In New Zealand, enjoy nearly three minutes of totality include Queenstown and Dunedin. Take in the New Zealand eclipse from the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu of Queenstown, where you can chase the rush of an eclipse with one of the world’s highest bungee jumps. Amid the Scottish-meets-Maori heritage of Dunedin, bookend the eclipse with a visit to the Larnach Castle or the Otago Peninsula and its penguins.
Tips for planning an eclipse trip around the world
You’re not the only traveler drawn to the elusive experience of a total eclipse—which is why places in the path of totality tend to experience a massive spike in tourism. Lodging books early, prices surge, rental cars run out, and those who fail to plan in advance are often left high and dry—or forced to spend a small fortune.
My advice on preparing for an eclipse trip in the US applies doubly when it comes to an international voyage to the path of totality. Here are a few key pointers before you plan your trip, whether to the Arctic, Spain, Egypt, or Australia:
It’s never too early to book: Some tours are already sold out, while hotel reservations are sure to go fast. Make your reservations as soon as you can, especially for the 2026 eclipse—you can always cancel later if your trip falls through. This applies to rental cars and flights as well.
Give yourself a buffer around the eclipse: Don’t plan to show up the day before the eclipse or day of, nor should you plan to depart the day of or day after. Adding some wiggle room will allow you to maximize the serenity of the experience, rather than sabotage it with the chaos of eclipse travel.
Get to your viewing spot at least a few hours in advance: This way your plans won’t be foiled by any unexpected traffic, you can find the perfect perch, and you’ll have time to set up any camera tripods or telescopes.
Hold on to your eclipse glasses—or buy them early: Don’t plan to pick up a pair at your destination. And make sure they’re ISO certified.
Finally, turn your eclipse travels into a longer trip of about a week or two. Look into local observatories or stargazing tours to up the astronomical ante. A few months ahead, research eclipse festivals, events, and viewing parties, if that’s of interest. Meet some fellow travelers who you might be interested in viewing with. Then, one to six minutes of totality will just the pinnacle of your celestially inspired trip, rather than entirety of it.
