When I lived in Whangarei ( top of nth island NZ ) we could see M31 in october but only on good nights and for a short time .
But now I live in Darwin 12 degrees south its an easy target .
You should see it from Tassy given a clear northern horizon , Good luck .
Oh yea , its quite big and bright and once you have found her you will think . how did I miss that ?
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Brian.