Ballooning Canterbury - New Zealand's Ultimate Scenic Adventure

Welcome to Ballooning Canterbury

2023 Wairarapa Balloon Festival

Ballooning Canterbury will be travelling up to the Wairarapa in 2023 to fly for 7 days only

Flights available from 04 – 10 April 2023

$425.00 per person

This is a rare opportunity to fly amongst other balloons during a festival.

We fly for approximately 1 hour but you need to allow 3-4 hours for the whole experience.

We provide transport from the meeting point and back after flight.

At the end of the flight we celebrate with a glass of champagne or orange juice.

Flights will be conducted in the Wairarapa Basin, guided by the festival organisers and the weather. The ascensions will be over Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, and Martinborough, wrapping up with a mystery location on Easter Monday. We will contact passengers the evening prior to advise the exact meeting point and where we will be flying.

Family Owned Business

Ballooning Canterbury was started by Kate and Michael Oakley in 2012. Michael is an experienced pilot who had represented New Zealand at World Hot Air Balloon Championships and now wanted to take his passion further by showing off his beautiful country to others from a sport he loves to share.

They are now joined by their son Nicholas, who is also a top ranked pilot and daughter Hannah who is a full time Radiographer who manages some of their social media.

Latest Technology

Ballooning Canterbury operate three balloons all from the Cameron balloon factory in Bristol England. They carry the latest technology in fabric, burners and basket design. They are well maintain by an experienced and qualified engineer. Both pilots are also trained in pilot maintenance from the Cameron factory.

Personalised Experience

Personalised flights can be organised subject to numbers. Whether it be for Weddings, Engagements, Team building, Work doo’s, Social clubs, Stag doo’s Hens partys, the list goes on. We can organise breakfast, Transport . Just give us a call and chat over your requirements or to get ideas for your fun adventure in a hot air balloon.

Gift Vouchers

Ballooning Canterbury vouchers are a great gift for family and friends.

Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue and are non-refundable

Purchase Vouchers

Who can fly?

Ballooning is suitable for all sorts of people.

We have no upper age limit but ballooning is an outdoor sport requiring a degree of agility. We recommend that people should be fit enough to climb in and out of the basket and to stand for about an hour.

If you are a first time flyer or are slightly nervous, don’t worry – we will look after you. We want you to have the most fun and enjoyable experience possible.

We use partitioned baskets specially designed to ensure safety, comfort and a superb view.

Learn more

An absolutely marvelous experience
We had tried three times before over several years with a different company (now closed) but were beaten by the weather every time. This time I tried to cover by booking the excellent on-site accommodation for two nights - and the first day we were beaten again. However the second day dawned bright and clear, and we were away! And what an experience, it was everything hoped for and more. Michael is a fantastic pilot - I had not realised just how maneuverable a hot air balloon is in the hands of a skillful pilot, we even landed smoothly on the lawn of one of his farming neighbors. Thoroughly recommended for anyone hoping to fly in a hot air balloon - Michael's confidence and explanations expel any concerns, he really does know what he is doing. A spot on experience, with amazing photos to remember it by - some taken by myself, and some provided free by the company.

Rodger C

A perfect morning for ballooning
Wonderful early morning flight with friends across the Canterbury Plains with panoramic views of the Southern Alps, patchwork farmland, winding rivers, rural townships, sun rising in the east and moon still visible to the west. Looked down on cows, sheep and crops that looked like a picture postcard. All hands helped with set up, then helping pack away at finish. Great to have a commentary on points of interest and to hear the history of ballooning at the finish. It's a buzz to be able to say "I've gone ballooning"! Passengers very well looked after. Highly recommend this activity.

Cecilia P. Christchurch

Amazing experience
Not to be missed if you have the opportunity and time to do this. Very professional staff, safety is assured. The views are spectacular. The early start is rewarded by great sunrise photos.

Phil E Spain

Awesome experience! Highly recommended
Such a great experience!  We were lucky enough to have Nick as our pilot who was amazing. He was the host with the most and incredibly skilled at all facets of the operation; piloting the hot air balloon, educating the group on the history of hot air ballooning and the Canterbury region in general, ensuring everyone felt at ease and even throwing in some comedy.
Would highly recommend to anyone contemplating!

Richard W

Amazing experience
The entire experience was amazing worth getting up extra early for! Helping set up the balloon was great fun, and the ride was fantastic. I would highly recommend that everyone comes here for a ride on a gorgeous hot air balloon with New Zealand's finest :)

Melissa H UK

One of the best things we have ever done
The balloon ride was an amazing trip. All the staff were very friendly and made you feel welcome. The pilot was very informative and explained what was happening, the surrounding landscape and a bit of history of ballooning. All in all an unforgettable experience.

Lee R

A Fantastic Experience
An Absolutely Memorable Experience. A very experienced and skillful pilot (Michael) With beautiful views of the Canterbury plains and great smiles had by all.

Jock M New Zealand

Unforgettable experience
Unlike helicopter or airplane ride which is exciting, and kind of noisy and busy, ballooning in early morning feels quiet and peaceful. You have ample time to appreciate the scenery without hurry.

China

Exceeded my expectations
After doing all of New Zealand's' attractions, I didn't think this would be as much of an adventure as it turned out to be. We started out early in the morning, took part in setting up the balloon, filling it with air and taking off before sunrise. The spectacular sunrise from the balloon was one of the best I've ever seen. Unlike a plane or helicopter, from the balloon you have a full 360 uninterrupted view, and best-ever photo-opportunity. The landscape extends from Mountain tops to lake and ocean, the light and view changing minute by minute, and making for some of the best scenery I've seen (and photographed) in NZ. After landing everyone takes part in taking the air out of the balloon and rolling it up. We came for a family experience, but I think I enjoyed much more than the kids :-)

Shira L

Amazing experience!
One of our favourite New Zealand experiences! Friendly people, gorgeous view, and a wonderful time! You arrive early morning, but it's totally worth it. After a brief bus/van ride to a field, you can help unpack and set up the balloon, with lots of photo ops. Pilots were very knowledgeable and friendly. We took to the skies in time for lovely photos with the sunrise, the countryside, and the mountains off in the distance. Even for those afraid of heights or prone to motion sickness, we never had any issues and felt safe the entire time. After landing, we enjoyed champagne, orange juice, muffins, and fruit, and could help pack the balloon as well.  Great experience; highly recommended!

Birmingham Alabama

Escape to a world ofpeace and tranquility