New Zealand will be treated to a rare sight on Monday morning as the moon appears to take a bite out of the rising sun - the first solar eclipse visible on our shores in more than a decade.
On September 22, a rare partial solar eclipse will be visible at dawn across the country.
Stardome Observatory said the sun will rise while the eclipse was already in progress.
Astronomer Josh Aoraki said the partial solar eclipse was so special because just a few countries, including a few Pacific nations, will be able to see it.
"We haven't seen an eclipse of this magnitude here since 2012, so you won't want to miss it."
The sun will appear at dawn as a crescent when it rises, with the moon slowly moving across the sun and blocking more of its light over the next hour.
A clear and view of the eastern horizon at 7am will be the best time to see the eclipse, Aoraki said.
"(The) Eclipse ends just after 8am when the moon will slip clear of the sun's disc, ending the eclipse."
The solar eclipse follows a total lunar eclipse earlier this month, when New Zealanders saw the moon slip into Earth's shadow and turn a deep red hue.
Together, the two eclipses mark one of the busiest months for celestial events in recent years.
The amount of sun covered at the peak of Monday's eclipse will vary across the country, from around 60% in Auckland to more than 70% in the lower South Island.
In contrast to the total lunar eclipse earlier this month, experts stressed solar eclipses could be dangerous to watch without proper precautions.
"It's never safe to look directly at the sun without proper protection. You'll need certified solar viewing glasses. Regular sunglasses are not safe for solar viewing," Stardome said.
Stardome is holding a free viewing party atop Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill between 6am and 8am if weather allows.
How much of the sun will be covered for different regions
60% in Auckland
61% in Tauranga
62% in Gisborne
63% in New Plymouth
66% in Wellington
68% in Greymouth
69% in Christchurch
71% in Queenstown and Dunedin
72% in Invercargill
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Got more greens than you know what to do with? 🥦🌱🥕
Whether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!
Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts as a serving of veg, right? 🍫
What’s your go-to move for a bumper harvest? Drop your best "glut" recipes or preservation hacks in the comments below! 👇
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.3% Inside!
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23.7% On top!
Illuminate Market 2026 is this Saturday 28th March!
With every Illuminate Market, we’re proving that diversity of mind is a strength! 💪
Recreate NZ's annual Illuminate Market is taking place this Saturday 28th March at Mt Albert War Memorial Hall & Reserve.
At Illuminate Market you can:
✨ Meet and purchase products from a wide range of disability-led microenterprises
✨ Experience performing arts and creative workshops from the disability community
✨Learn more about Moxie, Recreate NZ's work experience and training programme for young people with disabilities
✨Hear from and meet world-ranked T54 wheelchair racer and disability advocate, Jaden Movold (Guest Speaker & MC)
✨Participate in fun activities for the whole family
✨Enjoy delicious food from our vendors (vegetarian, vegan and GF options available)
✨Connect with friends, whānau, neighbours, colleagues and the wider community
Illuminate Market 2026
🗓️Sat 28th March, 4pm – 8pm
📍Mt Albert War Memorial Hall & Reserve
Free entry, all welcome!
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