Balloons over Waikato Zuru Nightglow draws thousands back to campus

On March 21, thousands gathered for the Zuru Nightglow show, as part of the annual Balloons over Waikato festival in Hamilton. Photo / Malisha Kumar

The very first outing for an Auckland woman after five months battling cancer was the Zuru Nightglow show.

On Saturday evening, thousands gathered for the choreographed hot air balloon show, part of the annual Balloons over Waikato festival in Hamilton.

After three years at Claudelands Oval, Zuru Nightglow returned to the University of Waikato following “strong public feedback”.

Among the crowd was Pukekohe mother-of-two Tammie (who didn’t want to give her surname), who was attending the festival for the first time.

While the atmosphere around was cheerful, being physically able to attend was the biggest celebration for her.

“I’ve just finished five months of chemotherapy, so it was something just to get the kids out,” she told the Waikato Herald.

Zuru Nightglow 2026 was the first outing for Tammie and her family, after five months of chemotherapy. Photo / Malisha Kumar

Tammie had tried to get tickets last year but missed out.

“I’m in remission as of two weeks ago, [and] it’s our first outing since finishing up chemo.

“[I feel] really good about being here,” she said.

Her son was most excited about the “delicious food” and the planned fireworks to conclude the night.

Hamilton resident Ada (who didn’t want to give her surname) and her two daughters were also excited to be at the Nightglow, which they had previously only attended at Claudelands Oval.

She said her family enjoyed the extra space and believed the university was a “good spot” for the event.

From left to right: Hamilton residents Ada, Evelyn, and Emma. Photo / Malisha Kumar

Kathleen of Matamata (who didn’t want to give her surname) attended Nightglow after 20 years.

“I brought my son when it was at the lake in town the last time I came ... He’s 35 now.”

She said the event was now “a hell of a lot bigger” in her eyes.

“[It has] more things for people to do before the show.”

After such a long break, she was especially excited to see the hot air balloons glow in time with the music.

“There [are] so many different ones now.”

This year, the Zuru Nightglow, combining live music, dancing hot air balloons, and the SkyCity Hamilton fireworks, opened the event instead of closing it.

Light drizzle didn’t stop people from enjoying the night, with many arriving prepared with their picnic hampers, chairs, and blankets.

The Balloons over Waikato festival runs until March 28, with balloons lifting off into the sky daily at 7am from Hamilton Lake.

Malisha Kumar is a multimedia journalist based in Hamilton. She joined the Waikato Herald in 2023 after working for Radio 1XX in Whakatāne.