The award-winning Balloons Over Waikato festival is returning to neighbouring South Waikato this Thursday, offering Taupō residents a chance to experience the spectacle close to home.
The free event will take place on Thursday, March 20th, from 5:30-9:30pm at the Tokoroa Memorial Sports Ground, featuring carnival rides, food trucks, live music, and the festival's signature hot air balloons.
For Taupō residents, particularly those in the northwestern areas of the district, this represents a rare opportunity to enjoy the magic of the balloon festival with just a short drive, rather than travelling all the way to Hamilton where the main festival is held.
Balloons Over Waikato, run by a non-profit trust since 1999, has become a major fixture on the Waikato events calendar, having been voted Best Waikato Event six times and named Best Established Community Event in New Zealand at the 2015 NZAEP Awards.
The main festival typically draws over 100,000 spectators across its five-day programme in Hamilton, with daily morning balloon ascents and the spectacular ZURU Nightglow event.
This special South Waikato edition offers Taupō locals a convenient mid-week evening outing to experience the unique spectacle of hot air ballooning without the longer journey to Hamilton.
No tickets are required for the event, making it an accessible option for families looking for school holiday entertainment or anyone interested in seeing these magnificent balloons up close.
