We’ve all dreamt of having superpowers of being able to fly high in the sky but we all know that’s never going to happen. Luckily, there are alternative ways to live out this little childhood dream of ours like the good old hot air balloon—and New Zealand has some of the most spectacular spots to do it. For those who haven’t given hot air ballooning a go, you have to get amongst it as it truly is a magical experience. You get the most stunning scenery while floating across the sky, something everyone needs to put on their bucket list.
Here’s where to go hot air ballooning in New Zealand!
Kiwi Balloon Company
Hamilton
In the Waikato, Kiwi Balloon Company has made a name for themselves for providing one of the best hot air ballooning experiences in the North Island. You get a view of everything in this ride, from towns, farmlands, rivers and mountain tops. The balloon literally goes with the flow as it follows where the wind takes you so it’s a different and unique experience each ride to make it that much more special! To top it all off, Kiwi Balloon Company puts the cherry on top of your hot air balloon experience with some complimentary bubbly.
Balloons Over Waikato
Hamilton
We can’t talk about hot air ballooning without giving a little shout out to this event that has been going on for almost 20 years now! Balloons Over Waikato is a major festival that is iconic to the Hamilton and Waikato region that runs for five days all day and night! All the events running throughout the five days are free of charge and it ends with a night of food trucks and fireworks, making it a must-visit event for any local or traveller to Hamilton!
Sunrise Balloons Adventures
Queenstown
When you think of the best of the best of New Zealand scenery, you will probably think of Queenstown as it really does offer some of the most stunning spots, making it a number one tourist destination. You can’t leave Queenstown without getting a good view from the top and Sunrise Balloons and Adventures can provide that for you. Taking place between the valleys of Queenstown and Arrowtown, you can get up as high as 6000ft and get panoramic views of infamous filming locations of The Hobbit, The Southern Alps, The Remarkables mountain range and much more. Just to add, Sunrise’s balloons are rainbow and technicoloured which adds to the aesthetic element of the whole experience!
Ballooning Canterbury
Canterbury
Near Christchurch, you’ll find a hidden gem, otherwise known as Hororata. A tranquil settlement at the north-western edge of the Canterbury Plains is worth a visit if you’re touring New Zealand. Ballooning Canterbury offers a quiet and peaceful experience in the clouds, getting the best views of the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. They also have an amazing host named Michael who does not fail at educating his passengers on the sights they come across. This way, the level of appreciation reaches new levels which makes Ballooning Canterbury one of the fave spots to go hot air ballooning!
Balloon Flight Specialist
Wanaka
You have not seen pure New Zealand beauty if you have not visited Wanaka. It’s understandable that the locals of Wanaka never stop raving about their town as we must admit, it’s breath-taking. Quietly float through the sky with Balloon Flight Specialist as they give the rare experience of being able to hot air balloon above the lands of magical Wanaka. With a professional staff with a solid knowledge of the spots you come across and limited passengers, it’s an exclusive experience that is not to be missed.