Partial Solar Eclipse – New Zealand, 22 September 2025
For best views to see the eclipse you will need to be in a location where you have a clear eastern horizon. The eclipse has started as the Sun rises due east, with maximum eclipse happening less than one hour after sunrise.
| Location | Sunrise | Maximum Eclipse | Partial Eclipse End | Maximum Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | 6:17 AM | 6:52 AM | 8:00 AM | 58% |
| Hamilton | 6:10 AM | 6:55 AM | 8:05 AM | 61% |
| Napier | 6:02 AM | 7:01 AM | 8:12 AM | 64% |
| Wellington | 6:11 AM | 7:04 AM | 8:15 AM | 66% |
| Christchurch | 6:19 AM | 7:08 AM | 8:19 AM | 69% |
| Dunedin | 6:27 AM | 7:12 AM | 8:23 AM | 72% |
| Invercargill | 6:36 AM | 7:13 AM | 8:23 AM | 73% |
How To Safely View The Partial Solar Eclipse
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves directly between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow over part of the Earth. For a short time, the Sun’s bright light is either fully or partially blocked, depending on where you are.
There are three main types of solar eclipses:
Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun, and the sky darkens like twilight. Stars and planets may become visible, and the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona) can be seen.
Annular Solar Eclipse: The Moon passes in front of the Sun but appears slightly smaller, leaving a “ring of fire” around the edges.
Partial Solar Eclipse: Only part of the Sun is covered, creating the shape of a bright crescent in the sky.
The September 2025 eclipse in New Zealand is a partial solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will take a “bite” out of the Sun’s disk. Unlike a total eclipse, the sky won’t go fully dark, but the Sun will look noticeably different, especially around sunrise