Aoraki Balloon Safaris in Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand | Ballooning

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 adventures. Photos of Aoraki Balloon Safaris' operation adorn the walls of the New Zealand Tourism Board offices and Parliament buildings in Wellington as an icon of New Zealand Tourism. They can also be found in many publications around the world.
AORAKIâ? A MAORI WORD MEANING â??CLOUD PIERCERâ?. The â??Magicalâ? Sky Experience. Methven in the Ashburton district - â??New Zealandâ??s Finest Ballooning Locationâ?, enroute from Christchurch (94kms) to Queenstown, by Mt. Hutt, Central South Island. It offers pristine fine day views of Mt. Cook and the National Park Mountains, plus a full 300km panorama of the entire Canterbury Plains, and the braided Rakaia River system.
Commencing at daybreak, allow up to 4 hours of which about 1 hour is actual flight, and concludes with a buffet â??Champagneâ? style breakfast as a picnic in the farmerâ??s field where the balloon lands. A non-flying ground fare is offered for those who do not wish to fly in the balloon with Aoraki Balloon Safaris.