Rise & Shine!
Morning flight info
We are so excited to welcome back our Special Shaped Hot Air Balloons this year … we have 2 gorgeous Shapes joining us from the USA Tico the Sloth and Tiger as well as beautiful balloons from around Australia and New Zealand!
The balloons will be flying each morning of the event from Innes Common. This is a wonderful opportunity to get up close to the balloons and watch the teams in action as they prepare the balloons for flight. There is nothing more majestic than watching the balloons leave the ground and soar across the City.
14 – 18 March at Innes Common
Check out our 2023 morning schedule ..we hope to see you there!
Tuesday 14 March
The Hamilton City Council Opening Fiesta From 7.00am approx. Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Don’t miss the first chance to see the balloons take to the sky!
Wednesday 15 March
The Grassroots Trust Lift Off From 7.00am approx. Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Celebrate Day Two of our Festival with prizes & spectacular balloons.
Thursday 16 March
WEL Energy Trust Muffins in the Morning From 7.00am approx. Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Bring the family and enjoy a complimentary morning muffin & fruit for the first hungry earlybirds.
Friday 17 March
First Credit Union Fun Friday From 7.00am approx. Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Share in the fun with First Credit Union’s morning of games, prizes & balloon lift offs.
Saturday 18 March
Radius Care Cash Grab From 7.00am approx. Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Be amazed by the skills of our pilots as they attempt to win $1,000 cash from the top of a pole.
Cost?
Admission is FREE!
Road Closure
As per previous years for spectator safety we will be closing the road through Innes Common to vehicles between 5.30am and 10.30am each morning of the Festival (unless flights and other activities are cancelled due to poor weather). This closure incorporates Lake Domain Drive from just after the Innes Common entrance to the Killarney Road intersection. You will need to use an alternative route on these mornings if this is the one you normally use.
Parking
Free parking is available at Innes Common. Entry is via the Allison Street end of Lake Crescent. There is no vehicle access permitted on either field other than balloon vehicles.