Balloons return to Waipā

Balloons over Waikato is bringing its incredibly popular event back to Waipā.

Balloons Visits Waipā returns to Mighty River Domain at Lake Karāpiro this month, six years after its first visit in 2018. Feature Balloons will include Tico the Sloth and Tiger, as well as the walk-thru experience. The event promises a fun, free night out for the whole family.

The event, supported with $5600 from Waipā District Council’s district promotions fund, will be held at the Domain on Friday 17 March from 5pm – 8pm. Locals are encouraged to go along with a picnic and enjoy the live band, food trucks and of course the balloons.

The theme for this year is “Welcome Back”, welcoming international balloonists, special shapes and inviting the public to enjoy the festival, following the previous year’s cancellation due to COVID-19.

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan said it’s fantastic the event has returned to the district.

“It’s an exciting free event to enjoy. Having these spectacular hot air balloons in our own backyard is really special and makes it so much more accessible for families to attend.”

Visit www.whatsonwaipa.co.nz for more information.

More Recent News

Man about the house

Even before his feet were under the desk, the new general manager at Cambridge Community House (CCH) was breaking the mould. Daniel Harrison was welcomed to CCH last Wednesday morning. He is the first male…

News in brief

Happy ever after True to their name, Happy Endings – six-year veterans of the annual Cambridge Bowling Club’s twilight competition have celebrated winning the event for the first time. A total of 32 teams took…

Growth, debt and choices

Waipā District Council continues to face significant financial pressure with growth‑driven infrastructure demand, rising costs and higher debt remaining central to decision‑making. Its annual report for the year ended 30 June 2025 records an operating…

Lap of honour for Lia’a

History was made on Saturday when Lia’i Edwards’ casket became the first to be taken around Leamington Domain on the back of a model train. The single-lap journey – one that carried Lia’i and several…