Balloons visit Waipā to pause in 2026

Balloons visit Waipā will not take place in 2026 as part of the annual regional Balloons Over Waikato event.

The decision follows careful consideration of a number of factors including change of day, rising delivery and operational costs, and the high level of weather dependency associated with balloon events, which carries financial and delivery risk.

Group manager customer and community services Sally Sheedy said Waipā District Council valued its long-standing relationship with the Balloons Over Waikato Trust organisers and would continue discussions about potential future opportunities for the event to be held in Waipā.

“Balloons visit Waipā has been a popular and well-supported event in previous years, despite some challenges with weather and Council acknowledges the enjoyment and value it has brought to the Waipā community,” she said.

“It was not a decision taken lightly and we are thankful to organisers for their understanding.”