Astronomy enthusiasts are getting their accommodation sorted two years in advance as excitement grows for Dunedin\u2019s once-in-a-millennium celestial event.<\/p>\n
Otago will be one of the few places worldwide to experience a total solar eclipse on July 22, 2028.<\/p>\n
Distinction Dunedin Hotel general manager Andrew Duncan said there was already significant interest in bookings for the eclipse, particularly from the United States.<\/p>\n
The eclipse\u2019s full effect \u2014 the face of the sun completely covered by the moon \u2014 will be visible only in its path of totality.<\/p>\n
In 2028, this will sweep across much of Otago; Dunedin and Queenstown will be the only major centres nationwide to experience the full eclipse.<\/p>\n
Mr Duncan said it was unusual for guests to reserve accommodation two years in advance but across Dunedin\u2019s two Distinction properties, more than 150 room nights were booked in the period surrounding the eclipse.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We are feeling great about this event and believe it will fill Dunedin in the same way a rugby test does.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Dunedin City Council has applied for $4 million in government funding to deliver an eight-day festival celebrating the eclipse.<\/p>\n
At a council meeting on Thursday, destination manager Teresa Fogarty said a group had been established to develop an event with wide appeal \u2014 including astronomy, m\u0101tauranga M\u0101ori, culture, science, and the arts.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We\u2019re pitching this as a very time-bound, place-bound global event. It\u2019s once in, not in a generation, but in many generations.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The last total eclipse that would have been visible from Dunedin was in 1163, and following 2028\u2019s eclipse, the next would occur in 2431.<\/p>\n
A report to the meeting, on year one of the council\u2019s refreshed festival and events plan, said future work included a focus on development opportunities associated with the eclipse, which will occur eight days after Matariki.<\/p>\n
In a section titled \u2018\u2018Dark Mode Dunedin\u2019\u2019, the report said 5000 international and 30,000 domestic visitors were expected, with an estimated potential economic impact of $30m.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Beyond immediate visitor expenditure, the event also presents long-term opportunities to enhance Dunedin\u2019s international profile, strengthen regional partnerships, support the visitor economy during winter, and create enduring cultural and educational legacy outcomes for the city,\u2019\u2019 the report said.<\/p>\n
Ms Fogarty said the next stage of planning would include assessing visitor capacity and function of Dunedin\u2019s infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The council\u2019s bid to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment\u2019s major events fund had been developed over the past 18 months, and was submitted last month.<\/p>\n