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Dunedin is showing off its dark side at this year’s TRENZ tourism event in Auckland.

Enterprise Dunedin’s destination team has delivered a literal taste of what’s to come, ahead of a massive once-in-a-lifetime event in 2028.

The city, one of the world’s most southerly, will experience a total solar eclipse on 22 July 2028. It’s one of two main centres in New Zealand to be in the path of totality. Dunedin will be the final location on Earth to witness this place-based astronomical event before sunset, making it one of the best viewing locations globally.

The city plans to make the most of it.

“Now more than ever people are travelling specifically for events and eclipses have proven to attract people from around the world,” says Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker.

Dunedin was well represented at TRENZ. Sammy Tasker of The OPERA, which stands for Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance

“The 2017 eclipse in Wyoming saw 261,000 people visit for the eclipse, including 29,000 from out of the country, bringing in $US63.5m of direct visitor spend. Needless to say, this will be massive for Dunedin. “

Total solar eclipses are extremely rare. The last time one occurred in New Zealand was in the 1960s, and the next one after the 2028 eclipse is not until 2431 – over 400 years away. Better catch the 2028 event!

At TRENZ 2026 on Tuesday, a Dunedin-branded food cart trundled around the event floor, dishing out limited-edition Eclipse-themed bites as a TRENZ-exclusive “surprise and delight” moment.

On the menu was:

Pumpkin Ganache
Quick Brown Fox Flat White Overproof Coffee Liqueur
Evansdale Blue Cheese
Roasted Pear
Mihiwaka Honey
Coffee shot: Layered Quick Brown Fox Coffee Liqueur with Flat White Coffee Liqueur

The promotion aimed at the hundreds of international buyers at TRENZ, offering them a literal taste of Dunedin’s unique brand of hospitality and culinary flair, while also planting a seed of intrigue around the city’s plans for the 2028 eclipse.

The creations are a collaboration between Precinct Food founder and food designer Liz Christensen and Quick Brown Fox founder Arjun Haszard, both of whom were attending.

Dunedin Destination Manager Teresa Fogarty says the initiative followed the success of last year’s Dunedin-flavoured ice cream at TRENZ.

“We’ve been steadily working on plans for the eclipse in Dunedin and figured there’s no better time to spread the word about a huge event that attracts visitors than at the country’s annual premier tourism trade event.

“This year we’ve again gone with an activation showcasing Dunedin’s food story, its flavours, and producers, along with promoting the eclipse event. So, highlighting two of the city’s main visitor pillars.

“We’ve already started to see bookings for Dunedin over the eclipse period, which reflects how popular these rare celestial events are.

“We’re planning to make the 2028 eclipse as memorable as possible by activating the city and putting on complementary events.”

Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker says the activation is a clever way to spotlight local businesses, Dunedin’s culinary talents and the upcoming event.

“It lets everyone know plans are in motion to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event, to put on an amazing time for those who visit our city and then leverage the legacy of this one-off phenomenon into a signature winter event for Dunedin.”

Dunedin tourism operators at TRENZ 2026 in the new International Convention Centre include Dunedin Railway Station, Clearwater Wildlife Tours, The Royal Albatross Centre, Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours, The OPERA, Olveston Historic Home, Tūhura Otago Museum and Larnach Castle and Gardens.