The Nelson Tasman region has its own hot air balloon.

Especially commissioned for the Lift Off Abel Tasman Festival, the new Abel Tasman Balloon will be officially blessed at the first day of the Lift Off Abel Tasman festival over Labour Weekend 2018, at Motueka Airport.

The balloon has been specially made in Europe and features a stunning photography graphic of the Abel Tasman that wraps around the entire balloon.

The balloon was set up and tested ahead of the Lift Off Abel Tasman Festival (see Notes to Editors for video and imagery available)

Lift Off Abel Tasman organiser Carsten Buschkuehle, a keen balloonist, said: “We are delighted to announce that the Nelson Tasman region now has its own hot air balloon. Visitors to the Lift Off Abel Tasman Festival will be able to see it in action as part of the two hot air balloon night glows, one of 10 balloons that will be creating a spectacular display. The Abel Tasman balloon is a stunning new asset to promote our region. Showcasing what the region has to offer is a key driver behind setting up the Lift Off Abel Tasman Festival.”

Lift Off Abel Tasman is the brainchild of local tourism operators. The Abel Tasman Balloon sponsors are Nelson Airport, Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve and AbelTasman.com.

Balloons are arriving from all over New Zealand to take part in the night glows– from as far afield as Hamilton. The two night glows will take place at Motueka Airport (Saturday 20th October), and Kaiteriteri Beach (Sunday 21st October) - a world first hot air balloon night glow on the beach.

The balloon night glows will be choregraphed to music, with each balloonist operating their burners to create a stunning choreography of flames to wow spectators. The Festival will also feature skydiving, live entertainment, food and beverage, VIP sunset cruises to Adele Island and more.

In the days leading up to the festival and over Labour Weekend, locals should keep an eye out at sunrise and for two hours before sunset for balloons in the sky in the Motueka Valley, as the assembled balloonists make private flights. There will be no balloon flights available at Lift Off Abel Tasman – the balloons will be tethered for the night glows only.

After Lift Off, the Abel Tasman Balloon will travel the country to other balloon festivals to promote the Nelson Tasman region, including the Balloons Over Waikato event held in March and the Wairarapa Balloon Festival held over Easter Weekend.

Balloon facts: The Abel Tasman Balloon

· 3,000 cubic metres in volume

· 25m high

· Can take up to 6 people

· Made in Europe

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