South Waikato: bliss in the farmlands
04 February 2025
Oxford was the name first given to the small South Waikato town of Tīrau, a place that peeps out from the strong arms of Kiwi farming country.
Balloons over Waikato: a showcase of splendour and colour
They get to the point in this part of the world, but the simple factual accuracy of the event name does not do justice to its colour, glamour and excitement.
Balloons Over Waikato, held this year from 14-18 March, has been running for over two decades now, a showcase of splendour and colour, in the form of these beautiful flying machines.
For five glorious mornings they lift off at dawn and soar heavenwards, a sight that is truly unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
If that all sounds a bit serene, in the evening the event stages the Nightglow, where the balloons are illuminated to music. Whoever would’ve thought to choreograph a balloon?
Just in case you’re still hanging for more hot-air action, they finish that off each evening with a good round or two of fireworks, which set off the glowing orbs just so. The balloons themselves are an excuse for some very creative people to send their creative skills to dazzling new heights (sorry). We’re not just talking the old teardrop shape with a basket at the bottom: there have been racing car-shaped entries, a flying royal carriage, Dumbo the Elephant and, we tell no lies, flying pigs.
While it’s all about the spectators – some 150,000 plus gather for this event – you can make arrangements to be a passenger, too. However you get into it, you’ll realise it’s not just a load of hot air...
Visit the website – balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz – for more information and event updates.
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