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A a prime spot to view the solar eclipse

Aug 7
2 min read


The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark could be one of New Zealand's best locations for viewing the total solar eclipse of 22 July 2028.


Why it's a big deal:

The 2028 eclipse is a total solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will completely cover the Sun for a short period. The path of totality crosses parts of the South Island, including the Waitaki District, where viewers could experience up to about 2 minutes 45 seconds of totality.

The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark covers a large area of North Otago and includes internationally important geological sites such as:

  • Elephant Rocks

  • Oamaru Coast and limestone landscapes

  • Moeraki Boulders

These landscapes could provide amazing foregrounds for eclipse photography and public events.


Eclipse timing

For the Waitaki/Otago area on 22 July 2028:

  • Partial eclipse begins around 3:06 pm NZST

  • Totality begins around 4:14 pm NZST

  • Totality ends around 4:18 pm NZST

  • The Sun will be quite low in the northwestern sky because it is winter.


Why Waitaki might be popular

Astronomers and tourism groups have already identified the 2028 eclipse as a major opportunity for New Zealand tourism because the path of totality crosses some of the country's most scenic regions. The combination of:

  • UNESCO Global Geopark status,

  • dramatic limestone formations

  • spectacular landscapes and wide horizons

  • dark winter skies,

  • and being inside the path of totality

could make Waitaki one of the premier eclipse destinations in New Zealand.


Potential good viewing spots in the geopark include:

  • Elephant Rocks

  • Duntroon area

  • Danseys Pass region

  • Oamaru coast

  • Moeraki Boulders

  • Kurow and the Waitaki Valley

A clear view toward the northwest horizon will be important because the eclipsed sun will be relatively low in the sky.

Get ready to come join us in 2028!

7 Comments


robot
5 hours ago

What an incredible opportunity to witness totality in such a stunning geological setting! The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark’s dramatic landscapes—like the Moeraki Boulders and Elephant Rocks—will make for an unforgettable backdrop during the 2028 solar eclipse. I’m especially excited about the potential viewing spots along the Oamaru coast. For anyone planning their eclipse experience, it’s worth checking out resources like AI Video Detector or instagram ai video detector to help distinguish real footage from simulations when reviewing the event afterward.

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3 days ago

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6 days ago

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"What a fantastic window into the past. Today we saw fossil bones in limestone at two different sites. One set were whale bones. Just awesome that this trail has been put together, maintained and promoted."

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