Your day will begin with an early start. Ballooning is best at sunrise, when the weather is calmest and to make the most of the beautiful morning light. Start times vary depending on the time of year. Ballooning Canterbury flights operate all year round, depending on passenger numbers and weather conditions. See our Flight Schedule for a indication of availability. Allow approximately 4 – 5 hours for this remarkable experience; the actual flying time is approximately one hour.
We are located at 2136 Bealey Road, Hororata, just a 30 minute drive west of Christchurch Airport. It is a rural property, there will be an orange flashing light on at the gate above our Ballooning Canterbury sign to help you find us in the dark.
In the morning after meeting at our base we will travel in our vehicle to the launch site. Where we launch from, how far we fly and where we land is different every day and all depends on the weather. Hot air ballooning is a hands-on experience and you will be encouraged to assist with the set up and pack away of the balloon itself.
Before leaving the ground, the pilot will give you a briefing. It is important that you listen carefully and follow your pilot’s instructions. Prior to landing it is particularly important that you are prepared and that you know what to expect.
At the conclusion of the flight we serve a light snack of seasonal fruit, muffins, orange juice and champagne in the paddock where we land. Free photos of your flight will be posted daily on our Facebook Page.
Four Seasons of Canterbury
Spring
Coming out of winter there is still snow on the Southern Alps with the fresh colours of Spring appearing across the Canterbury Plains. The air is still and provides great ballooning conditions.
New born lambs and calves can be seen along with the fresh smells of the spring blossoms and new grass. Farmers can be seen cultivating the land in preparation for the sowing of spring crops.
Meeting Time:
This changes with the sun rise but is around 5:30am
What to Wear:
Warm clothes and sensible foot wear. No open shoes.
Things to note:
Ballooning is an adventure activity which requires passengers to be able to stand in the basket for around an hour. You do not have to climb into the basket if you are unable to. We can put you in the basket before we stand it up. Please let the pilot know if he does not ask. Your comfort and support is of most importance and our pilots will do all they can to make your trip the most memorable activity you will do while in New Zealand. Please remember to bring your camera and your batteries are charged.
Summer
This is our warmer time of year where temperatures are a lot warmer for those early starts. Across the Canterbury plains crops are ripening off ready for harvesting and farmers are busy making hay and watering their crops.
Some great opportunities for photos with all the different shades of colours from the patchwork created by the farm land.
Meeting Time:
This is early due to the early sunrise. Around 4:45 am
What to Wear:
Please wear warm cloths and sensible foot wear. No open shoes.
Things to note:
Ballooning is an adventure activity which requires passengers to be able to stand in the basket for around an hour. You do not have to climb into basket if you are unable to. We can put you in the basket before we stand it up. Please let the pilot know if he does not ask. Your comfort and support is of most importance and our pilots will do all they can to make your trip the most memorable activity you will do while in New Zealand. Please remember to bring your camera and your batteries are charged.
Autumn
Autumn tends to be a more settled time with conditions cooling down. Crops have been harvested and leaves are starting to change colour and fall off the trees. In late Autumn we start get our first frosts and snow on the mountains. The autumn colours with the leaves changing on the trees with the early morning sunrise makes for some great photos.
Meeting Time:
Around 6:00 am but changing with sunrise
What to Wear:
Please wear warm clothes and sensible foot wear. No open shoes.
Things to note:
Ballooning is an adventure activity which requires passengers to be able to stand in the basket for around an hour. You do not have to climb into basket if you are unable to. We can put you in the basket before we stand it up. Please let the pilot know if he does not ask. Your comfort and support is of most importance and our pilots will do all they can to make your trip the most memorable activity you will do while in New Zealand. Please remember to bring your camera and your batteries are charged.
Winter
The winter flights tend to be cooler with clearer skies showcasing the stunning Southern Alps covered in snow.
Dressed up nice and warm the winter flights are the best. We also have the big heater above our heads so while flying it's not so cold. Below there is a lot of activity on the farms with farmers feeding their animals as they all live outside in the winter months. Sometimes we can have snow on the ground which make for some stunning photographs at sunrise.
Meeting Time:
Around 6:30 am but changing with sunrise
What to Wear:
Please wear warm clothes and sensible foot wear. No open shoes.
Things to note:
Ballooning is an adventure activity which requires passengers to be able to stand in the basket for around an hour. You do not have to climb into basket if you are unable to. We can put you in the basket before we stand it up. Please let the pilot know if he does not ask. Your comfort and support is of most importance and our pilots will do all they can to make your trip the most memorable activity you will do while in New Zealand. Please remember to bring your camera and your batteries are charged.
Start the Adventure Today
Escape to a world of peace and tranquility. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.
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