A a prime spot to view the solar eclipse
- Admin
- 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!
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The combination of the eclipse and Waitaki’s landscapes sounds incredible for photography. I’m wondering which of those FNF viewing spots would offer the clearest northwest horizon with the fewest obstructions.