HINERANGI VAIMOSO
Treat yourself to the best way to view Hawke's Bay - drifting across our beautiful landscape by balloon.
The Hawke's Bay Wine Country Tourism Association launched its new hot air balloon on Thursday evening and there wasn't a drop of rain in sight.
The Association's former dreary-looking balloon has been
replaced with a bright, new state-of-the-art balloon complete with a spiky sun.
The 26-metre high balloon was made in Sydney at a cost $NZ45,000. Hawke's Bay Wine Country CEO Hugh Hamilton said tourists and locals alike would be able to travel on the balloon commercially and revel in panoramic Bay views.
"Hawke's Bay is just amazing on a clear crisp night and having a trademark ride like this shows people that we have a wonderful climate and scenery," Mr Hamilton said.
The launch was held at the aerodrome at Bridge Pa after heavy rain over the past week made the original launch site at Sileni Winery too muddy.
Early-morning balloon flights are expected to last about an hour, taking a maximum of six passengers for about $200 each.
Hawke's Bay Wine Country Association started marketing in 2000 and is now a recognised brand nationwide.
