Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides
Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides
Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides
5
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Escape to a world of peace and tranquillity. 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. There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating across an ever changing landscape. Come fly with us!
Darfield, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
672 reviews
Excellent
657
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Dee H
1 contribution
Jul 2020
Tranquil flight, spectacular views from snow-capped southern Alps to stunning countryside beneath. This team are 100% professional and skilled in ballooning safety measures on the ground and in the air – was happy to send my 10 year old daughter up in their care. We purchased the winter special tickets for 2 grandparents and 2 grand kids to celebrate Pop’s 80th birthday. All passengers totally pleased and recommending the experience for anyone looking for an exciting, memorable morning – good enough for any special occasion. Worth the early morning and straightforward 40 min drive from Christchurch. Definitely advise you to wear warm clothing and sensible footwear for the winter experience – that way you will be toasty enough to relax and enjoy the ride. Overall, our family reckons that you won’t regret flying with these guys.
Written 10 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was great to see grandchildren flying with there grandparents. What an excellent gift and experience for both young and old. Yes an easy commute from Christchurch and very easy to find. Next time you need to come and enjoy the views across the Canterbury Plains.
Written 14 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Taylor W
1 contribution
Mar 2020
5,000 feet in the air, watching the sunrise while you hear about the local farms and land is the best way to see the South Island near Christchurch. Great owner and operators who really know how to make the experience the best it can be. Expert pilots. When we landed my wife said "We're doing a hot air ballon ride in every country we visit!"
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
O no you have caught the balloon bug. So glad you loved our balloon experience and hope you are able to travel in the near future to enjoy the balloon experience in other countries. Who know we may see you back soon.
Written 14 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Izzie S
London, England, United Kingdom29 contributions
Jan 2020
Bought this trip for my parents for their 30th wedding anniversary. They absolutely loved it - Michael was extremely professional and made them feel very safe whilst also getting everyone involved. He kindly let me go along to wave them off as they drifted up in to the sky which was so beautiful to watch.
Would recommend this to anyone looking for a treat, beautiful way to see the country!
Would recommend this to anyone looking for a treat, beautiful way to see the country!
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad your parents enjoyed the Balloon flight. Our gift vouchers have proved to be very popular and do make for great gifts or thank you presents in which you have 12 months in which to redeem. May you can come next time.
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cliff
5 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
My wife and I went for an awesome balloon flight today, 14 March 2021, for our 30th wedding anniversary. Michael, was terrific, a very competent, experienced pilot with a number of years in this field. He was very informative, especially in regards to the Darfield/ Selwyn areas which we flew over. Michaels ground crew, Regan, was great, supportive and an added benefit to this business. All his gear is in top notch condition, and from when you first step into the basket, until the time you leave, once the flight is completed, you feel safe and secure in his abilities to take on any situation, should it arise. My wife and I, without reservations, highly reccomend to anyone to support this business, and fly with Ballooning Canterbury. FYI...My wife has(had) a fear of heights, but with Michaels expertise, her fears were allayed, and she really enjoyed every minute, from the preflight safety instructions to the Champaign, fruit, muffins and orange juice to celebrate the end of the flight, after everyone had participated in packing the balloon, the basket, and all associated gear away back onto the trailer. We will return in the future with our daughter to experience this awesome business and enjoy what we did today.
Thank you Michael, Regan and Ballooning Canterbury.
Cliff and Debbie
Thank you Michael, Regan and Ballooning Canterbury.
Cliff and Debbie
Written 13 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krr
2 contributions
Dec 2020
Must-do when visiting Cantebury. Professional balloonist, passionate about his home patch while sharing history about the area as we glided over hedgerows and fields enjoying the sunrise, early mist and mountain views. Joining in to unload and roll -up the balloon all part of the fun.
Written 14 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave
Marrakech, Morocco1 contribution
Feb 2020
What can I say, a fantastic experience provided by a thoroughly professional crew. Micheál and his crew did not disappoint, clear and concise instructions. Experienced a beautiful sunrise. Flight lasted about an hour, very much a hands on experience from pre flight setup to wrap up. Champagne and fruit a nice touch. Very suitable for all ages.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz
2 contributions
Sept 2022
Had a lovely flight, a great way to celebrate our anniversary. Micheal's patter was brilliant and gave you a lot of background information as you were gently drifting across the plains. If you're scared of heights I would still recommend it, the basket makes you feel super safe and there is no sensation of leaving the ground to destabilize you. Well worth a try
Written 26 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl
7 contributions
Jul 2020
What an excellent way to start the day with an early morning flight to capture the sunrise. Gently gliding over the farms below watching the activity as the herds of people head into the city to work. An amazing experience that everyone should try. Mike was fantastic and knowledgeable on the area, he certainly knew what he was doing and he directed the balloon up and down to get to various areas then a gentle landing to finish.
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Carl for your review. It's not just a ride in a balloon but an opportunity for us to show you how we can navigate our balloons around the sky while telling you the storey of the countryside passing below.
Written 3 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
allanschch
Christchurch, New Zealand11 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Ballooning was wonderful, not at all scary. An imperceptible take-off and Landing - on our nephews farm at Greendale.
Now that I have done it I realise how quintessential an experience it is for every Cantabrian!
a beautiful display of geography, physics and the history of flight. Despite the frosty start it was not cold aloft, with heat from the burner and you are always drifting with the wind, so there is by definition no windchill.
You observe all the dynamics of altitude and wind speed and see the whole province’s formative geography from mountains to sea, the towns and farmers awakening - as well as a wonderful sunrise.
Recommended. The best company is Ballooningcanterbury with Michael Oakley, world champion glider and balloonist.
Now that I have done it I realise how quintessential an experience it is for every Cantabrian!
a beautiful display of geography, physics and the history of flight. Despite the frosty start it was not cold aloft, with heat from the burner and you are always drifting with the wind, so there is by definition no windchill.
You observe all the dynamics of altitude and wind speed and see the whole province’s formative geography from mountains to sea, the towns and farmers awakening - as well as a wonderful sunrise.
Recommended. The best company is Ballooningcanterbury with Michael Oakley, world champion glider and balloonist.
Written 30 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Destination193916
2 contributions
Feb 2020
This highly professional company led by Michael and his son Nick, provided us with a spectacular experience with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the plains. The crew is friendly and makes everyone comfortable - even the 91 year old aboard our flight! As a bonus, guests are invited to help with set up and dismantling of the balloon which makes you feel a true part of the adventure. The trip ended with a lovely breakfast of fruit, muffins, juice and champagne. I would say this adventure was exciting yet peaceful and far exceeded my expectations. Three cheers for Ballooning Canterbury!
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to write a review. We love what we do and so glad you enjoyed the whole experience.
Written 14 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, I would like to book a room shown on your website before the balloon ride. How can I book that? We are planning to take the balloon rider on the 12th of March.
Thank you!
Written 11 December 2023
I have a family of 4 adult and will like to try the hot air balloon on either 15 or16 DEC. pls let me know the cost and what is the time to be at location and how long is the whole duration.
Written 27 November 2017
Hi
$395 Adults
$320 Child 12 under
1 hour flight
Champagne light snack after flight
Photos are free
allow 4-5 hrs
Written 10 December 2017
If I am scheduled to depart Christchurch in the late morning, will I still have sufficient time to schedule hot air ballooning that morning during winter?
Written 17 February 2017
Depending on what time of year it is. In April you are back in Christchurch by 10:00 am.
Written 2 April 2017
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