The elipse at its max, taken from Wai-iti Dark Sky Park in Tasman.

The elipse at its max, taken from Wai-iti Dark Sky Park in Tasman.
Photo: Supplied / Brent

Budding astronomers and photographers have ditched sleep overnight to lay eyes on a total lunar eclipse over New Zealand – from what one expert says is the “best seat in the world”.

The only lunar eclipse of 2026, also known as a blood moon, began just before 10pm on Tuesday.

Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki earlier told RNZ lunar eclipses were not rare per se – the rarity was whether or not it was visible from your location.

“For this one in particular, we really have the best seat in the world, really. It’s really only visible for its entirety over the Pacific. And it’s the only one that we’re going to see this year. I don’t think we have another until 2028, about two years.”

Missed out? Never fear, there are other astronomical phenomenon to look forward to throughout the year.

Here’s what the view looked like from across New Zealand:

The beginning of a total lunar eclipse - taken at 11:32pm on 3 March 2026 in Hobsonville, Auckland

3 March – 11:32pm: The start of the eclipse is visible to Aucklanders as one side of the moon begins to darken.
Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel

Photo taken at start of total lunar eclipse - 9.37pm in Omarama over the Benmore Ranges in the South Island.

A photo taken at 9.37pm in Omarama over the Benmore Ranges in the South Island.
Photo: Supplied / Fiona Chamberlain

A small crescent of a the moon remains visible during the total lunar eclipse - taken at 12:04am on 4 March 2026 in Hobsonville, Auckland

4 March – 12:04am: red is visible to the naked eye as the moon is engulfed.
Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel

The eclipse is near totality at 12:32am on 4 March 2026 as seen from Hobsonville, Auckland

4 March – 12:30am: The eclipse in near totality as the moon becomes a deep copper red.
Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel

The moon at different stages of eclipse.

The moon at different stages of eclipse.
Photo: Supplied / Nick McLean

As seen from Nelson.

As seen from Nelson.
Photo: Supplied / Sonja Walker

On the way to the total eclipse, as seen from Karaka in South Auckland.

On the way to the total eclipse, as seen from Karaka in South Auckland.
Photo: Supplied / Scott Baird

Photo: Supplied / Brent

The moon above a building in Auckland.

The moon above a building in Auckland.
Photo: Supplied

The elipse at its max, taken from Wai-iti Dark Sky Park in Tasman.

The elipse at its max, taken from Wai-iti Dark Sky Park in Tasman.
Photo: Supplied / Brent

Photo: Supplied / Alex P

A shot taken at the University of Canterbury Students’ Space Association telescope night.

A shot taken at the University of Canterbury Students’ Space Association telescope night.
Photo: Supplied / Victoria Ding

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