Methven: Hot Air Balloon Flight & Canterbury Plains Views

Hot air balloon ride over Canterbury Plains from Methven with mountain & ocean views

You’ll meet your local guide in Methven before heading out for a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Canterbury Plains. Watch as mountains appear on one side and the Pacific glimmers on the other. After drifting above fields and foothills, celebrate your landing with a glass of sparkling wine right in the grass—leaving you with that quietly awed feeling for days after.

What’s included

• Your day starts with meeting your guide in central Methven before riding out to Mount Hutt’s foothills in a 4x4 chase vehicle.
• After helping inflate the balloon (if you want), you’ll soar above Canterbury Plains with panoramic views west to mountains and east to ocean.
• Following landing, enjoy sparkling wine or juice right in the field before being driven back to Methven—and photos will be shared online or by request afterward.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight from Methven

• Meet in Methven center
• Travel to launch site by 4X4
• Safety briefing and balloon inflation
• Take off and climb for views
• Enjoy panoramic views and photos
• Descend to lower altitude
• Land and have celebration drink
• Return to Methven by chase vehicle

The Experience

Li, our pilot, shook my hand in the center of Methven — he had that easy Kiwi warmth, you know? I was still yawning (way too early for me), but the others were already chatting about where they’d come from. We piled into this slightly battered 4x4 and bumped out toward the foothills of Mount Hutt. The grass was still wet and cold under my shoes when we got out, and the smell of sheep drifted over from somewhere nearby. Li handed me a rope to help with the balloon, which I definitely did wrong at first (he grinned and fixed it). Watching the balloon fill up felt almost unreal — all that color against the pale morning sky.

When we finally lifted off, there was this hush — not total silence because you could hear cows far below and the occasional whoosh from the burner. But mostly it was just… stillness. The Canterbury Plains stretched out like a patchwork quilt beneath us, golds and greens fading into blue haze toward the Pacific. Li pointed west and named every snowy peak he could see; I only remembered Mount Hutt and maybe Mount Sunday (I think that’s where they filmed Lord of the Rings stuff?). He said on clear days you can see as far as Mt Cook or even Mt Aspiring. My hands were cold gripping the basket edge but I couldn’t let go — it’s hard to explain, but you feel both tiny and huge at once up there.

We drifted lower for a while — close enough to spot a farmer waving up at us. Someone in our group shouted “kia ora!” down to him; he waved back with both arms. After landing (a bit bumpier than I expected, but nothing wild), we all kind of laughed in relief. Li popped open some sparkling wine right there in a field — grass sticking to my boots, sun finally warming my face. He told us photos would be online later if we wanted them. Honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Top questions

How high do hot air balloons fly from Methven?

The balloons can reach altitudes up to 9,500 feet above the Canterbury Plains during flights from Methven.

Where does the hot air balloon launch near Methven?

The launch site is chosen based on wind direction each day near Mount Hutt’s foothills, about 20 minutes from central Methven.

Is pickup included for Methven hot air balloon flights?

You’ll meet in central Methven; transportation to and from the launch/landing sites is included via chase vehicle.

Are drinks or snacks provided after landing?

After landing, you’ll enjoy a celebratory glass of sparkling wine or fruit juice in the field before returning to Methven.

Can I get photos from my hot air balloon ride?

In-flight photos are taken by camera attached to the balloon; these are posted online or available by request after your flight.

What should I wear for a hot air balloon ride in Canterbury?

Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes—the grass can be wet and mornings are often chilly near Mount Hutt.

How long does a typical flight last?

The whole experience takes several hours including setup, flight time varies but usually allows plenty of time for panoramic views.