Balloons over Waikato

The magical sight of hot air balloons floating against the Waikato sunrise can be enjoyed each year at the iconic Balloons over Waikato festival. New Zealand's premier hot air ballooning event, it attracts balloonists from around the country and the world, to Hamilton in the North Island each April. Over 130,000 spectators marvel at the magnificent spectacle the balloons create as they float across the skies. The five-day event begins with an early morning mass ascension when more than 30 balloons fly out from Innes Common, and also includes live music, an orchestrated balloon glow show, and a dramatic fireworks display. With excellent flying conditions, a family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder that this event has become the highlight of the year. The Waikato is a lush farming region at the centre of New Zealand’s dairy industry, with the picturesque Waikato River—New Zealand's longest river—flowing through it. Located along its banks, Hamilton city is a thriving metropolis that offers tourists a perfect blend of solitude and activity. As an added bonus, Lord of the Rings fans can visit the remnants of the original Hobbiton village movie set at Matamata, and wander among the hobbit holes.