Ever wondered what it’s like to float quietly above the Canterbury Plains, with the Southern Alps in the distance and the world waking up below you?

Ballooning Canterbury, based in Hororata, makes that dream a reality—offering unforgettable hot air balloon flights right in the heart of Selwyn.

A Family Business with Big Skies

Ballooning Canterbury is run by the Oakley family—Michael, Kate, their son Nicholas, and his wife Sarah. Michael is a highly experienced pilot who has represented New Zealand in ballooning competitions around the world. Nicholas took his first solo flight at just 12 years old and is now a skilled pilot in his own right. It’s truly a family affair. Kate handles bookings and logistics, while Sarah runs social media and shares the magic behind the scenes.

The Flight Experience

Flights take off at sunrise when the air is calm and the views are stunning. Passengers can get involved in setting up the balloon and then float peacefully over farmland, rivers, and foothills with views stretching from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean.

After about an hour in the air, flights end with a traditional toast—champagne or juice—plus fresh muffins and seasonal fruit. The whole experience takes about 4–5 hours and is filled with peaceful moments, laughter, and a sense of wonder.

Ballooning Canterbury: Illuminating the Hororata Glow Festival​

Ballooning Canterbury works closely with the Hororata Community Trust to help create this colourful and unforgettable festival. As the sky darkens, the balloons light up in time with music, filling the night with colour, warmth, and a sense of wonder. It’s a moment that brings smiles to faces young and old.

Get Up Close

Want to get up close to a hot air balloon? Ballooning Canterbury offers fun, interactive experiences during the festival, where people can learn about hot air ballooning. You can:

• Walk inside a cold-inflated balloon (subject to weather)

• Get a close look at the balloon baskets

• Chat with the pilots and crew

Your chance to fly

While the hot air balloons don't fly at the Hororata Glow Festival, there are plenty of chances for you to take to the skies!

In the days leading up to the Glow Festival, you can book a flight with Ballooning Canterbury and see the skies filled with multiple balloons as other pilots arrive for the event. It’s a rare and magical chance to fly alongside a colourful bunch of balloons —something you don’t get to see very often in Canterbury!

At the festival, you can buy a flight voucher at a special festival-only price—a deal that’s only offered once every two years. It’s the perfect gift or treat for yourself, and a great way to make the magic of the Glow Festival last even longer.

For more information or to book your flight, visit ballooningcanterbury.com.