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In Pictures: Balloons Over Waikato lights up the skies

Sunday, 22 March 2026

Balloons Over Waikato took off from Innes Common, Hamilton Lake on Saturday morning for their first flights.
Balloons Over Waikato took off from Innes Common, Hamilton Lake on Saturday morning for their first flights.

Stunning weather arrived for the opening day of Balloons Over Waikato and it went off with a bang, namely, an epic fireworks display lighting up the skies at Waikato University.

Waikato Times visual journalist Christel Yardley was there to capture the people and the spectacle yet the week-long hot air balloon festival has plenty more to offer.

Based at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake, balloons will be lifting off each morning. They will also head to Tokoroa’s War Memorial Sports Ground on Tuesday evening from 5.30pm.

A triptych at the university.
A triptych at the university.
LuLu the Leopard pilot Will Randell, with hat, and an unidentified passenger.
LuLu the Leopard pilot Will Randell, with hat, and an unidentified passenger.
Balloons Over Waikato crew member Lyndal Mathews.
Balloons Over Waikato crew member Lyndal Mathews.
Balloons Over Waikato took off from Innes Common, Hamilton Lake on Saturday morning for their first flights.
Balloons Over Waikato took off from Innes Common, Hamilton Lake on Saturday morning for their first flights.
Having a look at Prickly Pete were, from left, Reina Manding, Almond Gamil with Rayo Gamil, Michael Tina with Feye Tina, and Geo Agad with Xavi Agad.
Having a look at Prickly Pete were, from left, Reina Manding, Almond Gamil with Rayo Gamil, Michael Tina with Feye Tina, and Geo Agad with Xavi Agad.
Thousands came to witness the Zuru Nightglow event as part of Balloons Over Waikato on Saturday.
Thousands came to witness the Zuru Nightglow event as part of Balloons Over Waikato on Saturday.
From left, Lakarna Walker, Andre Walker and Elijah Walker take a look at the inside of a balloon.
From left, Lakarna Walker, Andre Walker and Elijah Walker take a look at the inside of a balloon.
A balloon walk-through was held to raise money for the Special Olympics.
A balloon walk-through was held to raise money for the Special Olympics.
More action from Zuru Nightglow.
More action from Zuru Nightglow.
The Zuru Nightglow event is always spectacular, and was held at the University of Waikato on Saturday evening.
The Zuru Nightglow event is always spectacular, and was held at the University of Waikato on Saturday evening.
Crowds had already gathered at Innes Common for a 7am start.
Crowds had already gathered at Innes Common for a 7am start.
Hamish Herdman with Matlida Herdman (shoulders), and Becs Glenn with Frankie Herdman, right.
Hamish Herdman with Matlida Herdman (shoulders), and Becs Glenn with Frankie Herdman, right.
LuLu the Leopard, flown by Will Randell was a hit with youngsters.
LuLu the Leopard, flown by Will Randell was a hit with youngsters.

Check out all the Balloons Over Waikato events here.