Methven

Ballooning

Aoraki Balloon Safaris. On a clear morning you might catch a glimpse of a rainbow-striped balloon floating high above Methven—chances are it's Aoraki Balloon Safaris. From their balloons, you get an incredible view of the patchwork pattern of farm paddocks, the braided systems of the Rakaia and Ashburton rivers, and a full 300-km (190-mi) panorama of the Canterbury Plains and Aoraki/Mt. Cook, the "Cloud Piercer". On landing, you'll be served a buffet breakfast. Flights start at daybreak, and you'll be pitching in to help with the launch. The actual time in the air is about one hour, but the whole experience takes at least four hours, starting at daybreak. Rates for Premier flights (which include breakfast in a meadow after landing) are $385 per adult. 03/302-8172; 0800/256-837 (NZ only). aorakinzballooning.com. www.nzballooning.com.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Ballooning
• Hiking

• Jet-Boating
• Skiing