Rise & Shine!
Morning flight info
We are so excited to once again welcome back our Special Shaped Hot Air Balloons and our local balloonists from around New Zealand… more info coming soon!
The balloons will be flying each morning of the event from Innes Common. This is a wonderful opportunity to get up close to the balloons and watch the teams in action as they prepare the balloons for flight. There is nothing more majestic than watching the balloons leave the ground and soar across the City.
19 – 23 March at Innes Common
Check out our 2024 morning schedule ..we hope to see you there!
Tuesday 19 March
The Hamilton City Council Opening Fiesta
From 7:00am approx.
Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Don’t miss the first chance to see the balloons take to the sky!
Wednesday 20 March
The Grassroots Trust Lift Off
From 7:00am approx.
Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Celebrate Day Two of our Festival with prizes & spectacular balloons.
Thursday 21 March
WEL Energy Trust Muffins in the Morning
From 7:00am approx.
Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Bring the family and enjoy a complimentary morning muffin and fruit for the first hungry early birds.
Friday 22 March
First Credit Union Fun Friday
From 7:00am approx.
Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Share in the fun with First Credit Union’s morning of games, prizes and balloon lift-offs.
Saturday 23 March
Radius Care Cash Grab Spectacular
From 7:00am approx.
Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Be amazed by the skills of our pilots as they attempt to win $1000 cash from the top of a pole.
Cost?
Admission is FREE!
Flying
Weather permitting, the Balloons will fly from 7.00am onward on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Saturday, the Balloons will compete in the Pilot Cash Grab competition and will launch from the other side of Innes Common (by the trees) in the hopes of catching the correct breeze to carry them over the target!
A decision on whether flying can occur is made each morning. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for up-to-the-minute updates.
Road Closure
As per previous years for spectator safety we will be closing the road through Innes Common to vehicles between 5.30am and 10.30am each morning of the Festival (unless flights and other activities are cancelled due to poor weather). This closure incorporates Lake Domain Drive from just after the Innes Common entrance to the Killarney Road intersection. You will need to use an alternative route on these mornings if this is the one you normally use.
Parking
Free parking is available at Innes Common. Entry is via the Allison Street end of Lake Crescent. There is no vehicle access permitted on either field other than balloon vehicles.
