Book the 2028 Eclipse Package at Earnscleugh Castle, New Zealand
Recently we wrote about the total solar eclipse crossing Central Otago on 22 July 2028, and why Earnscleugh Castle sits inside the path of totality here in Clyde. That post is still the best place to start if you want the background on the eclipse itself, how long totality lasts, and why this is the first one across this part of the region in more than 850 years.
This post is about the practical part: what our eclipse package actually includes, what it costs, and how to book it.
Our 2028 Eclipse Package: What’s Included
The package runs as a 3 night stay, Friday 21 to Monday 24 July 2028, built around eclipse day itself rather than just a room for the night. It includes:
- A guided tour of the castle
- An expert astronomer-led viewing of the eclipse from the grounds, with eclipse glasses provided
- Daily breakfast
- House wine and canapes each evening
- An Eclipse Multi Course Dinner in our formal dining room on eclipse night, prepared by a local private chef (Castle guests only)
- Full access to the sauna, spa, ice bath, pool and fire area on the pool deck (Castle guests only)
We only have 7 rooms here, so this was always going to be intimate rather than big. You’ll be hosted by us personally, Ryan and Marco, not handed off to a rostered team, and that’s exactly how we want it for something like this.
Your Own Private Viewing, on 30 Acres
Earnscleugh sits on 30 acres, and your private viewing area for eclipse day will be set well apart from any other activity that may be taking place on the grounds. Whatever else is happening on the property that day, this is your space, and it’s a genuinely quiet, private spot to watch a few minutes of true darkness in the middle of the afternoon.
Room Pricing for the 2028 Eclipse Weekend
All prices below are per room, per night, in New Zealand dollars (NZD), with a 3 night minimum stay.
Premium Suite: NZD $5,199/night (NZD $15,597 for 3 nights)
Luxury Room: NZD $4,699/night (NZD $14,097 for 3 nights)
Classic Room: NZD $4,199/night (NZD $12,597 for 3 nights)
Coach House (self-catered, sleeps up to 6 across 3 rooms): NZD $3,999/night (NZD $11,997 for 3 nights)
We have just 7 rooms at Earnscleugh in total, so if you’d like to be here for it, we’d encourage you not to leave it too long.
How to Book: Deposits and Terms
To hold a booking, we require a 20% non refundable deposit, with full payment due 6 months prior to arrival. Given how many guests are travelling from overseas for this, we’d rather you have plenty of notice on payment timing than be caught out close to the date.
Get in touch directly to check availability and lock in your dates. We’re a small, owner-run castle, so you’ll be talking to Ryan or Marco directly, not a call centre.
Why Book Directly With Us
Dunedin’s hotel eclipse packages sold out roughly two years before the event, and interest across the region has only grown since. Unlike a hotel room, this is a private, owner-hosted evening in a heritage castle, with a guided viewing, local food and wine, and a setting nobody else in the country can offer.
If you haven’t already, read our first post on the eclipse itself for the full background on totality, timing, and why Central Otago is one of the best places on the planet to see it. You can read this article here.
Ryan and Marco
