Hot Air Ballooning Experience - Canterbury

4.9
389
Deals from $259.00 Save $136.00 Check datescalendar_month
Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.

Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.

Highlights

  • A hands-on experience - Passengers are actively encouraged to help the pilot with the pre-flight inflation and the packing up at the conclusion of the flight
  • An early start - Ballooning is best at sunrise, when the weather is calmest and to make the most of the beautiful morning light. Allow approximately 4-5 hours for this remarkable experience, from the time you leave your accommodation to the time you return
  • Spectacular views and fantastic photo opportunities during your one-hour flight
  • A glass of chilled champagne or fruit juice and a light snack after landing
  • In-flight photos are given to you for free by way of Facebook
  • Winners of the Selwyn Tourism Awards 2021

There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating effortlessly over an ever changing landscape. Top 5 bookme.co.nz reviewed products in the South Island!

Why fly with Ballooning Canterbury? Ballooning Canterbury is a New Zealand family owned and operated business situated just outside of Christchurch.

We are passionate about flying. Michael Oakley is one of New Zealand's top balloonists. He has been flying since 1987, winning 10 national ballooning events throughout New Zealand and representing New Zealand at World Hot Air Balloon Championships.

Michael is also a keen glider pilot having represented New Zealand at World Gliding Competitions and has held New Zealand and World gliding records. Michael also holds a private pilot’s licence. Nicholas has been flying in balloons since he was 4 years old. He had his first solo flight in a balloon at 12, solo glider flight at 14 and solo power plane flight at 16 years of age. He won his first Balloon Fiesta at 14. At 22 he gained his Commercial Hot Air Balloon License and started flying for the family business. Nicholas is also a keen glider pilot, having won National Titles in New Zealand and representing New Zealand at junior and senior World Gliding Championships in Australia and Europe.

We are passionate about Canterbury. Michael and Nicholas were born and raised in the area and are also 5th and 6th generation Canterbury farmers. Their experience with flying and Canterbury's unique weather patterns gives him a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the elements you’re flying in, as well as providing insight into the fertile Canterbury Plains, river gorges and mountains passing below.

We are only 30 minutes’ drive west of Christchurch Airport. In-flight photos of your balloon flight are given to you for free by way of Facebook. We hold the Hall of Fame Certificate for 5 consecutive years of Excellence.

Adult $395.00
Child $250.00 (12 years and under)

Location

  • 2136 Bealey Road
  • Hororata
  • which is a 30 minute drive west of Christchurch Airport.

Restrictions

  • Minimum height of passengers is 1.1 meters.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • Minimum Requirements:We require a minimum of 4 people to fly. If you are booking for less than 4 people you are still able to book but please be aware there must be other passengers also booked on that day for the flight to go ahead. Sometimes we will not know until the evening prior to the flight.

    Weight Restrictions:Because a hot air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft, it is limited to the total number of kilograms it can lift. Weight limitations vary according to the outside temperature, humidity, and the number and total weight of the passengers and pilot on board. It is extremely important for flight planning that we have accurate weights, it is a legal requirement that each person must be weighed before the flight. Please note the maximum weight for each passenger is 130 kg. If anyone is heavier than this, please contact us directly to discuss the options to accommodate them.

    Cancellation Policy:

    If you cancel within 24 hours of the flight you forfeit the full fare. If your cancellation is due to having a new medical condition which raises concerns about completing the flight safely and comfortably, or which poses a risk to other passengers, we will consider a refund upon presentation of a medical certificate. Cancellation must be made directly with Ballooning Canterbury.

    A $100 per person cancellation fee applies if you cancel with 48 hours for small groups or within 7 days of flight for large groups.

    If we cancel the flight due to weather or for safety reasons, a full refund will be given or you can change your booking to another date if space is available. (Conditions apply to flights booked via a voucher).

    When booking special BookMe hot deals, the operator in very rare occasions, not withstanding all endeavours, - may have to reschedule the time slightly if load requirements dictate and or refund.

    Please note only one balloon flight departs daily and the departure time differences are for differential fare pricing purposes. Please also note that departure times are dependent upon the sunrise and range between 5am and 6:45am.



  • Transfers:

    Return Transfers are available from Christchurch at a cost of $50 return. Please contact Ballooning Canterbury direct to book your transfer.


    What to do if you are unable to fly due to having COVID:

    Please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to fly due to you having tested positive for COVID, or you are required to isolate due to being a close contact. We are happy to change your ticket to another day.

    If you are unable to go another day and have cancelled more than 48 hours from the time of the flight we will give you a full refund.

    If you have to cancel within 48 or 24 hours of the flight and would like a refund please read our cancellation policy below.

    The wellbeing of our passengers and staff is our top priority and all our staff are fully vaccinated. Thank you for doing your part in helping us do this.

    Child price applies to ages 12 years and under and over 1.1m tall.

    All flights are weather dependent. We need to be able to contact all passengers 7.30 pm the evening prior to the flight to confirm that it is operating and to reconfirm the meeting time and place with everyone. The time on you booking form is only to be used as a guideline - we will confirm this with you. If we are unable to make contact with you please call us. Due to the early nature of ballooning please DO NOT CALL AFTER 9.00 PM.



Available Bookings from 26 Mar to 8 Apr 2025

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Wed 26 Mar
Thu 27 Mar
Fri 28 Mar
Sat 29 Mar
Sun 30 Mar
Mon 31 Mar
Tue 1 Apr
Wed 2 Apr
Thu 3 Apr
Fri 4 Apr
Sat 5 Apr
Sun 6 Apr
Mon 7 Apr
Tue 8 Apr

  • Adult$298.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$259.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

Bookings close in 9 hours...

  • Adult$320.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$320.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$298.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$350.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$298.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$350.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$298.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$350.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$259.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$298.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00

  • Adult$259.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$250.00
Fabulous Experience Worth trying A must-do in South Island! Amazing Fascinating Experience
1 / 122
appsShow all photos

Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.9

389 reviews

Showing all 389 authenticated Bookme reviews

hannelieb from New Zealand wrote on 23 March 2025

Absolutely Unforgettable!

Absolutely Unforgettable! Ballooning early in the morning was nothing short of spectacular—one of the best experiences of my life! From start to finish, everything was seamless. The staff were incredibly welcoming and professional, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip. Our pilot was not only skilled but also informative, sharing insights about the ballooning process, the breathtaking landscape, and even a bit of history. The views were simply stunning, and the early wake-up was well worth it for the incredible sunrise photos. If you have the chance to do this, don’t hesitate—it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

liz lowe from New Zealand wrote on 03 March 2025

AMAZING! Spectacular way to see the country!

This adventure was to celebrate a birthday and Anniversary. There were 5 of us and we ALL thoroughly enjoyed it. What a spectacular country we all live in! The adventure was probably topped off by the commentary and the whole process of us all helping to get the balloon into the air and packing up. highly enjoyable and totally recommended! Sunrise - what a way to see it!

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

Suzanne Haglund from New Zealand wrote on 03 March 2025

Ballooning

Was a fantastic morning.

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

josephinen from New Zealand wrote on 11 February 2025

A must do for everyone

Wonderful experience. Great guides. Couldn't recommend it more to everyone.

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

Dion Benfell from New Zealand wrote on 05 February 2025

What a experience

Was the best day ever and the experience to balloon over Canterbury was amazing. The balloon pilot was fantastic and lots of history of ballooning.

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

close

Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Adult

Child 12 years and under

*This option must be made together with another price type.
close

Qualmark

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

Qualmark Gold

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

Qualmark Silver

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

Qualmark Bronze

The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.

close

Review Photos

close

Property Photos

close

Where to?

Popular New Zealand Destinations

  • Fiji Islands - Viti Levu - Mamanucas
  • Cairns - Port Douglas
  • Queenstown - Southern Lakes - Fiordland
  • Whitsundays - Airlie Beach - Townsville
  • Rotorua - Taupo - Waitomo
  • Auckland - Waiheke Island - Warkworth
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • West Coast - Glacier Country
  • K`gari (Fraser Island) - Hervey Bay - Town of 1770
  • Christchurch - Canterbury - Kaikoura
  • Gold Coast
  • Abel Tasman - Nelson - Picton
  • Northland - Bay of Islands
  • Noosa - Mooloolaba - Sunshine Coast
  • Dunedin - Coastal Otago - Oamaru
  • BOP - Tauranga - Maunganui - Whakatane
  • Perth & Western Australia
  • Greater Adelaide and Barossa Valley
  • Wellington - Wairarapa
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Great Barrier Island
  • Brisbane
  • Hamilton & Raglan - Waikato
  • Tasmania - Hobart and Surrounds
  • Gisborne - East Cape to Mahia
  • Hawkes Bay - Napier & Hastings
  • Canberra
  • Taranaki - New Plymouth
  • Manawatu - Whanganui to Masterton & Martinborough
  • Southland & Te Anau
close

Search

close

Bookme Lists

close

Ask a Question