New Zealand Tour

1. 1-hour scenic hot air balloon flight
2. Champagne-styled buffet breakfast
3. A personalized flight certificate for every passenger, signed by their Pilot-in-Command
4. An in-flight photo of the flight available for purchase as a keepsake
5. Pick ups from Christchurch central city accommodation on request

Departures

Booking Confirmation:

• Confirmation E-Voucher will be sent within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability
• E-Voucher contains operator details, times and local contact telephone numbers
• This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of travel

The Guinness Book of Records have acknowledged that "The oldest known person in the world to fly in a Hot Air Balloon" at 102, was flown by this supplier.

Having met at dawn, you will be driven in 4-wheel drive vehicles to a suitable launch site chosen by one of our very experienced New Zealand licensed pilots.

Following a detailed flight briefing, you will then be invited to assist the pilot and crew to prepare the balloon for flight. Once aboard the wicker basket your magical flight begins. The launch is so gentle you will hardly realise you have left the ground. The peace and gentleness of ballooning will surprise you and Methven flight views are unsurpassable. As you drift along with the breeze, the scenery slowly changes until, after approximately an hour in the air, it is time to land.

The Methven location allows the balloons to be flown to higher altitudes for a portion of the flight without any restrictions. Excellent fine day views of the entire 300km panorama of Canterbury Plains including pristine views of Mt Cook (Aoraki) and National Park mountains. Marvellous views abound of the Rakaia River, one of the world’s finest braided river systems.

The successful completion of the flight is celebrated with a champagne-styled buffet breakfast, as a picnic in the field, generally served by a suitably attired waiter with a silver tray. You will also receive a flight certificate. What a way to end a fantastic adventure!

Generally allow between four & five hours for the complete experience, from time of meeting, for most flights. Flights are generally flown around day-break when air conditions are usually clear, calm, cool and stable.

Pick ups are provided, but if you drive yourself to Methven (the pickup point), your return to Chrsitchruch you can take the scenic route via the Rakaia Gorge.

• Minimum child age is 7 years, and maximum is 16 years. Children must be a minimum of 43 inches (1.1m) to the shoulder, and be completely responsible for themselves.
• Times are approximate only and may change with sunrise and sunset times - allow four to five hours for the whole experience
• Confirmation will be given to the passengers THE EVENING PRIOR
• It is warm in the balloon so you should dress as if you were going for a walk outside in the city. We suggest that you wear walking boots or similar, and not high heels. Practical outdoor footwear for frosty or damp conditions under foot is ideal. Bring a hat or cap and sunglasses
• We fly over the Canterbury Plains for approximately one hour. You should allow up to five hours from when we meet you until we return you to the same point
• Many people who are afraid of heights come on our balloon flights. The feeling of flying in a balloon is very gentle and different from looking off a high bridge or building, or climbing a ladder. You should have no problem, however if you are really concerned please advise your pilot and he will take special care of you
• Ballooning is a soft “adventure” so it does not require a high level of fitness. You should be able to stand unaided and climb into the basket. If you have a serious medical condition or perhaps have recently had a hip replacement we advise you to check with your doctor for your own peace of mind
• Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off service from inner city hotels. Pick-up and drop-off details must be advised at the time of booking.