"It feels good - it shows my flying has obviously improved.
"I can be confident in my competence."
During the competition, pilots take part in various tasks to test their ability in steering a balloon to a pre-determined location, using navigational skills to follow coordinates.
Tasks include the "Hare and Hound Challenge", where pilots will follow one balloon - "the hare" - and attempt to land nearest to the hare in a particular area.
Mr King also competed in the "Hesitation Waltz" event around Greytown, where pilots attempt to drop a marker close to one of several targets in various locations.
He said the competitions can be difficult - particularly battling against the different wind currents to arrive in the desired location.
"People watching think we're just drifting around up there - but it does take skill," he said.
"For example, when you see a target, you have to drop in altitude suddenly from very high to very low.
"Plus, the hare balloons like to zig zag around a bit, so it can be tricky trying to follow them.
"It is a sport - pilots compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars overseas."
Mr King received his trophy at an awards ceremony at the Wairarapa Services and Citizens Club. Hamilton Pilot Michael Toulson was second and Wellington's Scott Cursons third.
The ceremony also included the presentation of "Lead Balloon" awards for pilots' errors - with Mr King scooping one for dragging a passenger through a blackberry bush.
Mr King, who flies a two-person balloon called "Flagship", says he always enjoys the "community feel" of the festival.
"It's great fun - kids especially love it."
