NASA has scheduled a super pressure balloon launch attempt from Wānaka Airport tomorrow [Thursday, 17 April 2025 NZ time], subject to suitable conditions.
This is the sixth super-pressure balloon campaign held in New Zealand since 2015; two balloons were successfully launched from Wānaka during NASA’s last visit in 2023. This year, NASA is planning two test flights.
NASA will begin flight preparations in the early-morning hours and will continue to evaluate real-time and forecast weather conditions for both surface and low-level winds throughout the morning. If weather is favourable for launch, lift-off is scheduled between 9.00am and 1.00pm local time.
Restricted entry and road closures
Wānaka Airport will be closed to the public and to aircraft, and roadside parking beside the airport is not permitted on the morning of the launch attempt.
SH6 Wanaka-Luggate Highway from Mt Barker to Church Road and SH8A Shortcut Road may be closed for the launch. Light vehicles may detour via Camp Hill Road. Heavy vehicles will detour via Cemetery Road. A message board will be installed on SH84 notifying of motorists of the closure status.
Viewing points
Immediately after lift-off, the balloon will be visible for kilometres around – the best viewing points will be on the hill on the Hāwea side of the Red Bridge by Kane Road or on the Hāwea Flat side of the Clutha River.
Updates on the balloon launch
- A live feed of the launch will available here.
- For launch updates, follow Wānaka Airport's Facebook page.
- Track the progress of the flight, with a map showing the balloon’s real-time location, here.
- Campaign updates will be available on NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility blog here.
- For more information on NASA’s 2025 New Zealand Super Pressure Balloon Campaign, click here.
