The ZURU Nightglow

Free ticketed event

Get ready for an unforgettable Waikato night

The ZURU Nightglow is one of New Zealand’s biggest free community events and one of the most anticipated annual spectacles in the country. Families from across the region gather to experience the glowing hot air balloons, live entertainment, and the iconic Nightglow finale that lights up the Hamilton sky.

While entry is free, everyone aged 1 year and over must hold their own valid ticket to enter the event.

Join us for a truly memorable experience at one of New Zealand’s most loved outdoor events.

Date and Time

Date: Saturday 21 March 2026

Gates open: 4pm
Gates close: 8pm
Glow Show: 8pm

Location

Location: University of Waikato

Parking and Shuttles

Details coming soon

Teams Attending

A huge thank you to our incredible pilots and their dedicated crews who volunteer their time to create the magic of the ZURU Nightglow. 

A special shout out to Darryn Redshaw, our Nightglow Choreographer, whose creativity and expertise shape the stunning show you all look forward to every year.

We’re proud to welcome an outstanding lineup of teams for the 2026 ZURU Nightglow.

Ask Away!

Frequently Asked Questions

Terms and conditions and Conditions of Entry

Directions of Event Staff: You must follow the reasonable directions of Event staff as required and comply with the law at all times during the Event.

Conditions of Entry
To ensure that all attendees have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we ask patrons to respect the event facilities and help contribute to a fantastic event for all our patrons. To achieve this, we require all attendees to meet the following conditions of entry. Please note, conditions are subject to change without notice.

For the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all patrons, Balloons Over Waikato Management reserve the right to remove or refuse entry to any patrons whom:

  • Are deemed to be intoxicated and / or disorderly.
  • Refuses to have a bag/ person search conducted.
  • Are carrying items which are deemed to have the potential to cause injury or public nuisance.
  • Have been issued a trespass notice that still applied.
  • Participates in dangerous activities or antisocial activities.
  • Behave in a disorderly or offensive manner, or a manner contrary to public order.
  • Attempt to bring a prohibited item into the venue.
  • Breach any part of the terms of the Venue Regulations and Conditions of Entry.
  • Commit any act deemed a crime in New Zealand Law.
  • Display anti-social or threatening behaviour to other event attendees or staff.
  • Have gang patches or gang paraphernalia on display.
  • Attempt to misrepresent themselves as a member of staff or security or attempt to enter restricted areas.
  • Are under the influence of or have on their person illicit drugs or illegal substances.
  • Participate in dangerous activities such as aggressive or antisocial behaviour.

All patrons entering the venue do so at their own risk:

  • For safety reasons, footwear is to be worn at all times.
  • There shall be no unsolicited selling of merchandise, advertising, or promotional giveaways.
  • This is an all-ages event with two un-restricted areas serving alcohol. The VIP Area located in The Barn and the Pilot and Crew catering area located in Hall B. Any access to these areas will be with proper accreditation only and alcohol consumption will be served and monitored by a licenced duty manager.
  • All other areas are not licensed and will NOT have alcohol.
  • Failure to comply with a direction from Event Staff, Security or the NZ Police may render the patron liable to arrest and prosecution for the offence of trespass under Section 4 of the Trespass Act 1980, as amended, which is punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months in terms of section 11 (a) of the Trespass Act 1980, as amended.

No Animals: animals are not permitted at the Event Site. Service animals are permitted.

No Passouts: Pass outs will not be issued for the event, any exemption to this will be at the discretion of the Security Supervisor or Balloons Over Waikato Event Management.

Evictions
Only the Venue Event Manager, Head of Security or Police have the authority to approve the eviction of a person from the venue. For more serious offences NZ Police may be notified. Where a patron is evicted, they will not be able to re-enter the venue. Evictions will occur through the nearest exit to facilitate swift egress.

Event Management take no responsibility for any damage to, loss or theft of a patron’s personal property while at the event.

We reserve the right to revise our terms and conditions, or any part of it, as required.

Can I enter without a ticket?

No.

While the ZURU Nightglow is a free event, everyone aged 1 year and over must have their own valid ticket to enter. Please make sure you secure your ticket in advance from our official ticketing partner.

I accidentally mistyped my email when securing tickets, what do I do?

Can I leave the Nightglow then come back?

No.

Pass outs will be issued for the event.

How late can I arrive?

Last entry will be at 8pm because that is when the Glow starts.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Pets are not permitted at the ZURU Nightglow. However, registered service animals are welcome.

Can I bring my own food?

You can bring home made (non-commercial) snacks, food or picnic items.

Will there be strobe or flashing lights at the event?

Yes, strobe and flashing lights will be used during the Glow Show as part of the event experience.

Join the Fun!

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