It’s up, up and away for a slice of Abel Tasman scenery
It will soon be possible to see Abel Tasman National Park from a whole new perspective.
A hot air balloon featuring panoramic Abel Tasman landscapes has been made specially for the Lift Off Abel Tasman Festival, which will be taking place over Labour Weekend.
The new balloon, fresh from its manufacturers in Europe, will be among 10 from all over the country taking part in the inaugural festival’s night glow displays.
Festival organiser and balloon enthusiast Carsten Buschkuehle said the $100,000 hot air balloon was made in the Czech Republic, as there were no manufacturers in the southern hemisphere.
He said it was the first time he had seen a full digital print on a balloon envelope.
‘‘Normally, balloons are made of different colourful fabric. It’s very special to have a printed envelope. It’s such a complicated and expensive build.’’
The balloon will be blessed and have its maiden flight at the festival before heading to other balloon events around the country.
Buschkuehle said he hoped the Abel Tasman balloon would be invited to events outside New Zealand, due to the print being ‘‘special’’ with a ‘‘very nice design’’.
‘‘Our idea is to maybe represent the Nelson-Tasman area even internationally.’’
In the days leading up to the Lift Off Festival, locals will be able to look to the skies to see the majestic balloons in flight as they make their way to Tasman district from around the country.
Festival spokeswoman Liz Crawshaw said the balloons would mostly be in the Motueka Valley in the days before the event.
Ticket for the festival events are available from liftoff.co.nz.
‘‘It’s very special to have a printed envelope. It’s such a complicated and expensive build.’’
Lift Off Abel Tasman Festival organiser Carsten Buschkuehle