Hotels in the New Zealand city of Dunedin are already witnessing an unprecedented rush of bookings, nearly two years before a rare total solar eclipse is set to transform the skies over the region in July 2028. Tourism operators, astronomers and local authorities are gearing up for what is expected to become one of the country’s biggest astronomical and tourism events in recent history, with thousands of visitors expected to descend on the southern city for the celestial spectacle.
The total solar eclipse will occur on July 22, 2028, when the Moon will move directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow nearly 100 kilometres wide across parts of southern New Zealand. Cities including Queenstown and Dunedin will experience complete darkness in the middle of the afternoon for approximately two minutes and 51 seconds. According to experts, the eclipse will reach its maximum over Dunedin at around 4.17 pm local time, creating one of the most dramatic astronomical displays visible from the country in decades.
Despite the event still being two years away, accommodation providers have already begun receiving a flood of reservations from eclipse enthusiasts, tourists and photographers from across the globe. Some hotels have reported that their specially curated eclipse packages have already sold out. One such property, the Dunedin Leisure Lodge, has completely booked its dedicated solar eclipse package, which includes complimentary eclipse-viewing glasses for guests. Tourism officials believe the demand will only intensify as the date approaches.
Astronomers describe the upcoming eclipse as an exceptionally rare event. Dr Ian Griffin, astronomer and director of Tūhura Otago Museum, said the last total solar eclipse visible from Dunedin occurred in the year 1163, centuries before humans settled in New Zealand. He noted that residents of modern-day Dunedin would effectively become the first people living in the city to witness such a phenomenon from the region. The 2028 event will also mark New Zealand’s first total solar eclipse since 1965, making it a once-in-a-generation opportunity for skywatchers.
Griffin, who has reportedly been planning for the eclipse for more than a decade, said the brief period of complete darkness during daylight hours would leave an unforgettable impression on anyone fortunate enough to witness it under clear skies. His long-term enthusiasm for the event even influenced where he chose to live, ensuring his home would offer a direct view of the eclipse.
To capitalise on the global attention, Dunedin has officially begun its two-year countdown. Authorities expect nearly 35,000 visitors to arrive in the city, whose population is around 130,000, providing a major boost to the local economy through tourism, hospitality and related businesses. Civic leaders have expressed optimism that the eclipse will place Dunedin firmly on the international tourism map while showcasing the region’s natural beauty and scientific attractions.
The eclipse is scheduled to occur during New Zealand’s winter, shortly after the annual Matariki celebrations, which mark the Māori New Year and honour the reappearance of the Pleiades star cluster in the night sky. Organisers are planning an extended night-sky festival beginning with Matariki festivities and culminating in the solar eclipse, combining Māori cultural traditions with one of nature’s rarest astronomical events. Scientists say this unique combination of cultural and celestial celebrations is unlike anything else currently planned anywhere in the world.
Mayor Sophie Barker said anticipation for the event is steadily building across the city as preparations gather pace. With accommodation already filling up years in advance and international interest continuing to grow, officials believe the countdown has truly begun for what promises to be one of New Zealand’s most memorable natural events in decades.
