Sunrise Balloons Queenstown (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sunrise Balloons Queenstown?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Children 4–12 fly at discounted fare, can safely help pack the balloon and receive juice and muffins, yet the cold predawn start, one-hour standing, and lack of toilets or seats may tire younger kids.
Positives:
- Convenient Transport: Door-to-door hotel pick-up and drop-off included for families.
- Complimentary Photos and Video: Receive a free photo and video pack of your flight to share.
- Hands-On for Kids: Interactive crew tasks make the experience fun for ages 4 and up.
- Early Celebration: Fresh pastries and drinks keep kids happy post-flight.
Challenges:
- Early Start: Pick-up can be as early as 5 AM; prepare kids for an early wake-up.
- Weather-Dependent: Flights may cancel or reschedule if wind or fog arises.
- Age Restriction: Children under 4 years old are not permitted to fly.
What is Sunrise Balloons Queenstown?
- A Queenstown-based commercial hot air balloon operator conducting early-morning flights over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps
- Operates a fleet of balloons that ascend to around 6,000 feet, offering panoramic views of regional mountain and lake landscapes
- Provides full-service balloon operations, including crew-led inflation, professional piloting and ground transfers to launch and landing sites
What is so special about Sunrise Balloons Queenstown for with kids?
- Pre-dawn balloon flight unveils Queenstown’s lakes, peaks and LOTR sites
- Kids get hands-on roles inflating and packing the balloon
- Hotel transfers and included breakfast streamline the early start
- Complimentary photos, pastries and drinks delight both kids and adults
Recommended visit duration: 0.5-1 hour
Why 0.5-1 hour visit duration is ideal for with kids: Balloon flight lasts about one hour, plus setup and landing celebration fits in under an hour.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sunrise Balloons Queenstown
Dawn Balloon Flight:
Float above Queenstown at 6,000 feet to see the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, Southern Alps and Hobbit filming sites.
Tip: Book early to secure family seats; arrive warmed up to board quickly.
Kid-Friendly Crew Tasks:
Children help crew unfurl, inflate and pack the balloon under supervision.
Tip: Brief kids on simple tasks before launch to boost excitement.
Spot Lord of the Rings Sites:
Identify filming locations like Dimrill Dale and the Argonath pillars from the basket.
Tip: Download a map of LOTR sites beforehand for a guided spotting game.
Post-Flight Celebration:
Enjoy complimentary pastries, juice for kids and champagne for adults in the landing field.
Tip: Hold snacks until after landing to keep kids energized during flight.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sunrise Balloons Queenstown
- Book in Advance: Reserve family seats at least two days before to guarantee availability.
- Layer Up: Wear warm, wind-proof layers that you can shed as the sun rises.
- Charge Devices: Fully charge cameras or phones before pickup for uninterrupted photos.
- Use Shuttle Service: Take the free bus from central Queenstown to skip parking hassles.
Reviews of Sunrise Balloons Queenstown
xiaoxin
We went there early in the morning according to the map, but it was just a road, not the exact location where the hot air balloons took off.
Liam X
The hot air balloon ride was scenic and well-organized. However, I was disappointed by the behavior of the lead staff member — a middle-aged local man from New Zealand who appeared to be in charge of the entire experience. Before the flight, he warmly greeted all the white guests right away. I’m Asian, and I wasn’t acknowledged until much later. Even then, I was the one who started the conversati...
Hannah Kwan
The wonderful hot air balloon experience requires teamwork for both the setup and packing up. Some may not enjoy this process, but we appreciate the experience of working together. Thank you to the professional team!
M P
Exceptional, well worth waking up early for. Genuinely don't sleep on this
Ch. gr
It was very cold in the early morning in Queenstown in August, but the hot air balloon activity depends on the weather and you have to be lucky to make it. You must make an appointment in advance to have a minibus pick-up. From the start of the operation to the landing, everyone cleaned up together and enjoyed champagne, hot drinks and bread together at the end. It was very participatory. The vide...
When is the best time to visit Sunrise Balloons Queenstown (Queenstown, New Zealand)?
Winter mornings can be very cold; dress in warm layers and waterproof shoes. Summer flights start before sunrise—bring a light jacket for early hours.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (x2) | NZD 495 |
| Child ticket (x2) | NZD 245 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 1,480 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Sunrise Balloons Queenstown
Address: 374 Speargrass Flat Road, Speargrass Flat 9371, New Zealand
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