Send this page to a friend

Do you have a good, loyal, hard working employee that you

might like to reward with a Hot Air Balloon flight?

Aoraki Balloon Safaris has been operating since 1992, with its main base at Methven (by Mt Hutt) on the Central Canterbury Plains which is considered New Zealand's finest ballooning location. Aoraki Balloon Safaris is recognized as a principle leader in the New Zealand tourism industry for innovation and very good record in Hot Air Ballooning adventures. Photos of Aoraki Balloon Safaris' operation adorn the walls of the New Zealand Tourism Board offices and Parliament buildings in Wellington as an icon of New Zealand Tourism. They can also be found in many publications around the world.

Aoraki Balloon Safaris has six balloons of which five are AEROSTAR International balloons. One is a small sporting balloon used for pilot training and pilot hire, the Aerostar Aurora S-49A a 54k (54,000 cub ft) 2 passenger balloon. The main passenger balloons are ZK-SKY, an Aero 245 x 12-14 passenger balloon, and ZK-MET, an Aero 211 x 10 passenger balloon. Two Aero 175 x 8 passenger balloons are also available when needed. These balloons are constructed at the Aerostar Factory in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. We chose and obtained the Aerostar make of balloon as they are easily the most popular make of balloon in the USA. They are well made and constructed to strict FAA standards, which have similar compliances with CAA in New Zealand.

Our Pilots

 
BRUCE R LEONARD: Chief Pilot of Aoraki Balloon Safaris -- Methven

>>> Click here to find out more about Bruce.

GEORGE CURRIE: Crew Chief for Aoraki Balloon Safaris

>>> Click here to find out more about George.

Other Interesting Facts

 
The oldest known person to have ever flown in a hot air balloon was flown by Aoraki Balloon Safaris - Methven, NZ. On 25th September 1996, Florence Laine, at 102 years 3 months, made her very special flight. This feat has been recognised by the Guinness Book Of Records, which issued her with a Guinness World Record Certificate in a new category opened for this venture.

Aoraki Balloon Safaris flies members of the New Zealand Army Band playing Christmas carols over a selected Canterbury town, the week before Christmas each year. To have Christmas music come down from the sky is a very moving and unique event to witness.

 METHVEN on the Central Canterbury Plains of NZ South Island

(94kms, 1hr 5mins SW from central Christchurch city).

Do you have a good, loyal, hard working employee that you

might like to reward with a Hot Air Balloon flight?

Box 75, Methven 8353, South Island, New Zealand Telephone: +64 3 302 8172 Mobile: +64 27 433 4861 Fax: +64 3 302 8162 Freephone: 0800 CLOUDS (256 837 - NZ only) E-Mail: aoraki@nzballooning.com Special Local United Kingdom Tel: 0871 871 3362 ( Local call to NZ from UK )