Night VFR under part 61 in NZ is now not restricted (ATO's are)
I have done quite a few night cross countries with students/ppls, who have all enjoyed the experience.
Night cross countries require careful planning, and, very good weather, keeping well away from the hilly bits.
A portable garmin 296 also comes along for the ride, which is always done as controlled VFR.
Under NZ rules, you must be on the ground before ECT, which, is in my book a bit tight... some places, expecially in Southern latitudes, it can get dark in about 5 minutes....not to mention cloud cover, etc etc..
I have always insisted on one and half hours for students on cross countries, one hour for PPls on cross countries, and 30 min if the aircraft is flying locally, less if they in the circuit....
Cheers
