Kiwi Rider Ltd is the sole importer and operator of the spectacular 20-passenger ‘ORBSERVER’ tethered Helium balloons in Australasia. Our ORBSERVER is tethered to the ground by a sophisticated cable and winch system and can safely carry up to 20 passengers to 150 meters (~500 feet) and down again. Rides generally take between 10 to 15 minutes and, depending which ride you choose, range from breathtaking to sensational. We call it ‘simply orbsome’.
Helium is a lighter-than-air gas that is neither flammable nor explosive and a high standard of safety is provided. Similar operations have been running successfully across the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe for decades.
Tethered helium balloons were initially classified as ‘aircraft’ in New Zealand, making their operation in the country virtually impossible. Kiwi Rider successfully petitioned the NZ Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of Transport to re-classify THBs as ‘Amusement Devices’ in 2014. The CAA formally re-classified THBs from ‘aircraft’ to ‘amusement device’ effective 3 October 2015. As a result, these great balloons are now subject to the ‘Amusement Device Regulations Act 1978’ and able to comply with all requirements to operate safely and legally in New Zealand.
Depending on location, Kiwi Rider can also provide 5-passenger and 40-passenger balloon systems, to a maximum height of 300 meters (~1000 feet). If you know of a great place for one of our ORBSERVER balloons, please let us know! We are always looking for new opportunities.