Balloons over Waikato 2025: Nightglow tickets to be distributed via ballot system

The next Zuru Nightglow will take place on Saturday, March 22 at Claudelands Oval, Hamilton.

It’s all go for the Balloons over Waikato festival next month, with the organisers making changes to the Zuru Nightglow.

Lightning Events said the festival’s grand finale will still be a ticketed event, but a new ballot system would be introduced to ensure fairer access to the free tickets.

Unlike previous years, the ballot would not be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Instead, people are asked to pre-register via the event’s website between February 4 and 24, with ticket recipients being drawn and notified on three separate dates.

Balloons over Waikato Trust chairman Steve Gow said the trust had seen a rise in “ticket scalping” over the years.

“[This] often leaves families and genuine fans missing out or paying inflated prices to attend this free event. By introducing this ballot system, we’re ensuring everyone has an equal chance to enjoy Hamilton’s most spectacular night out.”

The ballot opens tomorrow, February 4, at 2pm and closes at midday on February 24.

Successful applicants will be notified via email on one of the ballot draw days on February 26, March 5 and March 19.

A ticket redemption period will apply. Tickets will be issued per person rather than categorised as child or adult. Each transaction will be capped at six tickets, and babies under 12 months will not require a ticket.

Each ticket will be linked to a unique barcode, ensuring tickets cannot be resold or exploited by scalpers. All unsuccessful applicants will be added to a waitlist.

The Nightglow will take place on Saturday, March 22 at Claudelands Oval, Hamilton.

The much-loved event, which typically draws over 30,000 attendees on the night, will include live entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors and, of course, the balloon-centric light and sound display and fireworks.

For event schedules and more information, visit the Balloons over Waikato website or follow us on Facebook for live updates.