Wairarapa Balloon Festival

This is the must see family fun event of the year – a festival for the kids of all ages. A big, brainy bird named Owlbert Eyenstein and a floating lighthouse all the way from the USA will be the stars of this summer’s spectacular Wairarapa Balloon Festival on 25-29 February 2016.

Be sure to welcome Owlbert along with over 20 other Hot Air Balloons during this 5 day region wide event with competitions and sky high spectacles that are sure to please!

Check out the Festival Programme below:

Thursday 25 February
WBS Mass Ascension - 7.00am Carrington Park, Carterton.
Join us for the official launch of the festival as balloons take to the sky together right on sunrise – an incredible and colourful sight, a must see for the kids before school! Free entry.

Friday 26 February
Property Brokers Park to Paddock Challenge - 7.00am Greytown ParkBalloons lift off as dawn breaks on Greytown. The balloon meister will deliver the competition challenge for the morning and the pilots will showcase their skills. Free entry.

Tranzit Burner Parade - 8.00pm Carterton and Greytown
Balloon pilots and crews put on a fiery display parading through Carterton’s main street and then drive on through to light up Greytown’s main street. Free entry.

Saturday 27 February
Resene Splash n’ Dash Competition - 7.00am Henley Lake, Masterton
Balloons launch and attempt to score points through a variety of skill challenges. An exciting competition event at a stunning venue! Free entry.

Trust House Night Glow Show – BOOK ONLINE! Masterton Solway Showgrounds, 5.30pm-9.00pm
The jewel in the crown of the festival, where tethered balloons glow like light bulbs and brighten the night sky in a dazzling show choreographed to music. Family entertainment, night market with food and craft stalls, live music, aviation displays and a kids zone too!
Online ticket sales with Eventfinda (Early bird discount available on Family Passes)
Cash and eftpos gate sales also available – adults $10, children 12 and under $5, under 5s free, family pass $30 (2 adults, 3 children).

Please note: Balloons may inflate at any time during the evening depending on weather conditions. Postponement date scheduled for Sunday 28 February 2016.

Sunday 28 February
Meander over Martinborough - 7.00am Town Square Gather around the Martinborough square, follow the balloons and keep your eyes open for the floating mystery giveaways attached to mini parachutes that the pilots will drop as they pass by! Free entry.

Monday 29 February
Bon Voyage Balloons! - 7.00am Masterton, Town Square Pilots and their balloons will take off for the last time in the festival’s finale. Flying from different locations surrounding Masterton aiming to drift across the township, pilots collect their final competition points by dropping targets on the bullseye at the Town Square. Who do you think will win? Free entry.