The presence of mountains, lakes, and serene valleys makes New Zealand among the best places on earth for hot air ballooning. Ballooning here is an unforgettable adventure, drifting above vineyards or gliding above misty lakes or snow-capped peaks. The landscapes and clear skies ensure the best ballooning formations. This article will help you explore some of the best ballooning experiences that New Zealand has to offer.
What to Expect on a Ballooning Adventure
Ballooning is another calm pastime, requiring no prior experience. A pre-flight briefing is presented by the operator to ensure comfort and safety. The flights usually start early in the morning when the air is calm. Once aloft, the balloon will fly over New Zealand's beautiful landscape for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on wind conditions, following which it will conduct a very gentle landing. Usually, operators will provide a glass of champagne or wine for post-flight celebrations.
Best Ballooning Places in New Zealand
New Zealand consists of many other regions where one can enjoy great ballooning. Let us take a look at a few of the best hot air ballooning destinations.
Queenstown: A Combination of Adventure and Scenic Beauty
Queenstown draws adrenaline junkies; the same holds for hot-air ballooning. Balloning amidst the splendors of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and vineyards is an attractive prospect for any region. A sunrise flight over Lake Wakatipu, which offers breathtaking views of The Remarkables and the valley, is truly the pinnacle of flight experiences. Queenstown offers both peaceful and scenic ballooning; operators usually have early-morning flights to capture the golden hour light.
Taupo: Floating Over the Largest Lake in New Zealand
Taupo, being set in the central North Island, stands as another prominent place for ballooning. The highlight is the beautiful aerial view of Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake of New Zealand. Floating above also gives views of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and the volcanic terrain around. Taupo has a calm setting and clear skies which make it ideal for ballooning, with a sunrise from over the lake making the experience breathtaking.
Canterbury Plains: A Vastly Rendered Open Horizon
Perhaps south island ballooning offers quite a different but no less breathtaking experience. This vast region is well known for great open fields and genuine mountain vistas. Ballooning in this vicinity affords views unimpeded by crops for the Southern Alps, sometimes drifting over the rolling farmland and Rakaia River, life below withstands to be cherished. The feeling of soaring over a vast expanse with snow peaks placed miles away is an exclusive experience in itself. The flat expanses of the plains make this great for ballooning, with gentle winds allowed for long and smooth flights.
Hawke’s Bay: Vineyards and Rolling Hills
If you want the blend of ballooning and New Zealand wine country, it has to be Hawke’s Bay in the North Island. Famous for its bright vineyards, arterial rivers glittering in the light, and breathtaking hills, Hawke’s Bay provides an extraordinary setting for hot air ballooning. At sunrise, you will be floated above the vineyards to see the endless spread of grapevines while the Pacific Ocean and hills watching over them simultaneously provide breathtaking views. Ballooning here would be quite calm and serene for those who crave, on one hand, natural beauty and on the other, a little bit of New Zealand´s wine culture.
Rotorua: Geothermal Wonders from the Sky
Known for being geothermal, Rotorua offers a spectacular ballooning experience. A flight over Rotorua would allow a bird's-eye view of the famed geothermal features of the area: steaming geysers and pools of bubbling mud. The stark contrast between the bright green countryside and steaming geothermal areas makes for an unmatched landscape for ballooning. Some Rotorua hot air balloon rides can also boast views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding hills.
New Zealand's Majestic Views from Above
Hot air ballooning remains one of the best ways to experience breathtaking sights of this beautiful country. Each destination brings a special flavor to the event, from soaring over majestic mountains of Queenstown, looking down at Hawke's Bay vineyards, to simply enjoying the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, thereby allowing you to relax and take it all in from above. For those looking for a serene opposite to an adrenaline rush, this activity is perfect.
