Well my America girlfriend (she comes from Cleveland) reackons that she can see the big dipper from our night sky (in New Zealand) as well as a couple of other constallations, i was just wondering if this is true or not? because the northern hemisphere is looking at the night sky in a different angle to the southern hemisphere although there will be a region of overlap.

So is this the same constallations seen in the northern hemisphere?

When I was in Sydney I could see the big dipper. It was at the 'other end' of the sky and upside down, which was weird, but yes, you can see it from both hemispheres.

Use this program then you can see what she is seeing because you can change your location:

http://www.starrynight.com/education/ (free trial)

and http://www.starrynight.com/en/backyardfull.shtml (extra stars)

You can even go sit on the moon if you like

Ah cheers guys