1/2 Day Hot Air Ballooning Premier Plains

Tour Itinerary

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.

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!

Pick ups are provided, but we recomend driving yourself to Methven (the pickup point) so that on your return to Chrsitchruch you can take the scenic route via the Rakaia Gorge.

Inclusions:

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

Schedule & Duration:

• Frequency: Daily all year round, weather permitting!
• Departure Point: Methven Travel on the Main St of Methven or pick ups from Christchurch central city accommodation
• Departure Time: Approximately 5:00am in the Spring and Summer. Approximately 7:00am in Winter. All flight times are subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.
• Duration: 4-5 hours approximately
• Return Details: Concludes at original point of departure
• Closed: Christmas Day

Important Information:

• This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of travel
• Confirmation for this product will be received within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated
• Complete operator information, including opening times and local contact telephone numbers are included on your e-voucher

General Information:

• 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

Enhance Your Visit To New Zealand:

If you are interested in one of our independent coach tours, escorted coach tours or self drive tours and have day or two up your sleeve, why not add this trip to your visit? Simply let us know when you enquire about your other tour and we will include this trip in our quote.

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