Balloon Fiesta Flying High over Martinborough

Balloon pilots are thrilled to be flying over Martinborough once again as part of this year’s Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta. For the first time since 2008, the balloons will add a kaleidoscope of colour in the skies over Martinborough. Flying over the vineyards and landscape of our area is a highlight keenly asked for by fiesta participants.

After 12 months of planning and refining, the fiesta is set to lift off on March 13. The event’s organisers have injected a new feel into the four day event, bringing back the name Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta, adding new competitive elements for pilots to test their skills, returning to fly over Martinborough, and offering aviation displays at the showcase event, the Night Glow.

The star attraction is the ‘Patriot’, a replica space shuttle making its first ever appearance down under – and it is a balloon to command attention. Towering at nearly 54m (8m taller than New York landmark the Statue of Liberty), and with a wingspan of 35m, ‘Patriot’ weighs in at a scale-tipping 449 kilograms. It’s 40 per cent larger than a real space orbiter; you could park one of the now retired shuttles inside the envelope.

Wairarapa Balloon Society chairman Jonathan Hooker said the event wouldn’t be what it was without the unwavering support of the balloonists and the support of sponsors. It is due to the support of the Martinborough Business Association and Pukemanu Tavern that the balloons have returned to Martinborough this year.

Lift off around Martinborough will be at 7am on Saturday 15 March, so spectators will need to be up early to watch the extraordinary sight of great brightly coloured globes rising up from vineyards and paddocks, then sailing gracefully over Martinborough. Launch locations will depend on the weather and winds, so be prepared for a balloon to pop up somewhere near you!

Come and support this great event, then wander off for breakfast or brunch in one of our cafes afterwards. It will be a unique and spectacular start to the day!
A full programme of events over the four days is available on www.nzballoons.co.nz.