Balloons visit South Waikato returns to Tokoroa again in March 2026

The colour and excitement of hot air ballooning is returning to South Waikato, with Tokoroa confirmed as a host location for Balloons Visit South Waikato on Tuesday 24 March 2026.

South Waikato District Council, in collaboration with the Balloons Over Waikato Trust, is once again hosting the much-loved community event, following its return to Tokoroa in 2025 after a seven-year hiatus.

The free evening event will be held at the War Memorial Sports Grounds, running from 5.30pm to 10.00pm, and will give locals and visitors the chance to experience hot air balloons up close, alongside live entertainment, food and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Event highlights include:

• A colourful hot air balloon display on the ground
• A walk-through balloon experience, where attendees can step inside a cold-air-filled balloon
• Live entertainment on stage throughout the evening
• Food trucks offering a range of food and drinks

South Waikato Mayor Gary Petley said the event is one the community is looking forward to following the strong turnout last year.

“This is an event people really get behind,” Mayor Petley said.

“It’s great for Tokoroa, great for local businesses, and it’s a fun night out for families and visitors.

“While weather meant the balloons couldn’t take part as planned last year, the huge crowd that still turned out showed just how much interest there is from the community.”

The Tokoroa event forms part of the wider Balloons Over Waikato festival, which returns from Saturday 21 March, with a reshaped and extended eight-day programme across the Waikato region.

Steve Gow, Chair of the Balloons Over Waikato Trust, says South Waikato is a natural partner for the festival.

“After returning to Tokoroa in 2025, it’s an easy decision to continue our partnership with South Waikato District Council for 2026. The district’s strong sense of community, open spaces and support for Balloons Over Waikato make it a fantastic place to share the magic of hot air ballooning. We’re proud to keep working alongside the South Waikato community to create moments that bring people together.”

Gow says the refreshed festival programme gives people more chances to be involved across the entire Waikato region.

“By reshaping the programme and adding more activities, we’re giving people more opportunities to be part of the experience.”

Balloons Visit South Waikato is an interactive event for all ages, bringing friends, families and visitors together for an evening of colour, connection and community.