Museum launches countdown to New Zealand’s biggest eclipse in a century, Tūhura Otago Museum, 22 July 2026

Staff at Tūhura Otago Museum gathered this afternoon to celebrate an exciting milestone, marking exactly two years until Dunedin experiences one of the world’s rarest natural events and what is expected to become one of New Zealand’s biggest tourism and science events.

At 4.15pm on Wednesday, 22 July, Museum staff stepped outside to capture a countdown photograph with the Sun overhead, celebrating the moment exactly two years before a total solar eclipse sweeps across Otago. , bringing a total solar eclipse to the region for the first time since 1163. It will also be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland New Zealand in more than a century.

At 4.17pm on Saturday, 22 July 2028, the Moon will completely cover the Sun above Dunedin total solar eclipse for 2 minutes and 51 seconds, plunging the city into daytime darknes. The first total solar eclipse to the region since 1163. It will also be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland New Zealand in more than a century.

Tūhura Otago Museum Director Dr Ian Griffin said excitement was already building. “It’s hard to believe we’re now just two years away from such an extraordinary event. A total solar eclipse is something very few people ever get to experience, and for Dunedin to be one of the world’s best places to witness it is incredibly special.

“Tūhura Otago Museum is proud to be working alongside Dunedin City Council, mana whenua and our many partners to create a celebration that reflects our science, culture and unique place in the world.

Marketing Manager Charlie Buchan said the eclipse would be a defining moment for Dunedin. “This is going to be a mammoth event for our city. We’re expecting tens of thousands of visitors to make the journey south, Dunedin won’t just be the best place in Aotearoa to experience a total solar eclipse, it will be one of the best places on Earth. As the last major landmass to witness totality before sunset, the city offers a viewing opportunity unlike anywhere else.

“The eclipse presents an incredible opportunity for tourism, hospitality and local businesses while putting Dunedin in the international spotlight. Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker said anticipation for the eclipse was already being felt across the city.

“We’re already seeing people booking trips to Dunedin for 2028, and today’s countdown is a reminder that this remarkable event is now firmly on the horizon.”