For Three Minutes: Why New Zealand Hotels Are Booked for 2028

Hotels in the New Zealand city of Dunedin are experiencing a surge in demand: rooms for July 2028 are being booked two years in advance due to a rare total solar eclipse, the first in the region in 865 years. On July 22, 2028, the moon will completely cover the sun for 2 minutes and 51 seconds. At least 35,000 tourists are expected.

Hotels in the New Zealand city of Dunedin are facing unprecedented demand: hotel rooms for July 2028 are being booked two years before the event. The reason is a rare astronomical phenomenon—the first total solar eclipse in the region in 865 years. On July 22, 2028, at 4:17 PM local time, the moon will completely cover the sun, casting a shadow band about 100 kilometers wide over southern New Zealand. The area from the resort of Queenstown to Dunedin will be plunged into total darkness for 2 minutes and 51 seconds. The last total solar eclipse in the Dunedin area was observed in 1163—before humans arrived on the islands. For all of New Zealand, this will be the first total eclipse since 1965. The Dunedin Leisure Lodge hotel has already sold out all spots for a special "eclipse package" with accommodation and protective glasses. According to authorities, at least 35,000 tourists are expected in Dunedin, which has a population of about 130,000. The director of the Tūhura Otago museum and astronomer Ian Griffin has been preparing for this day since 2013 and bought a house with a perfect view. Mayor Sophie Barker plans to hold a festival coinciding with the event, combining the traditional Māori celebration of Matariki and the astronomical show.