Guided tour or chasing on your own?
Both work. The right choice depends on your driving experience in winter, your budget and how much you want to learn and photograph.
Why a guided tour helps
- Guides follow cloud forecasts and know where the clear skies and safe parking are, sometimes driving long distances to find them.
- No winter driving at night on unfamiliar roads.
- Many tours provide warm clothing, hot drinks and help with camera settings.
- Some operators re-book you for free if you see nothing — check the conditions.
Why going on your own works
- Flexibility: you can wait for hours, move at short notice, or go out again at 2 am.
- Lower cost for groups and longer stays.
- Under the auroral oval, a dark spot 10–20 minutes from town is often enough on a clear night.
A good compromise
Book a tour for the first night to learn the area and the routine, then go out on your own on the following nights using the live score and the darker-sky suggestion on each place page. In some places, operators have been inspected for safety and licensing; choose established companies with clear safety information.
Last reviewed 15 October 2026