New Zealand
Pilot registration

The Balloons Over Waikato Trust looks forward to extending a warm welcome to balloonists from New Zealand to participate in the next Balloons Over Waikato Festival for 2026.
Pilots will need to be in Hamilton from Friday 20 March until Thursday 26 March 2026.

The home base for the event will be the fabulous inner city location of Innes Common at Hamilton Lake.

We have a supportive air traffic control team, excellent landowner relations and a welcoming, friendly local population. Flight paths take you over the picturesque Waikato River and lush farmland. An exciting programme of events is planned and a comprehensive hospitality package will be provided for all balloon team members.

The 2025 event programme included:

  • Pilot welcome and dinner
  • The Hamilton City Council Opening Fiesta
  • The Grassroots Trust Lift Off
  • Balloonist dinner and fun night
  • WEL Energy Trust Muffins in the Morning
  • First Credit Union Fun Friday
  • The Base Basket Burn
  • Balloons visit the Regions
  • Radius Care Cash Grab
  • The ZURU Nightglow

 

2026's Pilot Registration Form