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The night glow at Balloons Over Waikato in 2010, balloons lit up together after dark; a file photo.
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Hamilton · New ZealandFestivals & traditions

2027.03.13 — 2027.03.19 · Coming soon

A week of balloons over Hamilton.

Balloons Over Waikato 2027

Balloons Over Waikato calls itself Aotearoa’s premier hot air ballooning festival, and it is one of the country’s largest free events. From 13 to 19 March 2027, local and international pilots fly skill-based competitions each morning at Innes Common by Hamilton Lake, filling the sky with colour. On the opening Saturday, 13 March, the ZURU Night Glow at the University of Waikato brings live performances, carnival rides, roaming performers and food trucks, ending with the balloons glowing together. Entry is free, but everyone aged one and over needs their own ticket; 2027 ticket details are still to come.

Find your reason to go
The night glow at Balloons Over Waikato in 2010, balloons lit up together after dark; a file photo. · Report image rights
GOWOAH / Hamilton
A REASON TO GO
Innes Common by Hamilton Lake and other sites2027.03.13 — 2027.03.19Festivals & traditionsFree admission
FIND YOUR REASON

What draws you to this experience?

01

Dawn flying contests

Each morning by Hamilton Lake, local and international pilots fly skill contests and fill the sky with balloons.

Festivals & traditions
02

The opening night glow

On 13 March the university hosts shows, rides and food trucks before the balloons glow together.

Festivals & traditions
03

Wave from your doorstep

As the organisers put it, you can simply pop outside in your pyjamas and wave as the balloons drift over.

Festivals & traditions
Programme, background & sources

Checked · 2026-10-17

A LITTLE CLOSER

A closer look.

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2010 · Taylor Connell · Photo source · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Preview cropped; enlarge for full image. · Report image rights

MAKE IT YOUR EXPERIENCE

Does this fit what you are looking for?

This could be for you if you are…

  • Families with children
  • Early risers

Before you decide

Launches depend on the weather and can be cancelled.

The Night Glow needs a ticket, and 2027 details are not out yet.

Opening-night parking must be bought ahead, with road closures nearby.

FIND YOUR PLACE

Explore the layout. Plan your route.

This edition’s site map is not out yet.

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FROM AN IDEA TO A PLAN

Make a plan that works for you.

01

Dates & times

2027.03.13 — 2027.03.19

Saturday 13 to Friday 19 March 2027 (New Zealand time), with launches each morning; ZURU Night Glow on 13 March, gates 4pm–8pm.

Pacific/Auckland
More programme details
  • Dawn flying contests
  • The opening night glow
  • Wave from your doorstep
02

Venue & travel

Innes Common by Hamilton Lake and other sites

Dawn launches are at Innes Common by Hamilton Lake; the Night Glow is at the University of Waikato, with official Park and Ride shuttles.

03

Entry & companions

The festival is free. The Night Glow is free too, but everyone aged one and over needs their own ticket; 2027 ticket details are still to come, and none are issued after noon on 12 March. Parking at the university must be bought ahead and does not include entry; there are also official paid Park and Ride shuttles, and road closures mean ride-share pick-ups are a walk away.

04

Tickets & access

Free (Night Glow needs a ticket)

Confirm accessibility services and companion policies with the organiser before travel.

Sources & image credits

Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.

Isderion · CC BY-SA 3.0 DE Image source

Balloons Over Waikato

The night glow at Balloons Over Waikato in 2010, balloons lit up together after dark; a file photo.

Information checked on 2026-10-17

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GOWOAH · 走哇！

There’s a live experience out there worth going for.

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