The city of Dunedin, New Zealand, is preparing for a significant tourist influx as it anticipates a total solar eclipse occurring on July 22, 2028. This will mark the first total solar eclipse visible in the region in over 850 years, with the moon passing directly in front of the sun, casting a shadow approximately 60 miles wide across parts of southern New Zealand.
The eclipse is expected to begin at 4:17 p.m. local time, bringing roughly three minutes of daytime darkness to areas within the path of totality. This includes popular destinations such as Queenstown in the west and Dunedin on the east coast, where the duration of totality is projected to last 2 minutes and 51 seconds. The phenomenon is also the first total solar eclipse visible anywhere in New Zealand since 1965.
Hotels in Dunedin are already seeing strong demand, with some, including the Dunedin Leisure Lodge, fully booked for their special eclipse-themed packages, which offer guests items such as complimentary eclipse glasses. The city, which has a population of around 130,000, is expected to host approximately 35,000 visitors timed to coincide with the event.
Dr. Ian Griffin, an astronomer and director of the Tūhura Otago Museum, highlighted the rarity of the event, noting that the last total solar eclipse visible from Dunedin occurred in 1163—before humans had settled in New Zealand. He described the eclipse as potentially unforgettable for those with clear skies, emphasizing its significance as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many locals and visitors alike.
The museum recently marked the official two-year countdown to the eclipse, underscoring the city’s growing focus on the event as a major tourist and cultural occasion. Griffin himself has been preparing for the eclipse since 2013, stating that his decision to purchase a home in Dunedin was influenced by the prospect of observing the eclipse from his property.
The timing of the eclipse coincides closely with Matariki, the Māori new year, which occurs in midwinter. Matariki refers to a cluster of stars known internationally as the Pleiades, which disappears from view for about a month during the winter before reemerging near the winter solstice. Dunedin plans to host a night-sky festival beginning with Matariki and culminating in the eclipse, aiming to showcase the cultural and astronomical significance of the event.
Dunedin’s mayor, Sophie Barker, expressed enthusiasm about the community’s anticipation, describing the upcoming eclipse as “a remarkable event” firmly positioned on the city’s horizon. Local authorities and businesses are working to accommodate the expected boost in visitors, positioning the eclipse as a key moment for regional tourism and cultural engagement.