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Canterbury Hot Air Balloon Ride, New Zealand

Aoraki Balloon Safaris Introduction

Aoraki Balloon Safaris Canterbury hot air balloon ride is the only air adventure giving you a tranquil and majestic flight that no other aircraft can offer. It is the ultimate adventure, touched with serenity and romance.

The Canterbury Plains are the finest place for hot air ballooning in New Zealand. Nestled well inland, the prevailing breeze from the Southern Alps gently pushes our flights out across the plains, which are renowned for the many varieties of arable crops, sheep, deer, beef, dairy cattle, and even llama, alpacas and ostriches!

About our Canterbury Hot Air Balloon Ride

Our Canterbury hot air balloon ride flights are generally flown around day break, when air conditions are traditionally clear, calm, cool and stable. Having met at dawn, you will be driven in our four-wheel drive vehicles to a suitable launch site chosen by one of our pilots, who are the most experienced in New Zealand.

Following a detailed flight briefing, you will then be invited to assist the pilot and crew to prepare the balloon for flight.

Once aboard the wicker basket, your magical flight begins. The launch is so gentle you will hardly realise you have left the ground. The peace and gentleness of ballooning will surprise you and Methven flight views are unsurpassable.

As you drift along with the breeze, the scenery slowly changes until, after approximately an hour in the air, it is time to land. The successful completion of your Canterbury hot air balloon ride is celebrated with a champagne-styled buffet breakfast as a picnic in the field, generally served by a suitably attired waiter with a silver tray. You will also receive a flight certificate. What a way to end a fantastic adventure!

Please note that children have to be over seven years old to fly.

Aoraki Balloon Safaris has been operating since 1992, with its main base at Methven (by Mt Hutt) on the Central Canterbury Plains which is considered New Zealand's finest ballooning location. Aoraki Balloon Safaris is recognized as a principle leader in the New Zealand tourism industry for innovation and very good record in hot air ballooning in New Zealand.

We have six balloons, of which five are Aerostar International balloons. One is a small sporting balloon used for pilot training and pilot hire, the Aerostar Aurora S-49A two-passenger balloon. The main passenger balloons are ZK-SKY, an Aero 245 (12–14 passengers), and ZK-MET, an Aero 211 (10 passengers). Two Aero 175 (8 passengers) are also available when required.

These balloons are constructed at the Aerostar Factory in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. We chose and obtained the Aerostar make of balloon as they are easily the most popular make of balloon in the USA. They are well made and constructed to strict Federal Aviation Administration standards, which have similar compliances with Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.

For further information about hot air ballooning in New Zealand, please contact us, visit our Canterbury hot air balloon ride Web site or make a booking.

Our Hot Air Balloon Flights

Balloon Weddings – We have helped to celebrate many weddings aboard our hot air balloons.

Non-Flying Ground Fare – A special non-flying ground fare for those who want to participate yet don't wish to fly.

VIP Executive/Dignitary Flights – VIP Executive/Dignitary Flights, with special arrangements for a chef-attended "Champagne-style" BBQ breakfast.

Rakaia Gorge Safari – The exotic Rakaia Gorge Safari, with an awe inspiring flight contouring the foothills farmland to the breathtaking gorge cliffs.

Flights Over or Near Christchurch – Conditions permitting, Aoraki Balloon Safaris can fly over Christchurch city and out to the surrounding farmland.

Conference Flights – Conference Flights for large groups using the double/treble hop method, for which the Canterbury Plains are ideally suited.

Other Flights – Mt Hutt Ski Field to the Plains Flight, High-Altitude Flights up to 7,000 metres (23,000 feet). Extended cross-country flights over rolling farmland, for up to three hours. (Special conditions apply to the above flights). Parachute jumps by special arrangement. Contract tethers for "Captive Flying" by arrangement.

For further information about hot air ballooning in New Zealand, please contact us, visit our Canterbury hot air balloon ride Web site or make a booking.

Affiliations

The following features, memberships and organisations are associated with Aoraki Balloon Safaris:

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