Harmonic Convergence

Just rewatching LOK and I reached the point that always bothered me.

By the time Korra found out about Vaatu, Raava and the harmonic convergence the convergence was like weeks away but the northern portal still remained closed.

She goes back and tries to close the southern portal again before it happens but she could have just laid back and chill at the beach until the convergence is over.

After that just wait a year to close the southern portal again at the next winter solstice.

I really like the show but that part annoys me so much.

Am I missing something or was that whole conflict completely avoidable?

I get it that Unalaq tricked her to trust her but after she found out he lied she still had the upper hand. Smartest move would have been to stay completely low and hide until it’s over.