Up, up and away over Rotorua

Site manager Stephen Bradshaw clings to the Orbserver's balloon, which takes $100,000 of helium to fill. Photo / NZME

Tourists will soon be soaring high over Rotorua on the Orbserver - a helium balloon which can carry up to 20 passengers 150m above the tourist mecca.

The purpose-built 20m diameter balloon and tough Kevlar gondola have been given the green light for use in New Zealand.

The Orbserver can carry its payload up and down as many as six times an hour.
Thomas Kaminski from Kiwi Riders has been trying to introduce the Orbserver to New Zealand for years but it was classified as an aircraft and didn't meet strict aviation regulations.

"I have petitioned the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and have had it re-classified as a recreational device," Kaminski said.

"For it to be aircraft we would have to launch it in Rotorua and land it in Taupo and that could never happen because it is tethered to the ground."

Kaminski said the balloon would take off into the Rotorua sky every 10-20 minutes with 20 people standing harnessed in the circular gondola.

"It gives a pretty exciting ride and spectacular views," Kaminski said.

Those wanting an extra thrill can try the Orbster - where riders are harnessed and hang outside the gondola from the Orbserver's suspension ropes.

Kaminski compares the Orbserver to a giant helium filled party balloon but made to tough safety standards - and much more expensive to fill.

It takes $100,000 worth of helium to fill the giant balloon and then it is topped up as needed.

Kaminski said the Orbserver was safe for all ages and fitness levels and helium was ideal because it was lighter than air and was neither flammable nor explosive.

"Internal lighting will make the bright yellow balloon and its red gondola a highly visible and spectacular sight for many miles, especially at night time," he said.

For more information visit: www.krl.co.nz