They’re big, they’re beautiful and they’re what dreams are made of. Yes, we’re talking hot air balloons, And, while it’s a rare (if ever) day that you’ll see them in Auckland, lucky for us, there’s a festival not too far away.
Balloons Over Waikato (or BOW) is situated in the heart of Hamilton and showcases these majestical beauties for five days each year. Now in its 19th year, the event is only three days and there will are balloon rides, morning flying and you can even watch as they breathtakingly light up the evening sky.
This year’s programme kicked off today with a mass ascension at 7.30 am, with balloons lifting off from the beautiful lakeside at Innes Common.
While the festival continues over the days, you can’t miss the Zuru Nightglow. On Saturday, 23 March, it kicks off at 4pm at the University of Waikato. It’s a night of food vendors, live music and entertainment. And then, as the sun goes down, the stunning Balloon Glow Show will light up the sky. The night will be topped off with a dramatic fireworks finale.
Trust us when we say: if there was ever a reason to travel to Hamilton, this is it.
THE DEETS:
What: Balloons Over Waikato
When: 20 – 23 March
Where: Hamilton
More deets: Balloons Over Waikato website
Image Credit: Balloons Over Waikato