Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Canterbury Plains

Escape to peace and tranquillity with a hot air balloon flight over the Canterbury Plains. Your day starts early. Ballooning is best at sunrise, when the air is calmest and light finest. You'll be contacted the evening before to confirm time and place. Meet the team at the Hororata base, just 30 minutes from Christchurch Airport, then transfer to the best launch site for the day, chosen for the best views based on the weather. Family-run since 2012. Chief Pilot Michael Oakley has flown since 1997, A New Zealand Champion who has represented New Zealand at the World Hot Air Balloon Championships. Son Nicholas has flown since age 4 and now flies commercially alongside him. Flight time is about an hour over the Canterbury Plains, with views to the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. It can be hands-on: help the crew inflate the balloon and pack it away after landing. Back on the ground, celebrate with chilled bubbly or juice, fresh muffins and seasonal fruit.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Know Before You Go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Exact meeting time confirmed by the pilot the evening before, based on sunrise.
• Wear warm clothing and sensible, closed footwear.
• Allow 3 to 4 hours in total. Flying time is approximately 1 hour.
• Hands-on experience. Helping set up and pack away isn't compulsory if you're unable.
• Maximum passenger weight is 130kg. Contact the operator directly if you're heavier.
• No upper age limit, but you should be fit enough to stand for about an hour.
• Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Minimum height 1.1m. Infants not permitted.
• Flights are weather and minimum-passenger-number dependent.
• If pregnant, disabled, or recently had surgery, email ahead to check suitability.