night photographing one of the strongest auroral displays I've witnessed at 45° South. From the science of solar wind predictions to the cultural knowledge woven into our night sky, this is the story of Kā Kurakura o Hinenuitepo dancing above Whakatipu Wai Māori—and why protecting our access to darkness matters now more than ever.

From daylight to starlight. A Day into Night Adventure shaped by weather, light, and the kind of moments you don’t plan — you simply feel.

Owlie is the first AuthenticAs newsletter, sharing a true story of a resident ruru nohinohi and seasonal observations from Queenstown. A quiet reflection on tohu, te taiao, and paying attention to the land, skies, and stars of the Southern Lakes.

Private 3-hour Queenstown adventure with stunning landscapes, flexible routes, and professional photos — perfect for couples and special occasions.

A special winter day with the Murphys: beautiful skies, native forest, rivers, and not a ski in sight. Our Top & Back Adventure shows a different side of Queenstown — all the magic, without the ski field pass.

This morning, before dawn, I stood on the slopes of Pā Hā Raki in the biting wind. Awaiting the rise of Whiro, alongside Pipiri, marking Takurua and Te Tau Hou – the start of the new lunar year.

What began as study has become a near-daily practice. A way of observing and connecting with the environment through Te Rā, Te Marama, Kā Whetū & Te Taiao - winds, clouds, temperature, birds, animals, plants and people

I’m still learning, it will never end. What I’ve discovered is a way of connecting that surpass anything I ever imagined.

AuthenticAs is now a Qualmark Silver accredited business. Learn what this award means and how it reflects our personal, safety-focused, and sustainable approach to guiding tours in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Discover the magic of Queenstown and Arrowtown this autumn with AuthenticAs private guided tours and professional family photography. Experience the golden landscapes, rainbows, and warm southern hospitality while creating unforgettable memories.

Pavneet & Simran’s anniversary adventure took them from the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu to the breathtaking peaks of Mount Earnslaw. A journey of stunning landscapes, cultural connection & timeless photographs. Celebrate your special moments with AuthenticAs.

Kyle & Libby, newlyweds from the USA, turned a rainy setback into an unforgettable Queenstown adventure!

Kōaka (Spring) has well and truly sprung. Without a doubt this is one of the most beautiful times of the astronomical year.

Syd's AuthenticAs Adventure in Queenstown was nothing short of magical. From snow-covered landscapes to star-filled skies, this personalized journey combined breathtaking beauty with professional photography, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Winter nights in the Southern Lakes have been filled with extraordinary stargazing moments. Our journey through the cosmos, using cutting-edge technology and traditional methods, has made this season unforgettable.

Join us on a journey with Jem, a nurse who found solace and connection in our Starry Nights Adventure back in Winter 2022. Her experience led to life-changing decisions and a move to Queenstown, where she continues to explore the beauty of autumn bliss with her partner.

Journey with us through Queenstown, New Zealand, where love and adventure converge in a tale as unique as yours. Meet Ian and Selena, a couple seeking something extraordinary for their pre-wedding shoot, and if we could include Ian’s parents Mercy & Noel, that would be the icing on the cake.

Here at AuthenticAs we pride ourselves on offering something different, not a run of the mill experience. Instead we can craft our packages individually for you whilst you visit the truly beautiful Southern Lakes district of Aotearoa / New Zealand.

Explore Punamāhaka, (Moke Lake), a stunning lake surrounded by towering peaks, an absolute gem in the Southern Lakes Crown, day or night.

We're thrilled about using the 8" Dobsonian telescope for our Starry Night Adventures, but its size limits our mobility. To enhance the experience, we introduced the Unistellar eVscope. This camera-like telescope collects photons with a sensor and generates real-time images on our iPad. It's portable, sets up quickly, and tracks celestial objects as Earth moves. The eVscope reveals stunning details of galaxies and cosmic phenomena that are invisible to the naked eye. We can now take our guests on Starry Night walks, capturing memories and offering an immersive experience. The eVscope excels even during bright moonlit nights, transforming our adventures.

The Little Bit Extra option allows you to add extra time to your Starry Nights tour, which is customized to your preference. For example, if you're interested in astrophotography, you can use the extra time to learn about and practice this skill. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an even more personalized experience, you can use the extra time to capture specific photographs or enjoy more stargazing. Ultimately, the Little Bit Extra option allows for a more tailored and personalized experience for you.

Forget the misconceptions that stargazing in summer isn't possible. Not only is the Summer Southern Night Sky outstandingly beautiful, you can also see the Aurora Australis if you're lucky.

Simon, the Astro Guide at AuthenticAs gives you a run down on what to expect on one of their Starry Nights Adventures during the warmer months