Hot-air balloon ready to soar

Daredevil balloonist Rick Walczak will make his flight from White Island to Whakatane some time between February 20 and February 28 - dictated by the weather.

Last year Mr Walczak, in his "An egg a day is now OK" balloon, became the first hot air man to fly over Mt Taranaki and only a sudden wind change stopped him from going over Mt Cook.

Mr Walczak, the New Zealand hot-air balloon record-holder, is using an egg-shaped balloon for the flight to Whakatane, then he will be soaring in a big coffee mug.

The Nescafe Classic balloon, built in Bristol, was the first balloon to be launched anywhere this millennium. Mr Walczak will take it to Whakatane next month.

- NZPA