Aspen Manor Motel Hamilton

Lake Karapiro

by kiwigal_1

Lake Karapiro is located just off State Highway One between Cambridge and Hamilton. It is a man made lake formed when the Karapiro Dam was built on the Waikato River.

The Lake is best known for its world-class rowing course and is the venue for many water sport events such as yachting, powerboating and water skiing. It is also the location of the Special K Women's Triathlon event which is held in various locations around New Zealand.

Karapairo got its name from the Maori language. 'Kara' means stone and 'piro' means evil smelling. According to legend, Karapiro was the stronghold of the chief O-Te-Ihingarangi, and was where the Ngati Haua and their Tauranga allies made a defensive pact during the land wars of 1864.

Balloons Over Waikato 2003

by kiwi

April 2003 I ventured over to Hamilton before dawn to watch the hotair balloons launch in this years fiesta. I truly believe you must take opportunities in your region when they present themselves, so even though I'd been before on previous years, I was compelled to return to this one. I did not regret. It was a chance for me to try out my new digital camera and I was not disappointed.

"Touchdown on the Lake"

Practicing touchdown on the lake. Later in the week the balloons try to retrieve the keys to a car from a pole. Needless to say if they get the keys, they get the car!

"Reflections"

Spot the balloon!!

"Creme Egg"

Creme Egg balloon looks spendid on a nice blue sky day :-)
Flown by Chris Dewhurst, the team leader of the first expedition to successfully fly a balloon over Mt Everest.

"Special Shape Balloons"

Every year they manage to attract overseas pilots with their novelty balloons. Here is this year's array.

"Jaguar Car balloon"

This Jaguar Car balloon was from Scotland.

"Gizzmo"

Gargoyle "Gizzmo" is 2830 cubic metres of balloon. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.