Balloons Over Waikato 2012

March 28 - April 1, 2012

Balloons Over Waikato is an annual event in the Waikato involving a large number of hot air balloons.  It was neat to see, especially all the special shaped balloons (such as the kangaroos).  Some of the highlights of the event include the Night Glow, where the balloons are inflated and lit to music.

Most of the event takes place in Innes Commons, around Lake Hamilton.  Stuff.co.nz has a good video of the first day of the event, where the balloons are inflating and then lifting off.  http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/6655960/All-go-in-the-Tron

Day 2 - before daylight lift off (which we missed), and some free breakfast (or brekkie, as they say here).  On the menu - cereal, yogurt, milk - supplied by Sanitarium.

Day 4 - The Night Glow is held at the University of Waikato.  I must say, I found it pretty neat.  My favs were when they played the Haka, Waltzing Matilda, and the set of fireworks that explodes twice

They do a pretty good job of organizing the event.  There are even free shuttle buses that take you to the Night Glow from various parts of the city, to help alleviate the traffic generated by the event.

VIDEO here - fun parts include Night Glow that starts at 1:50, Haka played at 2:00,  Waltzing Matilda 3:43 (side note - this was choreographed by an Australian.  Waltzing Matilda is an unofficial anthem of Oz).  All concluded by a fireworks show.  My fav fireworks are the ones at 5:59...and the finale of course.  The video does its autofocus thing, so there are many blurry moments.  Much much better in person of course =).

Iwi the Kiwi, Polly the Kangaroo (with babies in pouch) and Tom the Kangaroo were the special shaped balloons (pictures to come).