It's day 8 of the South Island Road trip, and time for a bit of a new adventure.
An early start with a weather check at 5.30 am to see if the hot air balloon flight was happening.
It was a 6.15 am pick up and we needed to check out of the motel room, be all packed and ready to go.
The drive to the launch pad took about 20 minutes, as the bus picked up other passengers along the way.
Launch pad is 15 minutes drive from Queenstown. That's Milbrook Golf Course in the background.
Surprisingly it didn't take long for the balloon to inflate.
Two passengers volunteered to assist with the inflating of the balloon, and they had to hold the opening of the balloon, to let the hot air in.
We were all called over to get in. 
The basket was a snug fit for all of us.
There wasn't much breeze, and we settled in amongst the trees next to the golf course.
Take off, looking towards Arrowtown. We drifted over several golf courses, Millbrook, Michael Hills, and Russell Coutts. Seems everyone has their own private golf course.
Once the breeze started, the pilot gave the balloon a decent amount of hot air, and up we rose.
Millbrook golf course.
Looking down at the airfield of our departure.
Looking towards Cardrona, Wanaka, and Cromwell. Went up to 2,000m, (6000ft) initially.
Coronet Peak and Arrowtown
Kawarau River, Lake Wakatipu, Walter Peak, Queenstown.
Kawarau River, Lake Wakatipu, Walter Peak, and the Remarkables Mountain Range
Lake Hayes and Coronet Peak in background.
Looking down Gibbston Valley, and the Kawerau Gorge
Kawerau River and autumn trees, Gibbston Valley
Gibbston Valley, Arrow River, Kawerau gorge
One last look back at Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Silently we descended, and the pilot looked for a paddock for the balloon to land in.
The deer seemed disinterested in the balloon cruising past.
And then we were on the ground. Passengers are encouraged to assist the crew to deflate the balloon, and also to help pack it way after the flight.
This was fun, we had to hold and roll the balloon with our feet into the centre.
Once all the air was squashed out, we carried the balloon to the bag next to the trailer, and stuffed it in.
The basket was light and easy to lift into the van, the balloon bag took a bit of shuffling.
Urchins really enjoyed the experience. They talked about it for the rest of the day, how unreal it felt, so different to being in an aeroplane. Silent, still, and incredible vistas.
All the fresh air had given the urchins a big appetite for second breakfast. Along with the usual suspects of sausage rolls, and bacon & egg pie, the urchins tried the Tropézienne from the boulangerie. A soft bun filled with a light custard cream, with toasted almonds. Delicious.
An early start with a weather check at 5.30 am to see if the hot air balloon flight was happening.
It was a 6.15 am pick up and we needed to check out of the motel room, be all packed and ready to go.
The drive to the launch pad took about 20 minutes, as the bus picked up other passengers along the way.
Launch pad is 15 minutes drive from Queenstown. That's Milbrook Golf Course in the background.
The balloon and basket were laid out, waiting.
The sun had come up, and there was plenty of cloud around. Very chilly and glad we were wearing warm anoraks, beanies, and gloves.
Looking towards Mt Aspring National Park. Went higher to 7000ft (2,100 m).
The fence seemed really close, and the ground came up fast.
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