New Zealand's Dunedin is preparing for the total solar eclipse that will occur on July 22, 2028. This celestial event, which will be fully visible from the region for the first time in approximately 850 years, has already generated tourism activity. Despite the eclipse being two years away, hotels in the city have started receiving intense bookings; some special accommodation packages are completely sold out.

The total solar eclipse will be best observed along an approximately 100-kilometer line stretching between Queenstown and Dunedin. As the Moon passes in front of the Sun, regions where the eclipse is visible will be plunged into darkness during the daytime for 2 minutes and 51 seconds.

Great Interest in Eclipse Packages

Hotels in Dunedin are experiencing high demand despite the eclipse date being far off. Dunedin Leisure Lodge, operating in the city, has its special "Solar eclipse package," which includes free eclipse glasses, completely sold out.

Dunedin Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas stated that this extraordinary natural phenomenon offers a significant opportunity for the city's tourism. Lucas said that approximately 30,000 visitors are expected to come to the city of about 130,000 residents.

Dunedin to be One of the World's Prominent Observation Points

Dr. Ian Griffin, Director of the Tūhura Otago Museum and astronomer, stated that Dunedin will be among the world's most important observation centers because it is one of the last major landmasses from which the total solar eclipse can be viewed. Griffin also emphasized that many people will witness a total solar eclipse for the first time in their lives in this region.

Rare Celestial Event

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun's visible face. In regions where the eclipse is fully visible, a night-like darkness forms for a few minutes during the day, and this natural phenomenon is considered one of the world's most impressive astronomical events. Visual: © AA