The short version. Look for ISO 12312-2 and the maker's name and address on every pair, buy from a known maker or its authorised dealer, and check each pair for damage. A CE mark alone is not enough. Our glasses meet every check and are delivered to New Zealand for A$19.95: choose New Zealand in the cart. For hotels, tour operators, councils, events and schools, ask for a bulk quote: one pair per person plus about 10% spares.
What standard do eclipse glasses need in New Zealand?
The same as everywhere. Eclipse glasses (also called eclipse shades) need to meet ISO 12312-2, the international standard for filters for direct observation of the Sun. RANZCO, the college of eye doctors for Australia and New Zealand, says eclipse viewers must meet ISO 12312-2 and be checked for scratches or other damage. Sunglasses are never enough, however dark: certified eclipse glasses let through about 0.003% of visible light or less, around a thousand times less than the darkest sunglasses.
Why a CE mark alone is not enough
Some listings online say only "CE certified" or "CE approved". A CE mark on its own does not tell you the filter meets the eclipse standard. Look for ISO 12312-2 printed on the pair itself, with the maker's name and address. Printing those words proves nothing on its own either: before the 2024 eclipse in the United States, the American Astronomical Society warned that fake glasses carried the names of real makers. So check the source too.
Where to buy eclipse glasses in New Zealand
- From us, delivered to New Zealand. Our glasses are made by Rainbow Symphony, a manufacturer on the American Astronomical Society's list, with a QR batch certificate on every pair. Delivery to New Zealand is a flat A$19.95.
- From a known maker or its authorised dealer. The American Astronomical Society lists reputable manufacturers of solar viewers and advises buying from them or their authorised dealers, not from random online listings.
- From a local seller who can show the paperwork. Whoever you buy from, ask for the maker's name and the ISO 12312-2 test report from an accredited laboratory before you pay.
- Not from unknown marketplace listings. If a listing does not name the maker or show a test report, skip it.
Every pair, wherever it comes from, gets the same final check before use: no scratches, creases, tears or pinholes. Throw out a damaged pair.
When to buy
Early. Eclipse glasses sold out in the United States before the 2017 and 2024 eclipses, and demand in New Zealand is already building: the Otago Daily Times has reported visitors booking accommodation for 2028 years ahead, and Dunedin City Council's events planning for an eight-day eclipse festival expects 5,000 international and 30,000 domestic visitors. Read what happened when eclipse glasses sold out overseas.
Hotels, tour operators, councils and schools
If you are planning for guests, a crowd or a school, the rule is one pair per person, plus staff and about 10% spares. Glasses printed with your own logo start from 500 units; in Australia they take 6 to 8 weeks from proof approval, and for New Zealand we confirm timing with your quote. Our guides on how many glasses an event needs, planning for tourism operators and branded glasses were written for Australia: the planning advice applies in New Zealand too, while the prices and delivery in them are for Australia. 22 July 2028 is a Saturday, so most students will watch with family.
You can order our eclipse glasses and family kits online for delivery to New Zealand: choose New Zealand in the cart, and delivery is a flat A$19.95. They are made by Rainbow Symphony, a manufacturer on the American Astronomical Society's list of reputable vendors, carry a QR batch certificate on every pair, and ship from NSW by 31 May 2028. For bulk orders from New Zealand schools, councils, events, tourism operators and retailers, tell us what you need and we will come back with a quote. Our bulk orders come with the test report and a QR batch certificate on every pair, for your safety officer.
When is the eclipse in New Zealand?
Saturday 22 July 2028, from a little after 3pm to about 5:20pm NZST, with totality in Otago and Southland at about 4:17pm and a partial eclipse everywhere else. See the 2028 eclipse in New Zealand for times by town, and every eclipse in New Zealand to 2040 for the ones after it.
FAQ
Where can I buy eclipse glasses in New Zealand?
From a manufacturer on the American Astronomical Society's list of reputable vendors, or its authorised dealer, or a local seller who can show the maker's name and an ISO 12312-2 test report. Avoid listings that do not name the maker.
Are CE certified eclipse glasses safe?
A CE mark on its own does not show the filter meets the eclipse standard. Look for ISO 12312-2 and the maker's name and address printed on the pair.
Do I need eclipse glasses in Auckland or Wellington?
Yes. Auckland gets 68% and Wellington 83% of the Sun covered on 22 July 2028, and a partial eclipse is never safe without certified eclipse glasses.
Can I use sunglasses for the eclipse in New Zealand?
No. Even the darkest sunglasses let through about a thousand times more light than certified eclipse glasses.
How many eclipse glasses does a school or event need?
One pair per person, plus staff and about 10% spares. Order early: glasses printed with a logo start from 500 units, and we confirm timing for New Zealand with your quote.
Do you deliver eclipse glasses to New Zealand?
Yes. Choose New Zealand in the cart and our glasses and family kits are delivered for a flat A$19.95, shipping from NSW by 31 May 2028 with the other pre-orders. For bulk orders from New Zealand schools, councils, events, tourism operators and retailers, ask for a quote.
Sources
All checked 11.11.2026.
- American Astronomical Society, Solar eclipse eye safety and reputable vendors of solar viewers and filters.
- ARPANSA, Solar eclipse.
- RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists), via Insight, RANZCO warns of eye risk ahead of total solar eclipse.
- Otago Daily Times, Visitors already booking for 2028 eclipse; and Dunedin City Council, Draft Festivals and Events Plan (January 2025).
- ISO, ISO 12312-2:2015, Eye and face protection: filters for direct observation of the sun.
Certified eclipse glasses from Aura Sight
ISO 12312-2 certified, lab-tested and made by Rainbow Symphony, with a QR batch certificate on every pair. A$5.45 a pair from NSW stock, delivered Australia-wide (New Zealand too).
