Wairarapa balloon festival to equal previous best

Thirty hot-air balloons will take part in the seventh Wairarapa International Balloon Fiesta from Wednesday.

The line-up of conventional and unusual balloons for the five-day festival equals the previous highest total at the event.

The fiesta includes nine events from the popular Telecom Night Glow at Masterton's Solway Showgrounds to the Splash 'n Dash at Henley Lake.

Last year's Night Glow, which attracted more than 15,000 spectators, features tethered balloons lighting up the night sky in a dazzling display set to music with a fireworks finale.

Special shaped balloons include a buzzy bee, a coffee mug and twin balloons that hold hands and kiss .

- NZPA