@sundogplanets best sky night for sheer awe was in New Zealand, near the same spot. Spouse is a biologist studying cicadas and we were very late heading to Twizel, the kids asleep in the back. Pulled off at Lake Pukaki opened the sun roof and stood looking out in absolute awe and wonder.
1991 at UMBS in Pellston MI, US, was fantastic for aurora activity. We got very little sleep, and were led to think it was always this. Only much later did I realize how special that summer was.