If you can feel the excitement in the air, it's because only four days remain until Tokoroa hosts Balloons Visit South Waikato!
The much-loved community event is being hosted by South Waikato District Council in collaboration with the Balloons Over Waikato Trust and we have put together a handy event guide for you below.
What: Balloons visit South Waikato
When: Tuesday, 24 March 2026 | 5.30pm to 10.00pm
Where: War Memorial Sports Grounds, Tokoroa
Entry is free and open to all, so bring the whānau, bring the friends and neighbours and join the party!
What to expect
Visitors will get 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 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.
- A walk-through balloon experience, where attendees can step inside a cold-air-filled balloon (on a gold-coin donations basis).
- Live entertainment on stage throughout the evening, including kapa haka by tamariki from Tainui Full Primary School, and a group performance by South Waikato Filipino Society.
- There will be a basket burn to choreographed music between 7:15pm and 7:30pm.
- Food trucks offering a range of food and drinks will be open from 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
Will there be parking?
Yes, LOTS of it! (see map below). So bring the kids, your friends, neighbours and everyone you can!
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Parking map
