Countdown on for Balloons Visit Waipā next week

The countdown is on for Balloons Visit Waipā, which heads to Te Awamutu next week.

Six hot air balloons will be on show for the free event to be held in Albert Park from 5pm - 8pm, Friday 19 March.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Keeping it Kiwi’ featuring New Zealand hot air balloons ‘Sweet Pea’, ‘The Shiner’, ‘PK Sound Egg’, ‘SkyCity Hamilton’ and ‘Abel Tasman’.

The ‘Walk Thru’ hot air balloon will also be on show, with an invitation for all to step inside the balloon in exchange for a gold coin donation to the KidsCan Charitable Trust.

The hot air balloons will start inflating at approximately 6pm, depending on the weather, providing a stunning spectacle for the community.

The Balloons Visit Waipā event, supported by Waipā District Council, also includes entertainment and food available for purchase.

Next week’s event will be Balloons Over Waikato’s first visit to Te Awamutu, with Cambridge hosting the event in previous years.

Council is encouraging attendees to use alternative transport modes such as buses, bikes or to come on foot to the venue to reduce anticipated traffic congestion.

Free parking is available at Castleton Park/Te Awamutu Marist Club on Park Road, a 10-minute walk from the event at Albert Park.

Council is also putting on a free bus service to transfer Cambridge residents to and from the event.

Two buses will make round trips between Lake Street (outside the Cambridge i-SITE) and Albert Park Drive, Te Awamutu at the following times:

Departing Cambridge i-SITE for Albert Park at 4.45pm, 5.45pm and 6.45pm. Departing Albert Park for Cambridge i-SITE at 6.15pm, 7.15pm and 8.15pm.

Residents are encouraged to arrive to the pickup point early as each bus is limited to 50 seats.

Visit www.whatsonwaipa.co.nz for more information about the event.