• Get up early to see all the action! The balloons must fly early in the day (from 7.15am) or from 5.00pm when the winds are light and the sun is not too hot.
• Balloons take about 15–30 minutes to inflate, depending on their size. This is great to watch. The festival's opening morning is a great chance to watch this up close when the balloons all launch from the same place. Please stand well clear of the balloons when they are launching.
• On a good day balloons will be in the air for approximately 1 hour. This can be longer or shorter depending on the weather conditions.
• Ballooning is totally weather dependent and events may be delayed or cancelled if the conditions are unsafe for flying or inflation.
• Check the home page on www.nzballoons.co.nz for updates on event status from 6.30am daily.  Plus follow us on Facebook
• If you live on a farm or have a large open space on your property mark a large X on the ground (toilet paper works well!) to encourage the balloon pilot to land there.
• Don't forget your camera and lots of film!

SAFETY TIPS

• If a balloon is launching or landing near you stand well clear and not in front of where the balloon is heading.
• Please do not smoke near the balloons. Highly flammable propane gas is used in their inflation process.
• If you are driving while balloons are overhead, please watch the road, not the balloons or pull over and stop in a safe place.
• Dogs can be frightened by the balloons and the noise of the gas burners. If the balloons are overhead keep your dog inside the house, garage or its kennel with adequate ventilation.