Super Moon casts its spell on the Earth

It will be another 20 years before the moon comes as close as it has in the current cycle. Photo / Andy Morris

Sky-gazers in awe of last night's Super Moon witnessed the closest and largest full moon of the year.

At its closest point, the moon will be 356,896km from Earth - the closest since 1930. It should be visible again tonight.

There are usually between four and six Super Moons each year.

According to University of Canterbury astronomer Associate Professor Karen Pollard, the next Super Moon cycle is on September 9.

It will be another 20 years before the moon comes as close as it has in the current cycle, she says.

Auckland's Stardome said today's early risers would be best placed to see the moon if clouds cleared.

Photos: 'Supermoon' rises in New Zealand

Image 1 of 13: The supermoon rising over Auckland. Photo / Dean Purcell

Those up at 6am should look in the opposite direction of the sunrise to hopefully get a glimpse of "a beautiful golden orb quickly setting".

This moon is expected to appear even larger than a Super Moon in July, as this full moon falls closer to the perigee, or the moon's closest point to the Earth, according to earthsky.org.

MetService said the east of the North Island was likely to have enjoyed the best view last night, with clear skies from Gisborne to Wairarapa.

Many people around the North Island would have found it difficult see the phenomenon because of cloud.