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Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Canterbury Plains

5.0(16)Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 16 reviews4 hFree cancellationBy Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Canterbury Plains

About this activity

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.

What's included

  • ✓Experienced, CAA-certified pilots
  • ✓Post-flight celebration: chilled bubbly or fruit juice, fresh muffins and seasonal fruit
  • ✓Return transfers between the Hororata meeting point and the day's launch site
  • ✓Hot air balloon flight, approximately 1 hour of flying time
  • ✓Free in-flight photos, posted to Facebook or sent on request

Not included

  • ✕Transport to and from the meeting point at 2136 Bealey Road, Hororata
  • ✕Hotel or accommodation pickup
  • ✕Gratuities and personal purchases

Meeting and pickup

  • Meeting point: 2136 Bealey Road, Hororata. Look for the orange flashing light above the sign at the gate. Exact meeting time confirmed by the pilot the evening before, based on sunrise.

Good to know

  • 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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