Two years until 'one of most majestic sights' in Dunedin

Two years until 'one of most majestic sights' in Dunedin Dunedin is set to witness its next total solar eclipse in two years, marking the first occurrence of daytime darkness since 1163 AD. On Wednesday at 4.15pm, the city officially began its countdown to the celestial event, which will take place when the moon’s shadow passes directly over parts of Otago. Claudia, a resident of Dunedin, shared her personal connection to eclipses, recalling how she once paused her work in a university hospital in Munich to observe one. “Everybody stopped for the eclipse,” she said. “No surgeries, no nothing, and we all walked out with our glasses to watch it.” She described the moment as both beautiful and strange, noting how the sun briefly disappeared before returning. She plans to be in Rotary Park on the day of the eclipse, where she intends to witness the spectacle firsthand. Dr Ian Griffin, director of the Tūhura Otago Museum, emphasized the rarity and beauty of a total solar eclipse. He described the phenomenon as “one of the most majestic sights in nature,” explaining that during the event, the sky appears as though a hole has been torn open, revealing the moon’s shadow and the sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the solar corona. This visual contrast creates a striking and unforgettable scene. According to Griffin, the last solar eclipse visible in New Zealand occurred in 1965, making the upcoming event a highly anticipated occasion. He noted that the eclipse will last approximately two hours, with only about three minutes of complete coverage when the moon fully obscures the sun. Griffin, who has witnessed several eclipses throughout his career, plans to view the upcoming event from his home on the Peninsula, a location he purchased 13 years ago with the hope of experiencing another eclipse. While he has traveled extensively for previous eclipses, such as flying to Tahiti and spending five days traveling to the Pitcairn Islands, he considers this one to require the least amount of travel. Despite the disappointment of heavy rain during the 2019 event, he still called it “one of the most amazing times of my life.” Dunedin Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas highlighted the significance of the eclipse for the city, calling it a rare opportunity. She noted that many individuals interested in total solar eclipses are already planning their visits, with some booking accommodations more than two years in advance. Local hospitality providers are also preparing special offerings centered around the event. Lucas mentioned that the city is already organizing a week-long celebration coinciding with Matariki, the Māori New Year. She estimated that up to 30,000 people might visit Dunedin during the eclipse, particularly given that it falls during school holidays. She warned that the city could experience a temporary halt in activity, similar to past eclipses, due to the widespread interest in the event. Anabel Tweedale, owner of Dunedin House Boutique Hotel, expressed excitement about the potential boost to tourism. She noted that the eclipse could attract visitors who would otherwise not consider visiting Dunedin, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the city’s charm. The hotel has not yet opened bookings for 2028, but expects to do so within the coming months. She anticipates a surge in travelers eager to witness the eclipse, contributing to a vibrant and memorable experience for both locals and guests.